Spiced Lime-Marinated Eye of Round Steaks

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 10/19/19
Spicy lime marinated eye of round steak recipe

The Spruce Eats / Nita West
  • Total: 20 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Marinate: 30 mins
  • Yield: 2 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
421 Calories
15g Fat
6g Carbs
64g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 421
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 174mg 58%
Sodium 1283mg 56%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Protein 64g
Calcium 55mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe is a wonderfully flavored steak dish with a hint of Cuban flavors that is marinated in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before grilling, broiling, or pan-frying. It can be served with grilled potatoes or slice the meat and serve it in a fresh green salad.

Eye of round is a lean cut of beef from the hind leg of the animal that runs from the rump to the ankle. Because the leg meat has been toughened by exercise, it is full of connective tissue and is less tender than other cuts of beef. The round is divided into six sections in order of tenderness—the rump, top round, sirloin tip, bottom round, eye, and the heel.

As you can see from its placement in order of tenderness, the eye can be tough and chewy if not cooked low and slow by braising. But, in this case, marinating the meat for 30 minutes prior to cooking helps to break down the connective tissue for a tender end result. Not overcooking the meat also is key. Medium-rare is highly recommended when cooking eye of round steaks in this manner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 (8-ounce) beef eye of round steaks (cut 1-inch thick)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for marinated eye of round steak
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  2. Make the marinade by combining the lime juice, salt, garlic powder, cumin, pepper, and coriander.

    Stir marinade
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  3. Trim off visible fat from steaks. Use a fork to prick the steaks deeply all over and on both sides.

    Trim fat
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  4. Place trimmed steaks in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure to coat well and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning once.

    Place steak in bag
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  5. Heat an outdoor grill, indoor grill, broiler, or grill pan on the stovetop and remove steaks from the marinade.

    Heat grill
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  6. Place steaks on a hot grill or another surface that has been very lightly coated with cooking spray and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes or until done to your liking.

    Place on grill
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  7. Enjoy as a steak with your choice of sides or slice (after the meat has rested for 10 minutes) against the grain and serve with your favorite lettuce for a main-course salad.

    Spicy lime marinated eye of round steak
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

Tip

  • Although medium-rare or an internal temperature of 145 F before resting is best for tough cuts of meat, professional kitchens use a temperature of 120 F to 130 F before resting for medium-rare.

Make it a Meal

Serve the grilled steaks with grilled potatoes, French fries, potato salad, rice pilaf, or another starch. Grilled asparagus or sweet corn also would go well this cook-out friendly food. For dessert, a simple dish of fresh mixed berries or other fruit would be ideal.

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