I. Introduction
Cube steak is a popular cut of beef that is derived from round steak, which is typically tough and lean. Cube steak is tenderized through a process called cubing, which involves using a machine to break down the connective tissue and add texture. Once cubed, it’s an excellent cut of beef for pan-searing, grilling, or braising, but it can be tough to cook correctly if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
Many people face common problems when cooking cube steak, such as ending up with shoe-leather like meat or overcooked and dried out steaks. However, perfecting your technique is easy with a few simple tips, tricks, and delicious recipes for inspiration.
II. A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking Perfect Cube Steak
Choosing the right cut of cube steak
When buying cube steak, it’s essential to choose the right cut. Look for steaks that have a uniform thickness and are cut against the grain. Pay attention to the marbling, and select steaks that have thin threads of fat running through the meat. The presence of fat will help your steak stay juicy and flavorful during the cooking process.
Seasoning and marinating the steak
Before cooking, properly seasoning and marinating your steak can make all the difference in the world. Mix your favorite seasonings in a small bowl and rub them onto the steak, making sure to cover it entirely and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preparing the steak for cooking
Make sure to pat the steak dry before cooking so that you can sear it correctly. Removing any excess moisture will help you achieve a crispy, caramelized crust on the steak.
Tips for cooking at the right temperature to ensure tenderness
When cooking cube steak, it’s essential to cook at the right temperature. Overcooking will cause the steak to dry out, whereas undercooking it will leave it chewy and tough. Start with a high heat, and do not overcrowd the pan. Sear both sides of the steak for about 2-4 minutes each, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Making sure the steak is cooked to the right level of doneness
The internal temperature of the steak is a great indicator of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature as the steak cooks. A rare steak should have an internal temperature of 125°F, a medium-rare steak should be at 135°F, medium at 145°F, and well-done at 160°F.
III. 5 Mouth-Watering Recipes to Cook Cube Steak at Home
Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Cube Steak
This garlic butter cube steak recipe is simple yet flavorful. melt butter in a pan with garlic, cook the steaks until done to your liking, then spoon the garlic and butter mixture over the top of the steak.
Recipe 2: Pan-Fried Cube Steak with Mushroom Gravy
In a large skillet, sear the steaks until golden brown, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, add onions and mushrooms and cook until softened. Pour in beef broth and simmer, then finish with flour for a thick gravy to pour over the top of the cube steaks.
Recipe 3: Cube Steak and Onion Gravy
Start by pan-searing your steaks, then remove them from the pan. In the same pan, sauté onions until caramelized and deglaze the pan with beef broth for a rich and flavorful sauce to drizzle over your cube steaks.
Recipe 4: Grilled Cube Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
On a preheated grill, cook the cube steaks until perfectly charred on each side. For the chimichurri sauce, blend fresh parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar and olive oil in a blender. Spoon over the cube steaks and serve.
Recipe 5: Cube Steak Fajitas
Cut your cube steak into thin strips and marinate them with Mexican spices and lime juice. In a skillet, cook the steak strips and sliced bell peppers together until tender. Serve with tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
IV. Step-by-Step Instructions to Tenderize and Cook Cube Steak to Perfection
Tips and techniques for tenderizing cube steak
To tenderize your cube steak, use a meat mallet and gently pound the steak on each side to break down any connective tissue. Alternatively, you can also use a marinade made with vinegar or citrus juice to break down the muscle fibers. But, be cautious that too much time or acidity can cause the steak to become mushy.
Cooking step-by-step instructions for cube steak
Before cooking, let the steak come to room temperature, then generously season it with your favorite spices. Heat your pan or grill on high heat and then sear the steak for 2-4 minutes on each side until crispy, golden brown. Adjust the temperature and continue cooking until you reach the desired doneness.
V. Grilling vs Pan-Searing: Which is the Best Way to Cook Cube Steak?
Advantages and disadvantages of grilling and pan-searing cube steak
Grilling and pan-searing are both great methods to cook cube steak, but they have their advantages and disadvantages. Grilling is perfect for summer and allows you to cook juicy steaks with the perfect char, but it can also be challenging to control the heat for smaller, thinner steaks. Pan-searing is perfect for winter when it’s colder outside and, with this method, you don’t lose any of the steak’s natural juices.
Tips on how to prepare the steak for each method
Before grilling, allow your cube steak to come to room temperature, and season it appropriately. Preheat the grill to high heat, brush the grates generously with oil, and carefully place the steaks many inches apart over direct heat. For pan-searing, generously season the steak and heat the pan until hot, then layer the steak into the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming and to erase the desired crust.
Step-by-step instructions for each method
For grilling, preheat the grill to high heat and brush the grate with oil. Season your steak and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side for a nice crust. For pan-searing, heat a pan on high heat, add oil, season your steak, and carefully layer into the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes each side until the preferred doneness.
VI. Quick and Easy Ideas for Cooking Cube Steak on a Busy Weeknight
Recipe 1: Sheet Pan Cube Steak and Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a sheet pan, add your cube steak, chopped vegetables, and seasonings to your preference, drizzle with oil, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Recipe 2: One-Pot Cube Steak and Rice
Season your cube steak, sear until browned, then remove from the pan. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft, add rice and broth, layer the steak into the pan, then let everything simmer covered until the rice is tender and the steak is cooked through and tender.
Recipe 3: Cube Steak Stir-Fry
Marinate thin slices of cube steak in your favorite stir-fry sauce for at least 30 minutes. In a wok, heat oil and cook garlic, ginger, and sliced vegetables. Remove the veggies and add the beef, cooking until browned. Combine everything and serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles.
VII. Conclusion
Cube steak doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated to cook at home. With the tips, tricks, and delicious recipes in this guide, you can make perfect cube steak dishes every time. Whether you prefer grilling or pan-searing, or you need quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas, you now have a variety of methods to choose from.
