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
Tested by
Diana Andrews
Updated 01/31/21
Spiced Lime-Marinated Eye of Round Steaks

The Spruce / Julia Estrada
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Marinate: 30 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
421 Calories
15g Fat
6g Carbs
64g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
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.)

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.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium lime (juiced)
  • 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 (cut 1 inch thick)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for marinated eye of round steak

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

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

    combining lime juice, salt, garlic powder, cumin, pepper, and coriander

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

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

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

    The Spruce / 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.

    Place the steaks in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steaks

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

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

    heat an indoor grill

    The Spruce / 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.

    Cook the steaks on a hot grill

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

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

    Spiced Lime-Marinated Eye of Round Steaks, sliced and garnished with limes

    The Spruce / 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. This is a good thing when dieting, but 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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