What Is Top Round Beef Called In The UK? The Complete Guide

Are you a food lover who enjoys experimenting with different cuts of meat?

If so, you may have come across the term “top round beef” in recipes or at the butcher counter.

But if you’re in the UK, you might be wondering what this cut is called across the pond.

In this article, we’ll explore the various names for top round beef in the UK and other countries, as well as some tips on how to cook it.

So whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, read on to discover more about this versatile cut of meat.

What Is Top Round Beef Called In The UK?

In the UK, top round beef is commonly known as “beef silverside.” This cut is taken from the hind leg of the cow and is lean and tender compared to other cuts from the round.

It’s often used for roasting or braising and can be sliced thinly for sandwiches or served as a main dish.

If you’re looking for this cut at the butcher counter, be sure to ask for beef silverside to avoid any confusion.

What Is Top Round Beef?

Top round beef is a cut of meat that comes from the round primal of the cow, which is the rear leg. The round is divided into several cuts, including the top round, bottom round, and eye round. The top round steak specifically comes from the upper part of the round, which is the semimembranosus muscle. This muscle is part of the pelvic group of muscles that includes the inside round and bottom round.

The muscles in this area are used for movement, which means that the beef is leaner and less tender compared to other cuts. However, if cooked properly, top round beef can be very flavorful and tender. It has a mild taste and can be used for a variety of dishes, including roasts, steaks for marinating, or ground beef.

Top round beef is often confused with London broil, but this is actually a misnomer as London broil refers to the type of cooking rather than the cut of meat. To enjoy top round beef at its best, it’s recommended to cook it slowly at a low temperature and slice it thinly. This will help to enhance its tenderness and flavor.

Top Round Beef In The US

In the US, top round beef is a popular cut of meat that comes from the beef round primal cut. This large cut consists of well-exercised muscles from the leg and rump of the cow, making it leaner and less tender than other cuts.

However, the top round is considered the most tender of the four round cuts because the muscles are used least. It has a rich beef flavor and is versatile in cooking methods, including baking, stewing, and roasting.

Top round beef is also commonly known as inside round because it comes from the inside of the leg. It can be slow-roasted at a low temperature to enhance its tenderness and sliced thin for sandwiches or served as a main dish.

Other cuts from the beef round include bottom round roast, rump roast, eye of the round, and sirloin tip roast or tip sirloin roast. Each cut has its own unique qualities and cooking methods.

When shopping for top round beef in the US, look for it labeled as top round roast or butterball steak. It’s an economical and moderately tender cut that’s great for everyday cooking.

Top Round Beef In The UK

Top round beef, also known as inside round, is a popular cut of meat in the UK that comes from the hind leg of the cow. It is a lean and tender cut that is often used for roasting or braising.

In the UK, top round beef is commonly referred to as “beef silverside.” This name comes from the thin layer of silver skin that covers the meat. This cut is often sold as a boneless roast or as individual steaks.

When preparing top round beef, it’s important to remember that it can dry out easily due to its lack of fat and marbling. Slow-cooking methods such as roasting or braising are recommended to help tenderize the meat and maintain moisture.

Top round beef can be sliced thinly for sandwiches or served as a main dish. It is a versatile cut that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its flavor.

If you’re looking for top round beef in the UK, be sure to ask for beef silverside at your local butcher shop or grocery store.

Other Names For Top Round Beef Around The World

Top round beef is known by various names around the world. In the US, it is commonly referred to as “London broil” due to its lean and tough nature, making broiling the preferred cooking method. Another name for top round beef in the US is “family steak,” highlighting its versatility and affordability for use in many family meals.

In South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, the most sought-after cut of top round beef is called “rump cover,” which has a thick layer of accompanying fat and is considered one of the best and most flavorful beef cuts. In Brazil, this specific cut is also known as “picanha,” which is skewered on a sword and grilled over an open fire before being sliced thinly onto the diner’s plate.

In the UK, as mentioned earlier, top round beef is commonly called “beef silverside,” which is a lean and tender cut taken from the hind leg of the cow. This cut is often used for roasting or braising and can be sliced thinly for sandwiches or served as a main dish.

It’s important to note that these are just a few of the many names for top round beef around the world, and it’s always best to ask your local butcher for their specific terminology to avoid any confusion.

How To Cook Top Round Beef

Cooking top round beef requires a slow-cooking method to improve its tenderness. Here are three ways to cook top round beef:

1. Oven Roasting: Take the beef out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking, to bring it closer to room temperature. Make a spice rub by combining garlic, salt, and dried thyme in a bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over the beef and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and put the beef onto a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast the meat at 450 degrees for 15 minutes, then drop the temperature to 325 degrees. Check a two-pound roast at about 35 minutes at the lower temperature (50 minutes total time). Let the meat rest for ten minutes after it is within your target temperature range. Slice thinly to serve.

2. Broiling: For medium-rare (145 F), broil a 1 1/2-inch top round steak for about 26 to 28 minutes. For medium (160 F), broil for about 28 to 30 minutes. Racks are used in broiling so that the food can heat evenly on all sides. If you don’t have a broiler pan with a rack, you can achieve almost the same effect by flipping the steak halfway through cooking.

3. Braising: Braising is a slow-cooking method that involves cooking the beef in liquid over low heat for several hours until tender. Start by searing the beef in a hot pan with oil until browned on all sides. Then, add vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots along with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Pour in enough liquid like beef stock or red wine to cover the beef halfway and bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until tender, which can take anywhere from two to four hours depending on the size of the cut.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the meat rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Recipes To Try With Top Round Beef

If you’re looking for some delicious recipes to try with top round beef, here are a few options to consider:

1. Crock Pot Round Steak with Mushrooms: This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Simply cut the top round beef into serving-size pieces and cook with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a mushroom-soup and dry-onion-soup-based sauce. The low and slow cook will make the meat tender and flavorful, and you can serve it with mashed potatoes or mashed celery root for a delicious meal.

2. Bacon Beer Braised Top Round Roast: This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the beef, while the beer and vinegar give it a tangy kick that also tenderizes the beef roast as it cooks. It’s seasoned perfectly and is slow cooked in the oven or crock pot to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that will leave everyone at your table speechless.

3. Beef Silverside Roast: If you’re looking for a classic roast beef recipe, this one is perfect. Brown the top round beef on all sides in a hot pan with a little vegetable oil, until the meat is dark brown and you have lots of dark brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Add water, beef base or bouillon cubes, and dehydrated onions or sauteed fresh onions, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and roast in a preheated oven for about 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender. Slice it thinly for sandwiches or serve it as a main dish with gravy and your favorite sides.

No matter which recipe you choose, top round beef is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be used in many different dishes. Give it a try and see how it can elevate your meals!