What is rump steak?

Rump steak is an absolute classic. It has a tasty, beefy flavour and firmer texture thanks to the myoglobin found in hardworking muscles. It’s a butcher’s favourite that’s often overlooked in favour of fillet but when you consider the cheaper price tag and high nutrient content, you really can’t go wrong with a rump steak.

Find out the best way to cook a rump steak in the Campbells Meat butcher’s guide to rump steak.

What is rump steak?

Rump steak is from the lower back of the cow. It’s typically sold as steaks or as a whole roasting joint. Rump is less expensive and perhaps a little less tender than fillet or sirloin steak.

Rump is a fantastic everyday steak that packs plenty of flavour without costing a small fortune. And bought from the butchers as a roasting joint, it’s ideal for a mouth-watering Sunday roast dinner.

How do you cook a rump steak?

As with fillet or sirloin steaks, due care and attention is needed when cooking rump steak, especially if you want to get the best results. The same formula applies; cook the rump steak in a frying pan over a high heat to your taste, whether that's rare, medium or well done.

After your meat has come up to room temperature, lightly brush the steak with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Put the frying pan on a high heat until smoking. Then, place the steak in the pan.

Cook on both sides for around 2 minutes for a succulent medium-rare texture, remembering to seal the sides. Once seared all over for 2 minutes on each side, remove the steak from the pan and place on a cutting board.

Rest for 3 minutes to allow the meat to relax and retain all the juices that came to the surface during cooking. Serve whole or slice for a beautiful looking plate of meat.

How long to cook a rump steak

Typically, the following is a great guide when it comes to the perfect rump steak that’s around 200 to 300 grams:

• Blue - 1 minute on each side
• Rare - 1 minute 30 seconds on each side
• Medium rare - 2 minutes on each side
• Medium - 3 minutes on each side
• Medium well done - 4 minutes on each side
• Well done - 5+ minutes on each side

What’s the best way to cook a rump steak - tips and tricks

Rump steak is pretty simple to cook. A high-temperature pan for the same time on both sides. But to make sure you get the best results, check out our rump steak top tips:

• Make sure you rest for long enough - the steak needs to reach room temperature
• Rest after cooking - don’t just tuck in, give the steak time to rest after cooking
• Dry the steak - pat dry before cooking for the perfect crust
• Season generously - add salt to both sides of your steak
• Get the pan hot - it should be smoking before you add your steak
• Use an oil with a high smoke point - sunflower, vegetable, and grapeseed oil are best
• Basting in garlic and butter, plus herbs like rosemary and thyme, will enhance the flavour

How to cook roast rump

Unlike most other roasting joints that benefit from slow cooking, a roast rump is best cooked quickly at a high temperature and should be served medium rare for optimal flavour. Sear the meat in a hot frying pan to seal it and add it to a baking tray. Season well with salt and pepper and add herbs and spices to your taste.

Cook in the oven on a medium to high heat for around an hour for medium. Best to refer to your chosen rump roast recipe for exact times needed, depending on your preference and the weight of the rump joint.

Rump steak and rump joints from Campbells

Browse our extensive range of beef rump produce, including Scotch beef rump steaks and rump beef roasting joints. Buy online today and get them delivered freshly to your door.