If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried cube steak that’s tender, crispy, and downright delicious, you’re in the right place. Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that, when prepared right, transforms into a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow recipe and tips to make your fried cube steak a hit at the dinner table.
What Is Cube Steak?
Cube steak, sometimes called minute steak, is a cut of beef (usually round or top sirloin) that has been tenderized by pounding or with a meat mallet. This process creates a distinctive cubed texture on the surface, which helps the meat cook quickly and absorb flavors well. It’s an affordable cut that’s perfect for frying and making dishes like chicken-fried steak or smothered cube steak with gravy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 cube steaks (about 1 pound total)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
– 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
– Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fried Cube Steak
1. Prepare the Cube Steak
Start by seasoning your cube steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple seasoning adds a nice depth of flavor to the meat.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In three separate shallow bowls, place:
– Flour in the first bowl
– Beaten egg in the second bowl
– Breadcrumbs in the third bowl (optional but adds a crispy texture)
3. Coat the Steaks
Dredge each cube steak first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple layer creates a crispy, golden crust when fried.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. The hot oil is key to getting a perfect crust without absorbing too much grease.
5. Fry the Cube Steaks
Place the breaded cube steaks carefully into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Add the butter to the pan during the last minute for a rich finish.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Optional: Make It Country Fried with Gravy
For a classic Southern twist, you can make a simple pan gravy to smother your fried cube steak:
– After frying, remove the steaks and tent with foil to keep warm.
– In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of the flour mixture used for breading to the oil and drippings.
– Whisk constantly for a few minutes to cook the flour.
– Slowly add 2 cups of milk or beef broth, whisking until the gravy thickens.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Pour the gravy over the steaks and serve.
This creamy gravy makes the dish extra comforting and perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or green beans.
Tips for Perfect Fried Cube Steak
– Don’t overcook: Cube steak cooks quickly; frying about 3-5 minutes per side is usually enough. Overcooking can make it tough.
– Use a meat mallet: If your cube steaks aren’t pre-tenderized, pound them thin with a meat mallet for the best texture.
– Room temperature steaks: Let the meat sit out for 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
– High smoke point oil: Use oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil for frying to avoid burning.
– Cast iron skillet: A cast iron pan works great for frying because it retains heat evenly.
Variations to Try
– Onion gravy: Sauté sliced onions in the pan after frying the steaks, then add flour and beef broth to make a rich onion gravy.
– Spicy breading: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your flour mixture for a little kick.
– Oven finish: After frying, finish the steaks in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to ensure tenderness.
Fried cube steak is a classic comfort food that’s simple to make and always satisfying. Whether you enjoy it crispy and plain or smothered in rich gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal tonight!