Cube steak is a thinly-sliced cut of beef that’s typically tenderized with a meat mallet. Despite its name, it’s not actually shaped like a cube, but rather has a lightly textured surface due to the tenderizing process. While it’s a relatively affordable cut of meat, it can be tough or dry if cooked incorrectly. But fear not, with the right techniques and ingredients, cube steak can become a delicious and tender dish.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking cube steak so it’s not tough. Whether you prefer to grill, fry, or cook it in the oven, we’ll provide tips to help you achieve a perfectly cooked meal. So, let’s get started and learn how to prepare cube steak that’s juicy and flavorful.
Understanding Cube Steak and Its Texture
Cube steak is a cut of meat that comes from the round or top sirloin of a cow. It is also known as minute steak or swiss steak because it is a thinner cut that can be cooked quickly. Cube steak is usually tenderized by pounding it with a meat mallet, which breaks down tougher muscle fibers and makes it easier to chew.
The texture of cube steak can vary depending on how it is cooked. If overcooked, it can become tough and rubbery. However, if cooked correctly and with the right technique, it can be tender and flavorful. It is important to understand the characteristics of cube steak and the cooking methods that work best to achieve the desired texture. By following the right steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can turn your cube steak into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Preparing Cube Steak for Cooking
Preparing cube steak for cooking is an important step to achieve a tender and juicy result. Start by taking the cube steak out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This allows the meat to reach room temperature and ensures even cooking. Meanwhile, use a tenderizing mallet or fork to puncture the surface of the meat, breaking down the tough fibers. Alternatively, marinating cube steak in an acidic solution, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help to tenderize it.
To add flavor to your cube steak, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Be careful not to over-season the meat as this can overshadow the natural flavor of the meat. Coat the cube steak in flour to create a crust or breading, which can help to hold moisture in while cooking and adds another layer of texture to the dish. Once the cube steak is prepared and seasoned, it is ready to be cooked according to your preferred method.
Marinating Cube Steak for Tenderness
Marinating cube steak is one way to ensure that it remains tender and juicy after cooking. A marinade is a mixture of acidic ingredients and herbs or spices that can help break down the tough fibers of the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. To prepare a marinade, you can use a mixture of citrus juice, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, honey, and seasonings.
To marinate cube steak, place the meat in a plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the marinade fully covers the meat and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful and tender it will become. After marinating, remove the steak from the marinade, discard the marinade, and cook the steak as desired. Marinating cube steak is a simple yet effective way to add flavor and tenderness to this popular cut of meat.
The Best Ways to Cook Cube Steak
The best ways to cook cube steak include pan-frying, baking, grilling, and slow-cooking. Pan-frying is the most common method and involves dredging the steak in flour, seasoning it with salt and pepper, and cooking it in a hot skillet with oil or butter. Baking cube steak involves coating it with breadcrumbs or seasoned flour and baking it in the oven until it’s tender and juicy. Grilling is ideal for thicker cube steaks, and it’s important to marinate them beforehand to infuse them with flavor and moisture. Slow-cooking cube steak in a crockpot or Instant Pot is recommended for tougher cuts, and they can be cooked with vegetables and a flavorful liquid until they’re fall-apart tender.
It’s important to remember when cooking cube steak to not overcook it, as it can become tough and chewy. Also, allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find your preferred way to cook this budget-friendly cut of meat.
Dealing with Common Cube Steak Mistakes
Dealing with common cube steak mistakes is crucial to ensure a perfect and delicious dish. One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking cube steak is not using the right cut of meat. The best cuts for cube steak are top round and bottom round, which are both lean and tender cuts. Using a tougher cut of beef will result in a chewy and tough steak, no matter how well it’s cooked.
Another mistake people make when cooking cube steak is overcooking it. Overcooking can easily turn a tender and juicy steak into a dry and tough one. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the cooking time of the steak and remove it from the heat source as soon as it reaches the desired level of doneness. Additionally, make sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it moist and tender. By avoiding these common cube steak mistakes, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and tender steak that everyone will enjoy.
Ways to Thicken and Enhance Cube Steak Gravy
Once you’ve cooked your cube steak, you’re likely to have some gravy juices left over in the pan. There are several ways to thicken and enhance the gravy, which will add more flavor to your dish. One of the first things you can do to thicken the gravy is to make a slurry. A slurry is created by mixing two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Mix these together until you have a thick paste, then slowly add it to the gravy, whisking at the same time. This will help to thicken the gravy quickly, and the cornstarch will give it a glossy finish.
Another way to enhance the gravy is to add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to it. These add flavor and depth to the gravy, and are perfect for those who like their food to be a bit more savory. You could also add some additional herbs and seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. These will add more flavor to the dish and create a delicious depth of flavor that is sure to make it a hit.
Ideas for Serving and Enjoying Cube Steak
Once you have cooked your cube steak to perfection, it is time to decide on how to serve and enjoy it. There are several creative ideas for serving cube steak. One of the simplest ways is to slice it into thin strips and serve it alongside leafy greens like arugula, lettuce, or spinach. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a classic touch.
Another enjoyable way to serve cube steak is to use them for making delicious sandwiches. You can stack a few strips of cube steak on a sliced baguette with caramelized onions, melted cheese, avocado, and any other toppings that you prefer. Cube steak can also be used to create a savory Philly cheesesteak or mixed with some green pepper and onion for a fajita dish. With these ideas and more, you can make cube steak an enjoyable and versatile meal for any day.
The Bottom Line
In order to cook cube steak and make it tender, it is important to follow some key cooking techniques. Firstly, it is vital to tenderize the meat prior to cooking, either with a specialized meat tenderizer or by marinating. Secondly, it is important to avoid overcooking the meat, which can cause it to become tough and chewy. The best way to ensure the steak is cooked to perfect tenderness is by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and removing it from the heat source as soon as it registers as done.
By following these tips, anyone can cook a delicious and tender cube steak. By experimenting with different flavors and cooking techniques, it is possible to create a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether it be pan-fried, grilled, or broiled, a well-prepared cube steak can be a healthy and satisfying meal option. So why not take some time to learn the art of cooking a perfect cube steak, and enjoy a delicious meal that will leave your taste buds satisfied.