How to Make Cube Steak: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Cube steak, a popular cut of beef, is often frustrating to cook since it can easily turn out dry and tough. But with the right techniques and cooking methods, this tender and flavorful steak can be the perfect main course for any meal. This article will show you how to prepare and cook cube steak, as well as provide creative ideas to jazz up this classic dish.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare and Cook Cube Steak

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• A sturdy meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• A large skillet or grill
• A meat thermometer

The following ingredients will be necessary as well:

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth

Follow these steps to ensure perfect cube steak:

1. Cover the cube steak with plastic wrap and use the meat mallet to pound it until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the cube steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown.
6. Remove the cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
7. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent.
8. Add the beef broth to the skillet and stir, scraping the bottom to get any browned bits.
9. Return the cube steaks to the skillet and cover them with the broth mixture.
10. Cover the skillet and let the cube steaks simmer for 30 minutes.
11. Check the internal temperature of the cube steaks with a meat thermometer. The temperature should read 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!

Here are some tips to maximize the flavor of your cube steak:

• Season the cube steak generously with salt and pepper before dredging it in the flour mixture.
• For added flavor, add a couple of cloves of minced garlic to the onion mixture after the onions have cooked for a few minutes.
• When searing the cube steaks, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

A Beginner’s Guide to Cube Steak

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding it with a meat mallet. It’s also known as minute steak or swiss steak. Common cuts of cube steak include round, chuck, or sirloin. Since cube steak is already tenderized, it’s often prepared using quick-cooking methods such as pan-frying or grilling.

Here are some popular dishes that use cube steak:

• Chicken fried steak
• Beef stroganoff
• Cube steak with mushroom gravy
• Cube steak sandwiches

5 Creative Ways to Jazz up Your Cube Steak

If you’re looking to switch things up, try these creative recipes:

Spicy Cube Steak Salad Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Mix the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Marinate the cube steaks in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Grill the cube steaks over high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked to your preferred temperature.
4. Let the cube steaks rest for 5 minutes, then slice them into strips.
5. Assemble the salad by layering the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and sliced cube steak.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Mushroom Sauce Cube Steak Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown.
3. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Add the cube steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown.
5. Add the beef broth and heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the mushrooms back to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Cover the skillet and let the cube steaks simmer for 10-15 minutes, until they’re cooked to your preferred temperature.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Grilled Teriyaki Cube Steak Tips Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate the cube steaks in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Grill the cube steaks over high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked to your preferred temperature.
4. Let the cube steaks rest for 5 minutes, then slice them into tips.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Useful Tips on Using Leftover Cube Steak

If you have any leftover cube steak, try these easy tips:

• Make a steak sandwich by layering the cube steak with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
• Chop the cube steak into small pieces and use it as a topping for a salad or pizza.
• Add the cube steak to a stir-fry or noodle dish.
• Make a breakfast hash by sautéing the cube steak with potatoes, onions, and peppers.

How to Prepare a Delicious Cube Steak Meal in Under 30 Minutes

Cube Steak Stir Fry Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick), sliced into strips
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup water

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the sliced cube steaks and soy sauce and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the cube steaks are cooked to your preferred temperature. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Add the garlic, bell pepper, onion, and broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Add the water to the skillet and stir, scraping the bottom to get any browned bits.
5. Return the cube steaks to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pressure Cooked Cube Steak Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
3. Sear the cube steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown.
4. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the pressure cooker and stir to combine.
5. Lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
6. Release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Sheet Pan Roasted Cube Steak with Vegetables Recipe

• 4 cube steaks (1/2 inch thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large potato, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced

Follow these steps to prepare the recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Toss the potato, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini in the mixture and spread them out on a baking sheet.
4. Season the cube steaks with salt and black pepper and place them on top of the vegetables.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cube steaks are cooked to your preferred temperature.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

The Science of Cooking the Perfect Cube Steak

Cooking the perfect cube steak requires an understanding of the science behind meat cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your cube steak is tender and juicy:

• Let the cube steak come to room temperature before cooking. This will allow for more even cooking.
• Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels before cooking. This will ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.
• Sear the cube steak over high heat before finishing it in the oven or skillet. This will create a crust that seals in the juices.
• Don’t overcook the cube steak. The internal temperature should be checked with a meat thermometer and should reach 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
• Let the cube steak rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and prevent dryness.

Conclusion

Cube steak may seem like a difficult cut of beef to cook, but it can be tender and delicious with the right techniques and cooking methods. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this comprehensive guide will help you prepare perfect cube steak every time. From classic recipes to creative ideas, cube steak can be enjoyed in many ways.