American Wagyu Top Round Roast

Here’s how to cook a beef top round roast to make the most of its flavor and tenderness:

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lb beef top round roast
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil (or other cooking oil)
• Fresh garlic (optional)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) (optional)
• 1-2 cups of beef broth or water (optional, for roasting pan)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the roast: Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Rub the roast with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika). Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added as well.
3. Sear the roast (optional but recommended for extra flavor): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil and sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step creates a delicious crust.
4. Roast in the oven: Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. If you want to add some moisture during cooking, pour beef broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan (it should not touch the roast).
5. Cooking time: Roast for about 20-25 minutes per pound for medium-rare (about 130-135°F internal temperature), 25-30 minutes per pound for medium (140-145°F), and 30-35 minutes per pound for well-done (160°F and above).
6. Rest the roast: Once the roast reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the roast moist.

2. Slow Cooker Method (for Tender, Shreddable Meat)

This method works well if you want to make a tender, fall-apart roast.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 lb beef top round roast
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1-2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the roast: Rub the roast with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. You can also sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to develop flavor (optional).
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef broth (and soy sauce if using).
3. Cook the roast: Place the beef roast on top of the onions. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The meat should be very tender and easy to shred with a fork when it's done.
4. Rest and serve: Once done, allow the roast to rest for a few minutes. You can slice it or shred it depending on your preference.

3. Grilling (for Sliced Roast)

If you want to grill the top round roast, it’s best to cut it into smaller pieces, like steaks, because the whole roast can be tough. You can grill individual slices or cut the roast into manageable pieces.

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices.
3. Grill the roast for 10-12 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the slices and desired doneness.

Tips:

• Marinating: Marinating the top round roast in an acidic mixture (like vinegar or citrus) with oil, herbs, and spices for several hours or overnight can help tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
• Slicing: After roasting, slice the meat thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Serving ideas: Beef top round roast can be served as is, or it can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.