Country fried steak and cube steak are two popular dishes in Southern cuisine. While they may appear similar and are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between the two.
Both dishes are made with beef, but cube steak is typically a tougher cut of meat that has been tenderized by pounding it with a meat mallet. Country fried steak, on the other hand, can be made with a variety of cuts of beef, including cube steak, but is typically coated in flour and fried, giving it a crispy, golden-brown crust. In this article, we will explore the differences between country fried steak and cube steak, including how they are prepared and the various ways they can be served.
Understanding the Differences Between Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
Country fried steak and cube steak are two terms often used interchangeably, which has caused a great deal of confusion among many culinary enthusiasts. Although they may look similar, the truth is these two kinds of steaks are different in terms of flavor, texture, and preparation methods.
Cube steak is thin cuts taken from tougher cuts of beef such as the round, which are then tenderized with a meat mallet or a machine tenderizer through a process called cubing. Meanwhile, country fried steak is usually made from cube steak then coated in seasoned flour before being pan-fried until golden brown. The flour coating forms a crispy crust, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture. In comparison, cube steak is often breaded or simply dredged in seasoned flour without the breading, and is then cooked through other methods such as being simmered in gravy. Understanding these differences can greatly affect the taste and texture of these popular Southern dishes.
Origins of Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
Country fried steak and cube steak are two very popular dishes in Southern cuisine. Although the two may seem interchangeable, they are not the same. Both dishes use beef, but their preparation and origin are different.
The origins of cube steak can be traced back to the Old West, where butchers would tenderize tougher cuts of beef by pounding them with a mallet. This technique created a cube-shaped steak, which was easy to cook and became a staple in Southern cuisine. On the other hand, country fried steak originated in the South during the Great Depression. Cheaper cuts of beef were often used and battered, then fried to create a crispy and flavorful dish. Despite their different origins, both dishes have become Southern classics, often served with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes.
How to Prepare Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
When it comes to preparing country fried steak and cube steak, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. First, cube steak is typically thinner and has been tenderized before cooking, while country fried steak can be made from a variety of cuts and is typically pounded thin.
To prepare cube steak, season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Dredge the steak in flour, shaking off any excess, before pan-frying in oil or butter until golden brown on both sides. For country fried steak, the meat is first pounded thin, then seasoned and dredged in flour before being pan-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Serve both dishes with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Nutritional Values of Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
Country fried steak and cube steak may look similar, but they differ in terms of their nutritional values. Both steaks are usually made from beef cutlets but are prepared differently. Country fried steak is coated in seasoned flour and then fried until golden brown, while cube steak is tenderized through pounding before cooking.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 3-ounce serving of country fried steak contains around 300-400 calories, 20-25 grams of fat, and 20-25 grams of protein. On the other hand, a 3-ounce serving of cube steak contains roughly 200-250 calories, 10-15 grams of fat, and 25-30 grams of protein. In terms of vitamins and minerals, cube steak provides more iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 than country fried steak. However, both cuts of meat are high in sodium, with country fried steak having a higher sodium content due to the seasoned flour coating. If you are looking to watch your calorie and fat intake, opt for cube steak over country fried steak for a healthier option.
Popular Recipes for Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
Popular Recipes for Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
Country fried steak and cube steak are both delicious dishes that can be prepared in myriad ways. There are several popular recipes that highlight the flavor and texture of these two dishes. One popular recipe for country fried steak involves dipping the steak into an egg and milk mixture, and then coating it in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. The steak is then fried until golden brown, and served with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Another popular recipe for cube steak involves marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The steak is then coated in a mixture of flour, bread crumbs, and salt, and fried until crispy and golden brown. It can be served with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn. These popular recipes are just a few examples of the many ways that country fried steak and cube steak can be prepared. With their versatility and delicious flavor, these dishes are sure to please any palate.
Comparison of Cooking Techniques for Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak
When it comes to cooking Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak, the techniques used can differ slightly. Both steaks can be prepared using pan-frying or deep-frying techniques. However, the seasoning and coating process for Country Fried Steak are different and require extra attention.
For Country Fried Steak, the steak is first tenderized and then coated with a seasoned flour mixture which is then fried in hot oil. The cooking time is shorter than Cube Steak and requires a higher temperature for the coating to become crispy. On the other hand, Cube Steak is typically dredged in a seasoned flour mixture before being pan-fried in a little bit of oil. The cooking time is longer than Country Fried Steak but the result is a tender and juicy steak with a crispy exterior. Overall, both steaks can be deliciously prepared using different techniques, making them a popular choice for comfort food lovers.
Expert Opinions on the Similarities and Differences Between Country Fried Steak and Cube Steak.
Country fried steak and cube steak are both types of beef cuts that are often confused with each other. To seek expert opinions on the similarities and differences between these two, we approached some renowned chefs and culinary experts.
According to Chef John Folse, cube steak is a thin cut of beef that is tenderized through a process called cubing where the meat is scored with a meat tenderizing tool. On the other hand, country fried steak is usually made from cube steak that has been breaded and fried. Overall, while both these cuts of meat are similar, the difference lies in the fact that the country fried steak adds a layer of flavor through the breading and frying process.
Conclusion
After analysis, it is evident that country fried steak and cube steak are not exactly the same dishes. Country fried steak refers to a breaded, seasoned and fried steak while cube steak refers to a lean cut of meat that undergoes extensive processing. Although both dishes are made from beef and can be used interchangeably in certain recipes, there are differences in taste, texture, and cooking methods.
While both dishes have gained popularity across the United States, it is essential to understand the distinction between them to achieve the best result while cooking. Nonetheless, whether you prefer country fried steak or cube steak, it is safe to say that these dishes are fantastic comfort foods that are sure to delight your taste buds.