Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that, when prepared correctly, can become a tender and mouthwatering dish. But, if not cooked properly, it can quickly become a tough, chewy disappointment. Many people shy away from cooking cube steak because they aren’t sure how to prepare it to achieve the desired tenderness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook cube steak so it’s not tough, from understanding the cut of meat to using the best cooking techniques and recipes.
What Is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is typically a cut from the top round or top sirloin of the cow, which are leaner, tougher cuts. The name “cube steak” comes from the visible marks left by the mechanical tenderization process used to soften the meat. These indentations make the steak look like it has a grid of small squares or “cubes” pressed into it.
The process of mechanically tenderizing the meat helps to break down some of the tough connective tissue, but that alone won’t guarantee a tender result. If cube steak is overcooked or prepared incorrectly, it can still end up tough and dry. The key is to use the right cooking methods to enhance the natural texture and flavor of the steak.
Why Does Cube Steak Get Tough?
One of the most common reasons cube steak becomes tough is due to cooking it at too high a temperature for too long. Cube steak is a thin cut of meat, which means it cooks quickly. If cooked over high heat for an extended period, the moisture inside the steak evaporates, causing it to become tough and chewy. Additionally, skipping the tenderizing process or not using enough liquid while cooking can also result in toughness.
Another factor is the origin of cube steak. Since it comes from a well-exercised part of the cow, the muscle fibers are denser and stronger, which makes it naturally tougher than cuts from other parts of the animal.
To prevent these issues, understanding the best cooking methods and preparations for cube steak is essential. You can also learn more about the importance of tenderizing in this guide on how to cook steak perfectly.
Pre-Cooking Preparations for Tender Cube Steak
Before you even start cooking, taking the time to prepare your cube steak correctly is crucial to ensuring tenderness. There are two main steps: tenderizing and marinating.
Tenderizing with a Mallet
To further break down the tough muscle fibers, you can use a meat mallet. This is particularly useful for cube steak since it’s already been mechanically tenderized but may need additional help, depending on the thickness and quality of the cut. Simply place the steak between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound it evenly across the surface. This will also help to ensure the steak cooks evenly.
Marinating for Flavor and Tenderness
Another way to tenderize cube steak is to marinate it. An acidic marinade helps to break down the muscle fibers and adds extra flavor. Good options for marinades include a combination of vinegar, citrus juice, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce mixed with oil and your favorite spices. Let the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. Marinating not only tenderizes the meat but also enhances its taste, making it a win-win preparation step.
You can find more tips on marinating and tenderizing other tough cuts of meat in this recipe for marinated steaks.
Best Cooking Methods to Ensure Tender Cube Steak
There are several cooking methods that work well for cube steak, each designed to preserve moisture and enhance tenderness. Below are some of the most effective methods.
1. Braising
Braising is one of the most reliable methods for cooking cube steak so it stays tender. This technique involves first searing the meat in a hot pan to develop a flavorful crust, and then slowly cooking it in a liquid at a low temperature. The long, slow cooking process allows the tough connective tissues in the steak to break down, making it incredibly tender.
Braising Steps:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Sear the steak on both sides until browned, then remove it from the pan.
- Add onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you like to the pan, and sauté them until soft.
- Return the steak to the pan, and add enough beef broth or another liquid to cover the meat halfway.
- Cover the pan and let the steak simmer on low heat for 1 to 2 hours, or until tender.
This method is very similar to how you would cook a pot roast or stew, both of which benefit from the breakdown of collagen and connective tissue over time.
2. Pan-Frying
If you’re looking for a quicker method, pan-frying is a great option. The key to pan-frying cube steak is to keep the cooking time short to avoid overcooking. This method works best when you coat the steak in seasoned flour before frying, which helps to create a crispy crust and lock in moisture.
Pan-Frying Steps:
- Dredge the steak in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the steak to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and crispy.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will reduce the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of fry.
Pan-frying is a great technique for dishes like country fried steak, where the steak is served with a rich gravy. For a similar method, check out this recipe for fried beef chops, which uses quick frying to achieve a tender result.
3. Sautéing
Sautéing cube steak is another quick method, especially when paired with a gravy or sauce. This method involves cooking the steak quickly in a small amount of oil and then simmering it in a flavorful sauce to finish. The sauce helps to keep the steak moist and tender while adding depth to the flavor.
Sautéing Steps:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add your choice of gravy or sauce (such as a mushroom or onion gravy) to the pan and reduce the heat.
- Let the steak simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through and tender.
For another dish that uses sautéing and simmering techniques, check out this recipe for creamy mushroom chicken.
Delicious Recipes for Tender Cube Steak
Here are two classic recipes that showcase the tenderness and flavor potential of cube steak when prepared correctly.
Smothered Cube Steak
This dish involves cooking the steak in a rich, savory gravy made from onions, mushrooms, and beef broth. The key is to simmer the steak slowly in the gravy after it has been seared, allowing the flavors to meld together and the steak to become tender.
Smothered Cube Steak Recipe:
- Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 onion (sliced), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons flour, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions:
- Sear the steaks in a hot pan with oil until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and mushrooms in the same pan until soft, then sprinkle with flour and cook for another minute.
- Add the beef broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the steaks to the pan and simmer in the gravy for 20-30 minutes until tender.
Country Fried Steak
A Southern favorite, country fried steak involves breading the steak in seasoned flour, frying it until crispy, and serving it with a creamy white gravy. The key to a tender steak is quick frying followed by smothering it in the gravy to add moisture.
Country Fried Steak Recipe:
- Ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 cup flour, 1 cup buttermilk, salt, pepper, oil for frying, and 1 cup milk for gravy.
- Instructions:
- Dredge the steaks in flour, then dip in buttermilk and dredge again in flour.
- Fry the steaks in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the steaks and make a white gravy with the pan drippings, flour, and milk.
- Serve the steaks topped with the gravy.
For a similar Southern-style dish, try this recipe for classic fried chicken.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking cube steak:
- How long should you cook cube steak?
The cooking time depends on the method you choose. For quick methods like pan-frying or sautéing, cube steak should be cooked for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a good crust without overcooking. For slow cooking methods such as braising, the steak should simmer for 1-2 hours over low heat. The longer, low-heat approach allows the connective tissue to break down, yielding a much more tender result. - Can cube steak be baked?
While you can bake cube steak, it’s not the preferred method because the steak can dry out if not properly covered in a sauce or gravy. Baking cube steak is best done in a covered dish with plenty of liquid, such as a casserole with gravy or sauce, at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 1 to 2 hours to ensure it stays moist and tender. - What are the best seasonings for Cube Steak ?
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are classic options for seasoning cube steak. For added flavor, many cooks recommend using marinades that include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a touch of vinegar, which also help to tenderize the meat. A dusting of flour before cooking can also create a flavorful crust that helps retain the steak’s juices.
Conclusion: Key Tips for Cooking Tender Cube Steak
By following these essential tips and methods, you can transform Cook Cube Steak from a tough, chewy cut of meat into a tender and flavorful dish:
- Always tenderize your steak before cooking, either by pounding it with a mallet or marinating it in an acidic solution.
- Use slow cooking methods such as braising or slow cooking to allow the connective tissue in the steak to break down over time, resulting in a tender texture.
- Avoid overcooking by keeping a close eye on the time and temperature. Quick cooking methods like pan-frying should be done over high heat but for short periods, while slow cooking should be done over low heat for longer periods.
- Consider the right seasonings and pair your steak with rich gravies or sauces to add flavor and moisture.
With these techniques, your cube steak will turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite on your dinner table.
For more delicious recipes, check out this guide on braised chicken thighs or this classic recipe for creamy mushroom chicken, both of which use slow cooking techniques that work beautifully with tougher cuts of meat.