Grilling eye of round can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and cooking times, you can achieve a deliciously tender and flavorful dish. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook eye of round on the grill, including the recommended cooking times, temperatures, and methods.
Understanding Eye of Round
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of eye of round. This cut of beef comes from the hindquarters of the cow, near the rump. It is a lean cut, which means it has less marbling (fat) than other cuts of beef. This leanness makes it prone to drying out if overcooked, so it’s crucial to cook it to the right temperature.
Choosing the Right Eye of Round
When selecting an eye of round, look for a cut that is at least 1-1.5 inches thick. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and tender. You can also opt for a cut that is labeled “top round” or “inside round,” as these are similar to eye of round.
Preparing Eye of Round for Grilling
Before grilling, it’s essential to prepare the eye of round properly. Here are a few steps to follow:
Trimming and Seasoning
Trim any excess fat from the eye of round, if necessary. Then, season the meat with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a dry rub or a marinade, depending on your preference.
Bringing the Meat to Room Temperature
Remove the eye of round from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling. This will help the meat cook more evenly.
Cooking Eye of Round on the Grill
Now that we’ve covered the preparation process, let’s move on to the cooking process. Here are the recommended cooking times and temperatures for grilling eye of round:
Cooking Times and Temperatures
The cooking time for eye of round will depend on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
| Thickness | Rare | Medium Rare | Medium | Medium Well | Well Done |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1 inch | 8-12 minutes | 10-14 minutes | 12-16 minutes | 14-18 minutes | 16-20 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 12-16 minutes | 14-18 minutes | 16-20 minutes | 18-22 minutes | 20-24 minutes |
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the eye of round reaches a safe internal temperature. The recommended internal temperatures are:
- Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium Rare: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium Well: 145-150°F (63-66°C)
- Well Done: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
Grilling Methods
There are two primary grilling methods for eye of round: direct heat and indirect heat.
- Direct Heat: This method involves placing the eye of round directly over the heat source. This method is best for thinner cuts of meat.
- Indirect Heat: This method involves placing the eye of round away from the heat source. This method is best for thicker cuts of meat.
Tips for Grilling Eye of Round
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when grilling eye of round:
Don’t Press Down on the Meat
Resist the temptation to press down on the meat with your spatula, as this can squeeze out juices and make the meat dry.
Let the Meat Rest
Once the eye of round is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure that the eye of round reaches a safe internal temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when grilling eye of round:
Overcooking
Overcooking is one of the most common mistakes when grilling eye of round. This can make the meat dry and tough.
Not Letting the Meat Rest
Not letting the meat rest can result in a less tender and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
Grilling eye of round can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and cooking times, you can achieve a deliciously tender and flavorful dish. Remember to choose the right cut of meat, prepare it properly, and cook it to the right temperature. With these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to grilling eye of round like a pro.
What is Eye of Round and why is it a popular choice for grilling?
Eye of Round is a lean cut of beef that comes from the hindquarters of the cow. It is a popular choice for grilling due to its tenderness and rich flavor. The Eye of Round is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making it an attractive option for those looking to grill a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
One of the reasons Eye of Round is well-suited for grilling is its compact shape, which allows it to cook evenly and quickly. Additionally, the lean nature of the meat means that it will not become overly greasy or fatty when cooked, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier grilling option.
How do I prepare the Eye of Round for grilling?
To prepare the Eye of Round for grilling, start by bringing the meat to room temperature. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough. Next, season the meat with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also marinate the meat in your favorite sauce or rub if desired.
Once the meat is seasoned, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the meat develop a nice crust when grilled. Finally, brush the grates with oil to prevent the meat from sticking and place the Eye of Round on the grill.
What is the ideal internal temperature for grilled Eye of Round?
The ideal internal temperature for grilled Eye of Round is between 130°F and 135°F for medium-rare, 140°F and 145°F for medium, and 150°F and 155°F for medium-well. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
It’s also important to note that the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise after it’s removed from the grill, a process known as carryover cooking. This means that the meat may reach a higher internal temperature than the desired temperature, so it’s best to remove it from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature that is 5°F lower than the desired temperature.
How long does it take to grill Eye of Round to perfection?
The grilling time for Eye of Round will depend on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, a 1-inch thick Eye of Round will take about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, 7-9 minutes per side for medium, and 9-11 minutes per side for medium-well.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the meat while it’s grilling and adjust the cooking time as needed. You can also use the finger test to check the doneness of the meat. To do this, press the meat with your finger; if it feels soft and squishy, it’s rare, if it feels firm and springy, it’s medium, and if it feels hard and doesn’t yield to pressure, it’s well-done.
Can I grill Eye of Round to well-done without making it tough?
While it’s possible to grill Eye of Round to well-done, it can be challenging to do so without making the meat tough. This is because the lean nature of the meat means that it can quickly become dry and tough when overcooked.
To grill Eye of Round to well-done without making it tough, it’s essential to cook it low and slow. This means grilling the meat over low heat for a longer period, rather than high heat for a shorter period. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the meat thin, which will help it cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.
How do I slice the grilled Eye of Round for serving?
To slice the grilled Eye of Round, start by letting the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after it’s removed from the grill. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, making it easier to slice.
Once the meat has rested, slice it against the grain using a sharp knife. Slicing against the grain means cutting the meat in the direction of the fibers, rather than across them. This will help the meat to be more tender and easier to chew. You can also slice the meat thinly, which will make it more palatable and easier to serve.
What are some popular ways to serve grilled Eye of Round?
Grilled Eye of Round can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular ways to serve grilled Eye of Round include slicing it thinly and serving it on a sandwich, slicing it thicker and serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, or slicing it into thin strips and serving it in a salad.
You can also serve grilled Eye of Round with a variety of sauces and toppings, such as horseradish sauce, chimichurri, or salsa. Additionally, you can serve it with a side of grilled or roasted potatoes, which will complement the rich flavor of the meat.