The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (2024)

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (2)

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (3)

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (4)

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ByLuke Field

For the uninitiated, navigating the many different cuts of beef at a grocery store can be as complicated as finding the Ark of the Covenant. Most people are familiar with the various loin cuts found on steakhouse menus, but these often prove cost-prohibitive. Thisis because the muscle in that area does a lot less work than the weight-bearing sections like the round, resulting in a tender cut. However, round cuts can be just as delicious and tender if they are chosen and prepared properly.

The round of the cow is its tail end, comprising the strong back leg muscles. It comes in various cuts — top round, bottom round, and eye round — that have very little fat compared to the loins, which can make for a tough steak when cooked. The very top of the round, from the end of the loin to the tail, is called the rump, hence the name. While still technically part of the round, the rump does have more fat than the lower cuts.

Fat is a key part of a meat's flavor and tenderness; the more, the better. So, while both these cuts are classified as extra lean, the rump's relatively higher fat levels make for a slightly better-tasting cut.

A rump roast is perfect for braising and stewing

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (5)

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Even with a lower fat content, a rump roast can be incredible if cooked the right way. One of the added benefits of its larger muscle connective tissue is a high concentration of collagen. This protein is particularly strong, but it is soluble in water. When the rump roast is either braised or stewed, the moisture from these cooking methods breaks down the collagen, turning it into gelatin. This creates a flavor bomb in the meat while smoothing out the texture.

All beef experts know that time is the key factor to the best pot roast. Most recipes require a minimum of four hours of cooking time, as the collagen of the meat starts breaking down at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also common to use wine as a braising liquid, as it will impart its flavors into the meat, and its natural acidity will assist in the denaturation process, further breaking down proteins for a softer bite.

Thinly slice and marinate bottom round steak

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (6)

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Similar to a rump roast, a bottom round roast makes for a great pot roast and stands up well to other kinds of braising, such as in theItalian dish that combines steak with leftover pizza sauce, carne alla pizzaiola.However, it also responds well to marination. Allowing the meat to sit for an hour in wine, or a basic marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, and a variety of spices, softens up the muscle-heavy meat and ultimately cuts down on cooking time. If bottom round steaks are on the menu, the thinner the better. The longer the meat is exposed to heat, the more likely it will end up tough.

Speaking of thin, a bottom round roast also makes excellent deli-style roast beef, perfect for sandwiches. After the roast is seared and slow-cooked, place it in the refrigerator and let it cool for about an hour. Using an electric carving knife, slice the roast as thin as possible. Either served cold with horseradish on rye or warmed up with gravy on a hoagie roll, the results are going to be delicious.

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The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak (2024)

FAQs

The Flavorful Difference Between Rump Roast And Bottom Round Steak? ›

While still technically part of the round, the rump does have more fat than the lower cuts. Fat is a key part of a meat's flavor and tenderness; the more, the better. So, while both these cuts are classified as extra lean, the rump's relatively higher fat levels make for a slightly better-tasting cut.

Which is better, rump roast or bottom round? ›

Rump roast, not to confuse with bottom round, comes from the hindquarters. Chuck roast comes from a cow's shoulder portion. The hindquarters and shoulder area are both well-used parts of the cow, so these two cuts of meat are naturally pretty tough. Most people agree that roasted rump is the more tender of the two.

Is bottom round steak the same as rump steak? ›

Is There Another Name For Rump Steak? Rump steak is also known as round steak or bottom round. It's a lean cut of meat with very little fat, making it a healthier option than other steaks. The word “rump” is another term for “buttocks,” which is the hind part of the body where this cut of meat comes from.

Is rump roast flavorful? ›

Rump roast is an inexpensive cut of beef. Cooked the right way - low and slow - it melts into a very flavorful, tender roast. We've got all the steps outlined for you. Bonus: the leftovers make a delicious roast beef sandwich.

What is the most flavorful and tender beef roast? ›

The Chateaubriand beef tenderloin roast is heralded as one of the most tender beef roasts to enjoy. Find it below the backbone, an unexercised area of the cow that remains very tender and flavorful.

Does rump roast get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Rump roast is a lean and economical cut that is tasty yet tough. This cut typically takes a longer time to become tender (there are additional ways to tenderize tough meat, too). The best way to cook it is to braise it in the oven or to use a slow cooker.

What is bottom round steak best for? ›

Because bottom round steaks are lean and tough, they're best cooked with low and slow methods or with a good degree of tenderizing in advance. People tend to use bottom round steaks for: Pot roast. Chicken fried steak.

Can you make steaks from a bottom round roast? ›

These round cuts are from the rear legs, a part that remains tight and rigid as its role supports weight and balance. Commonly cut into about 1”-thick rectangular pieces, the steaks allow for a short and convenient cooking time.

Which is better rump or steak? ›

While both are from the hindquarters, beef rump comes from the round and is a leaner cut, while sirloin comes from the middle section of the cow and has more marbling, making it more tender and flavourful. On the whole, it's not uncommon for butchers to charge more for sirloin steak due to its tenderness and flavour.

What is the most flavourful roast? ›

The Rib-Eye Roast is the boneless center cut of the rib section. Very well-marbled, tender and flavorful, it is the most desirable and the most expensive of the roasts.

What is the point of the rump roast? ›

The point is cut from one end of the Silverside and is almost triangular shaped with a distinct point at one end. As with the Topside and Silverside the Point of Rump joint suits a long slow cook and should be well rested before carving.

Why is my rump roast tough? ›

First, your choice of a rump roast could be a factor since cuts from the hind quarter are very muscular and, since muscles are the most resistant to breaking, this cut is quite stubborn when it comes to becoming tender.

What is the best cut of beef for Sunday roast? ›

For roasts, the best cuts include rib (on the bone or boned and rolled), sirloin, top rump and fillet. For quick cooking, try fillet, entrecôte, rib eye, sirloin or rump steaks. Brisket, topside and silverside are good for pot roasts, and stewing and braising steak are good for stews and casseroles.

Which beef roast falls apart when cooked? ›

A perfectly cooked beef joint makes a wonderful centrepiece for a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. To cook it until it's so tender it falls apart, you'll need to choose a joint like chuck and blade or beef brisket and either braise, slow roast or slow cook it for at least a couple of hours.

What cut of beef has the best flavor? ›

The Ribeye is generally considered to be the most flavourful steak. These steaks are cut from the ribs and contain a lot of marbling throughout. The muscle from where the Ribeye is cut, isn't used often so the meat is very tender.

What is the best beef for a roast dinner? ›

For roasts, the best cuts include rib (on the bone or boned and rolled), sirloin, top rump and fillet. For quick cooking, try fillet, entrecôte, rib eye, sirloin or rump steaks. Brisket, topside and silverside are good for pot roasts, and stewing and braising steak are good for stews and casseroles.

Is bottom round roast tough or tender? ›

The bottom round is one of three cuts butchered from the round primal. It includes the rump and hind legs of the animal. This is a lean, relatively tough cut of meat and is best when cooked low and slow in preparations such as pot roast or jerky.

Which round roast is better? ›

The bottom round roast is a lean cut from the round primal. It's one of the best cuts for roast beef, especially when prepared low and slow for maximum tenderness and flavor. You can also use it in pot roast, but go ahead and add some additional fat—like bacon—to contrast its leanness.

Is a bottom round roast as good as a chuck roast? ›

Chuck pot roasts have more fat, and therefore more flavor, than those from the round. Beef round roasts suitable for pot roasting are round tip, round rump, bottom round and eye round roasts. Most beef round and chuck pot roasts can be used interchangeably, with only slight adjustments in cooking time.

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