How to Prepare Scrumptious Cube Steak in Easy Steps

Looking to cook up a quick and easy meal with a tender and juicy cut of meat? Cube steak is the perfect option for you! Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized, either mechanically or by pounding, and then cut into small, thin pieces. It is a versatile cut that is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners as it cooks quickly and is budget-friendly.

Making cube steak is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. It is best cooked using a fast and high-heat method such as pan-frying or grilling. While it is not necessary to marinade cube steak, doing so can enhance the flavor and help to tenderize the meat even further. So let’s get started, grab your apron, and I’ll show you how to make cube steak!

How to Make Cube Steak – A Step by Step Guide

Cube steak is a very popular cut of meat that is both versatile and delicious. This steak is made by tenderizing a cut of beef that is typically tougher, such as the round or chuck, and then cutting it into cube-shaped pieces. This process makes the meat more tender, while also creating a great textured surface for seasoning and flavoring. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps for making delicious cube steak fit for any meal.

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

When choosing a cut of beef for making cube steak, it’s important to select a cut that is not too tough, as this will ruin the texture of the meat. Popular cuts for making cube steak include round steak, sirloin steak, and chuck steak.

2. Gather the Necessary Equipment

To make cube steak, you will need a few key pieces of equipment, including a meat tenderizer, a heavy skillet, and a meat thermometer.

3. Prepare the Meat

Before cooking, it’s important to prepare the meat properly. Begin by trimming off any visible fat or gristle from the surface of the meat. Then, use a meat tenderizer to pound the meat until it is thin and even.

4. Season the Meat

Once the meat has been tenderized, it’s time to season it. Cube steak is most commonly seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to use any seasoning blend you prefer.

5. Dredge the Meat in Flour

To create a crispy exterior, dredge the meat in flour before cooking. This will help create a flavorful crust that will keep the steak tender and juicy.

6. Heat the Skillet

Once the meat has been seasoned and dredged in flour, heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cast iron is the best type of skillet to use for cooking cube steak, as it retains heat well and creates a nice sear.

7. Cook the Meat

Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the center of the steak has reached the appropriate temperature.

8. Rest the Meat

Once the steak has finished cooking, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will give the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it remains tender and juicy.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cube steak with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

10. Experiment with Different Flavors

One of the great things about cube steak is that it can be seasoned and flavored in countless ways. Experiment with different spices and marinades to find your perfect flavor profile. Some great options include cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

In conclusion, cube steak is a delicious and affordable cut of beef that is perfect for a variety of meals. By following these simple steps, you can make a mouth-watering cube steak that is sure to impress. So why not try making this delicious and satisfying meal tonight?

Choosing the Right Meat for Cube Steak

Choosing the right meat for cube steak is essential to ensure a delicious and tender meal. Usually, cube steak is made from top round beef and named for the tenderizing process that the meat goes through. The term “cube” refers to the indentations or cuts that are made in the meat to break down the tough muscle fibers and create a tender, juicy cut.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right meat for your cube steak:

Look for Marbling

Marbling is the fat that runs through the meat and adds flavor and tenderness to the steak. When selecting meat for your cube steak, look for visible white veins of fat that run through the muscle. The more marbling in the meat, the more tender and juicy the meat will be.

Choose the Right Cut

Top round beef is the most commonly used cut for cube steak, but other cuts of beef can also be used. For instance, sirloin steak or chuck steak can also be used for cube steak. However, it is important to note that not all cuts of beef are created equal when it comes to tenderness. If you opt for a different cut, marinating the meat overnight before cooking can help to tenderize tougher cuts.

Opt for Fresh Meat

When it comes to meat, fresh is always best. Look for meat that is bright red in color, firm to the touch, and has a slight sheen from the moisture. Avoid meat that is brown or gray, as this is a sign that the meat is past its prime.

Consider Grass-Fed Meat

If you are looking for a healthier option, consider grass-fed meat. Grass-fed beef is lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in vitamins and minerals than grain-fed beef. The cattle are also raised on a natural diet, which can lead to a more tender and flavorful cut of meat.

Avoid Meat with an Overpowering Odor

If the meat has an overpowering odor, it is likely that it has gone bad. When buying meat, give it a sniff to ensure that it smells fresh and clean.

Choose the Right Thickness of Meat

The thickness of the meat is important when it comes to cooking. A thin cut will cook quickly but can dry out, while a thick cut will take longer to cook but will retain more moisture. For cube steak, a thickness of about ¼ – ½ inch is ideal.

Consider the Amount of Meat per Person

When buying meat, consider the number of people you will be serving. For a single person, a 4-ounce portion of meat is sufficient, while a 6-ounce portion is ideal for two people.

Buy Local Meat

Buying local meat is a great way to support local farmers and ensure that you are getting fresh, high-quality meat. Local meat is often raised without hormones or antibiotics, which can lead to a healthier and more flavorful cut of meat.

Check the Label

When buying meat, check the label to ensure that it is free from preservatives and additives. Look for meat that is labeled as “natural” or “organic”, as this will ensure that the meat is free from chemicals and hormones.

Consider the Price

Price is always a factor when it comes to choosing meat. However, it is important to remember that cheaper cuts of meat may not be as tender or flavorful as more expensive cuts. It is worth investing a little more in high-quality meat for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Choosing the Right Seasonings for Your Cube Steak

Now that you’ve learned the right way to prepare your cube steak, it’s time to talk about seasoning. You want to make sure that you add the right spices to enhance the flavor of your meat. Here are some seasoning suggestions:

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential spices that will improve the taste of your cubed steak. It is recommended that you sprinkle some salt and pepper on both sides of your steak before cooking. This will help to bring out the natural flavor of the meat.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is another excellent seasoning for your cube steak. It adds a unique flavor to your meat, making it more enjoyable to eat. You can sprinkle some garlic powder on your steak just before cooking or mix it into your marinade.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is a great seasoning to use on cube steak. It adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the meat. You can sprinkle it on your steak just before cooking or add it to your marinade.

Paprika

Paprika is an excellent seasoning to use on cube steak. It adds a rich, smoky flavor to the meat. You can sprinkle it on your steak just before cooking or mix it into your marinade.

Cayenne Pepper

If you like your steak with a little heat, cayenne pepper is the perfect seasoning for you. It will add a subtle spicy flavor to your meat. Be careful not to overdo it, as cayenne pepper can be very spicy.

Using the right seasoning can make all the difference in the taste of your cube steak. Experiment with different spices to find which ones you like best. Remember to always season your steak before cooking – this will help to enhance the flavor and make it more enjoyable to eat.

That’s How You Make Cube Steak!

I hope you found this tutorial helpful in making your own delicious cube steak. Remember, it’s all about pounding that meat and giving it a nice crust. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or add a gravy on top for an extra kick. Thank you for reading and be sure to come back to our website for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!