Quick and Easy Ways to Tenderize Cube Steak
Are you one of those people who always find it challenging to make cube steak tender fast? Well, fret no more! Here are some simple and easy-to-follow tips for preparing a succulent cube steak in no time.
Firstly, it is recommended to use a meat mallet before cooking. Hammering the meat tenderizes it and breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak. To use a meat mallet, place the steak in between two sheets of plastic wrap, use the ridged side of the mallet to pound it gently, and then turn it over and pound again until it reaches the desired thickness. However, be cautious not to overdo this process as it might ruin the texture and result in a thin and dry steak. Follow these tips, and before you know it, you’ll have a perfectly cooked and mouth-watering cube steak in no time.
Section: 10 Ways to Tenderize Cube Steak Quickly
1. Papaya and Pineapple Marinade
Marinade is a great way to tenderize cube steak. Papaya and pineapple contain enzymes that can break down the muscle fibers and make the meat tender. Simply blend one cup of fresh papaya or pineapple with some salt, pepper, and your preferred meat seasoning to make a marinade. Pour the marinade over the meat and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours before cooking.
2. Vinegar Soak
Another way to tenderize cube steak is to soak it in vinegar. The acid in the vinegar can break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. Simply pour enough vinegar over the meat to cover it completely and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse the meat with cold water and pat dry before cooking.
3. Salt and Baking Soda Rub
A salt and baking soda rub can also help tenderize cube steak. Simply sprinkle a mixture of one tablespoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking soda over the meat and rub it in. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water and patting dry. This method can also help remove any gamey or strong flavors from the meat.
4. Meat Tenderizer Powder
If you don’t have much time, you can use meat tenderizer powder to quickly tenderize cube steak. Simply sprinkle the powder over the meat and rub it in. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Pressure Cooker
Using a pressure cooker can also help tenderize cube steak quickly. In a pressure cooker, the high pressure and heat can break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender. Simply place the cube steak in the pressure cooker with some liquid (e.g. broth or wine) and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
6. Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is another great option for tenderizing cube steak. Slow cooking at a low temperature can break down the muscle fibers and make the meat tender. Simply place the cube steak in the slow cooker with some liquid (e.g. broth or salsa) and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. Meat Mallet or Tenderizer Tool
If you don’t have much time, you can use a meat mallet or tenderizer tool to physically break down the muscle fibers and tenderize the meat. Simply pound the meat with the tool until it reaches the desired tenderness.
8. Dairy Marinade
Dairy products like yogurt, buttermilk, or sour cream can also tenderize cube steak. The acids and enzymes in these products can break down the muscle fibers and make the meat tender. Simply coat the meat with the dairy product of your choice and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
9. Citrus Marinade
Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange contain acids that can help tenderize cube steak. Simply mix some citrus juice with salt, pepper, and your preferred meat seasoning to make a marinade. Pour the marinade over the meat and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours before cooking.
10. Tenderize with a Knife
Finally, you can tenderize cube steak with a knife. This method involves making small cuts or slashes in the surface of the meat to break down the muscle fibers. Simply use a sharp knife to score the meat in a grid pattern on both sides. Be careful not to cut too deep or the meat may fall apart during cooking.
In conclusion, making cube steak tender fast is achievable with the help of simple methods such as marinating, using a pressure cooker, slow cooking, using a meat mallet or tenderizer tool, and even making small cuts with a knife. These methods are affordable and do not take much time, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Ways to Tenderize Cube Steak Quickly
When it comes to cooking cube steak, many people find that it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. However, there are many techniques to tenderize the meat quickly and efficiently right in your own kitchen without the need for a fancy kitchen gadget. In this section, we will explore ten ways to make your cube steak tender fast.
1. Marinate the Cube Steak
Marinating is a great way to tenderize cube steak, as it helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat. Simply mix your desired marinade ingredients and pour over the cube steak, making sure to coat all sides. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or even overnight for maximum tenderness.
2. Use a Meat Mallet
Using a meat mallet is a quick and easy way to tenderize cube steak. Simply pound the meat with the mallet with even pressure, making sure not to hit it too hard. This will break down the tissue fibers and make the meat more tender. Make sure to cover the meat with plastic wrap before pounding to prevent it from tearing apart.
3. Score the Cube Steak
Scoring the meat is another method to tenderize cube steak quickly. Make shallow cuts across the surface of the meat with a sharp knife, creating diamond patterns. This will break down the tough fibers in the meat and make it tender. Make sure to not cut too deep, as it will ruin the texture of the meat.
4. Cook with Acidic Ingredients
Acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and lime juice can act as a tenderizer for cube steak. Add a tablespoon or two of your preferred acid ingredient to the meat before cooking to break down the tough fibers. Be careful not to overdo it as acidic ingredients can also change the flavor of the meat.
5. Buy Higher-Grade Cuts
One way to ensure that your cube steak is tender is to buy higher-grade cuts of meat. Look for meats that have been graded as “choice” or “prime,” as they have more marbling and are generally more tender. These may be more expensive, but the added tenderness is worth it.
6. Opt for Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is an excellent way to tenderize cube steak. It involves cooking the beef over a low temperature for a long time which slowly breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. You can use a slow cooker or an oven to cook the meat this way, making it soft, juicy, and tender.
7. Massage with Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline in nature and can help break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water and massage it into the meat. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Make sure to rinse the baking soda well to avoid altering the flavor of the meat.
8. Tenderize with Salt
Salt is not just a seasoning ingredient, it can also tenderize meat. Rub coarse kosher salt into the cube steak before cooking, making sure to cover both sides. Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing it off. This method helps to draw out moisture from the meat and makes it more tender.
9. Opt for Sous Vide Cooking
Sous vide cooking is a technique that involves cooking meat in a vacuum-sealed bag at a low temperature for a long time. This method ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and becomes more tender. Simply season your cube steak with your preferred spices, seal it in a vacuum bag, and cook it in a water bath for a few hours until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
10. Rest Before Cutting
Allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes before cutting is a crucial step to ensure tenderness. Resting allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat and prevent it from being tough. Simply remove the cube steak from heat and let it rest under a foil cover for at least 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Best Techniques to Cook Cube Steak for a Tender Meal
Now that you have a better understanding of cube steak, we will be discussing some of the best techniques to cook cube steak that will guarantee a tender meal.
Marinate the Steak
Marinating is a great way to tenderize cube steak. You can use a marinade that includes vinegar, lemon, lime, or even wine. Acids help to break down the tough fibers in the meat, which can result in a tender and succulent steak.
Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cooking. Ensure the steak is well coated in the marinade by turning it every half an hour. Before cooking, let the steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Pound the Steak
Pounding cube steak is another great way to tenderize it. You can use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin. Be sure to cover the steak with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to prevent the meat from sticking to the mallet/rolling pin.
Gently pound the steak until it has been flattened and even in thickness. This will help to break down the fibers and muscle tissue in the meat, making it more tender.
Cooking on High Heat
Cooking cube steak on high heat is very beneficial in locking in the juices and making it tender. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it heat up. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side until a crust has formed on both sides.
Finish cooking the steak in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Once done, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking in a Slow Cooker
If you’re short on time, you can make use of a slow cooker. Slow cooking cube steak is a foolproof method to get the most tender results. Add the steak to the slow cooker and pour in beef broth or water. Season with salt, garlic, onion, and your preferred spices.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. You will get a perfectly tender and juicy steak with sous-vide quality meat with this slow-cooking method.
Braising the Steak
Braising cube steak is another excellent way to tenderize it. Coat the steak with flour and seasonings before browning it in a skillet. Remove the steak from the skillet and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
Add beef broth or water to the skillet and return the steak to the skillet. Ensure the steak is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the steak is tender.
| Techniques | Approx. Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Marinating | 1-24 hours |
| Pounding | 5-10 minutes |
| High Heat Cooking | 10-12 minutes |
| Slow Cooking | 4-8 hours |
| Braising | 2-3 hours |
By following these techniques and methods, you’ll get a perfectly tender and juicy cube steak every time. Experiment with different seasoning and herbs to find your favorite recipe. The key is to keep it simple and let the natural flavor of the steak shine through.
Happy Cooking!
We hope that this article has helped you learn how to make your cube steak tender in no time. Simply marinate it overnight, use a meat tenderizer, or choose the right cooking method, and you’ll be able to enjoy a fork-tender dish that looks and tastes amazing. Remember to come back to our website for more cooking tips, recipes, and culinary inspiration. Thanks for reading, and see you again soon!
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