Cube steak is a budget-friendly and flavorful cut of beef that many home cooks love. However, it can sometimes turn out tough and chewy if not prepared properly. The good news? With the right techniques, you can cook cube steak so it’s tender, juicy, and downright delicious every time. Let’s dive into how to make the most of this versatile cut.
What Is Cube Steak?
Cube steak, also called minute steak, comes from tougher parts of the cow like the round or top sirloin. It’s mechanically tenderized by pounding, which leaves a distinctive cubed pattern on the surface. While this process helps break down some of the toughness, cube steak can still be chewy if cooked incorrectly.
Key Tips to Cook Cube Steak So It’s Not Tough
1. Start with Quality Cube Steaks
Look for cube steaks that have good marbling – those little streaks of fat throughout the meat. Marbling adds flavor and helps keep the steak juicy and tender during cooking. Also, choose steaks that are fresh and have a bright pink color for the best results.
2. Tenderize Even More with a Meat Mallet
Even though cube steak is pre-tenderized, giving it a few extra gentle pounds with a meat mallet can help break down tough fibers further. Use the pointed side of the mallet and gently pound the thickest parts until the steak is of even thickness, being careful not to tear the meat.
3. Season Generously
Before cooking, season your cube steaks well. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne adds great flavor. The seasoning also helps tenderize the meat as it cooks.
4. Consider Marinating for Extra Tenderness and Flavor
Marinating cube steak in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite herbs can do wonders. Let the steaks soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you have time. This not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with delicious flavors.
5. Cook Low and Slow or Use Moist Heat
Cube steak benefits from gentle cooking methods that allow the meat to become tender without drying out:
– Smothering: This classic method involves dredging the steak in seasoned flour, quickly searing it in a hot pan, then simmering it in a rich gravy or broth for about 2 hours. The moisture breaks down connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
– Braising or Slow Cooking: Cooking cube steak in a covered pot with broth or water on low heat for an extended period softens the meat beautifully.
Avoid high heat or quick frying without moisture, as this can make the steak tough and chewy.
6. Use Flour to Lock in Moisture
Dredging your cube steak in seasoned flour before searing helps seal in juices. It also creates a nice crust that protects the meat during cooking and thickens the gravy or sauce you’ll serve it with.
7. Sear Quickly on High Heat
Heat a well-oiled pan until very hot, then sear the floured cube steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This quick sear locks in moisture and adds flavor without overcooking the meat.
8. Make a Flavorful Gravy or Sauce
After searing, prepare a gravy using beef broth, onions, garlic, and your preferred seasonings. Pour this over the steaks and let everything simmer gently until the meat is tender. The gravy keeps the steak moist and adds richness.
9. Let It Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let your cube steak rest for a few minutes under foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite juicy and tender.
10. Slice Against the Grain
When it’s time to eat, slice the steak against the grain – that is, perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This shortens the fibers and makes the steak easier to chew.
Bonus: Popular Cube Steak Recipes to Try
– Classic Country Fried Cube Steak: Breaded and fried, then topped with creamy gravy.
– Smothered Cube Steak: Cooked in a savory onion and beef broth gravy.
– Slow Cooker Cube Steak with Gravy: Set it and forget it for tender results.
– Korean-Style Marinated Cube Steak: A flavorful twist with soy sauce and spices.
Summary
Cooking cube steak so it isn’t tough is all about choosing good meat, tenderizing it further, seasoning well, and using gentle, moist cooking methods like smothering or braising. A quick sear locks in juices, and a rich gravy keeps the steak moist and flavorful. Remember to rest and slice against the grain for the best eating experience. With these tips, you’ll enjoy tender, juicy cube steak every time!
Tender cube steak is just a few simple steps away-happy cooking!