Rump steak is bold. It’s got a flavour profile that speaks for itself, a satisfying firmness, and is remarkably simple to cook. There’s a reason it’s a favourite for steak lovers. It’s a great choice for casual dinners and special occasions alike, and when following this guide, you’ll learn how to cook rump steaks that bring a homely, comforting experience to guests, leaving their appetite satiated, yet craving more.
What is a Rump Steak?
Rump steak is taken from the back section of the cow, just above the hind legs. This part is fairly active, giving rump steak its signature balance between lean and juicy. While it often only has light marbling, it gives it a deeply savoury, satisfying taste when cooked right. You’ll find rump across a range of steak recipes, whether it’s grilled over coals or sliced cold for salads, rump consistently offers incredible results.
Why Is a Rump Steak So Special
Rump sets itself apart because of its structure. It offers a firmer bite than a ribeye or tenderloin, but a deeper flavour. It doesn’t melt on your tongue, but provides just the right amount of chew to feel satisfying. Its leaner profile also means that it’s easy to cook, as you don’t have to worry about rendering the fat too much, making it great for beginners.
How to Cook a Rump Steak at Home
Preparation Tips
Learning how to cook rump steak at home is simple when following a few key preparation steps. First, let the steak come to room temperature before you cook it, just 30-40 minutes out of the fridge is plenty. This allows the steak to cook evenly on the heat. Next, pat it bone dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt on every inch of the steak, including the sides! Optionally add pepper, dried herbs, or a dry rub. A properly preheated pan or grill is vital, so begin preheating for at least 10 minutes until smoking hot.
Cooking Methods
Coal grilling: The method we use at Hunter & Barrel, the smoky char it creates is hard to beat
- Preheat your coal grill, ensuring your coals are white hot and emit little smoke.
- Make a high-heat and low-heat zone by unevenly distributing the coals to one side
- Place the steak on the high heat zone, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side
- Slide to the low-heat zone to gently finish cooking, using a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature
- Pull the steak off the grill when a few degrees below the target temperature
Oven finish: A classic method to ensure control over both the sear development and the doneness
- Preheat an oven-safe pan until smoking hot
- Add the oil, and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until the crust is fully developed
- Transfer the pan to a 200ºC oven, and bake for 5-8 minutes, monitoring with a thermometer until at the preferred doneness
Reverse Searing: While slightly more time consuming, reverse searing is the ultimate way to get a perfect cook every single time.
- Preheat oven to 120ºC
- Place the steak in the oven over a wire rack
- Bake until a thermometer reads your preferred doneness, usually 18-25 minutes (how long to cook rump steak in the oven depends on its thickness)
- Preheat a pan on high heat, add a drizzle of oil, and sear until a nice crust forms. No need to take it any further, as the steak will already be cooked
Resting and Serving
Resting ensures the steak is cooked through, and also allows the juices in the meat to redistribute, creating a moister steak. Rump is great when sliced, just cut across the grain, perpendicular to the muscle fibres.
For serving, opt for sides that balance a rump’s firmness and deep savoury flavour—think roasted vegetables, oven-baked wedges, or a hearty peppercorn sauce. For drinks, it’s hard to beat a well-bodied red, Tempranillo, Shiraz, or Syrah. Alternatively, a slightly bitter ale or lager pairs well.
Where to Find the Best Rump Steak Restaurants
At Hunter & Barrel, our expert chefs cook over coals, our favourite way to prepare rump, resulting in a savoury, smoky flavour. We use Australian beef, sourced from farmers who care about their cattle. Whether you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth, our restaurants offer more than a meal—they offer a sensory experience.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
If you’re looking for a steak worth organising an evening around, Hunter & Barrel is the place. Whether you prefer your rump medium or blue, each steak is grilled with care, precision, and pride. Book your table today and explore our full menu.
