Spiced Lime-Marinated Eye of Round Steaks

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/11/22
Tested by
Diana Andrews
Diana Andrews
Tested by Diana Andrews
Diana has served as head recipe developer and editor for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Moveable Feast, food editor and test kitchen manager at Fine Cooking Magazine, and recipe developer and product tester at Food Network. 
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Spiced lime-marinated eye of round steaks on a dark platter with lime

The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Marinate: 30 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
378 Calories
11g Fat
4g Carbs
68g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 378
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 177mg 59%
Sodium 787mg 34%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 68g
Vitamin C 5mg 24%
Calcium 63mg 5%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 1012mg 22%
*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.)

With a hint of Cuban flavors, this grilled steak recipe brings together the brightness of lime with the earthiness of cumin and coriander. The meat called for is eye of round, which can be tough, but when marinated and grilled to medium-rare, the end result is tender and flavorful.

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 less tender than other cuts of beef. Marinating the meat for 30 minutes prior to cooking helps to break down the connective tissue; not overcooking the meat also is also key, so keeping to a doneness of medium-rare is ideal.

Serve the grilled steaks with grilled potatoes, french fries, potato salad, or rice pilaf. Grilled asparagus or sweet corn also would also go well with this cookout-friendly food. Or simply slice the meat and serve it in a fresh green salad.

1:08

Click Play to See This Lime-Marinated Eye of Round Steak Come Together

"This quick meat marinade results in a tangy, spicy, succulent steak. The many cooking methods suggested to make it a meal that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Whether it's cooked on the grill, in the broiler, or on the stovetop, the results are tender and delicious." —Diana Andrews

Spiced lime-marinated eye of round steaks on a wire rack
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 2 (8-ounce) beef eye of round steaks, about 1-inch thick

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Spiced lime marinated eye of round steak ingredients gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

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

    Lime juice, salt, garlic powder, cumin, pepper, and coriander for marinade in small bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

  3. Use a fork to deeply prick the steaks all over on both sides.

    Eye of round steaks on cutting board pricked with fork all over on both sides

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

  4. Place the steaks in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure to coat them well. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning once.

    Eye of round steaks in a plastic bag with marinade

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

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

    Grill pan heated for cooking eye of round steaks

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

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

    Eye of round steaks cooking on a hot grill pan

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

  7. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes. Enjoy whole or sliced against the grain.

    Spiced-lime marinated eye of round steaks on a cutting board with limes

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Estrada

Tips

  • The acid in the lime juice helps break down the tough tissues in the meat, so make sure not to skimp on the citrus.
  • Although medium-rare (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 to prevent overcooking.

What Is Eye of Round Steak?

An eye of round steak is cut from an eye of round roast. It has a small amount of (if any) fat marbling, making it a lean piece of meat. Less fat means the meat is tougher and can easily become dry if overcooked. Because eye of round is a lesser-known cut, it is more affordable and a good choice when on a budget.

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