How to Make Delicious Cubed Steak in 5 Simple Steps

Are you a fan of savory and tenderized beef? If so, cubed steak might just be your new favorite dish! Cubed steak is a popular budget-friendly meal that’s easy to cook and perfect for family dinners. It’s a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding, making it much more tender and easier to chew than other cuts of beef. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps for making cubed steak, so you can enjoy this savory delicacy in the comfort of your own home.

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to note that cubed steak is known by many names, including minute steak, Swiss steak, and cube steak. But no matter what you call it, the steps to making it are pretty much the same. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can cook up a scrumptious cubed steak that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. So let’s get started, and we’ll show you exactly how it’s done!

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Cubed Steak Recipe: Steps to Make Delicious and Tender Cubed Steak

Cubed steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With a little bit of seasoning and a quick sear, you can transform tough and chewy meat into a tender, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Here’s how to make cubed steak in just a few easy steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Cut and Pound It Thin.

The first step in making cubed steak is choosing the right cut of meat. You want a cut that’s tough enough to stand up to pounding, but still tender enough to be enjoyable. Chuck and round steaks are both good options. Once you’ve chosen your cut, it’s time to pound it thin. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to tenderize the meat and create thin, even slices.

Step 2: Season Your Meat.

Cubed steak is a simple dish that relies on good seasoning to bring out the flavor. Start with salt and pepper, and then add any other herbs and spices you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are all good choices. Rub the seasoning into your meat, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 3: Dredge Your Meat in Flour.

Flour is an important ingredient when you’re making cubed steak. It helps make the meat crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dredge your meat in flour, making sure to shake off any excess.

Step 4: Heat Up Your Skillet.

To cook cubed steak, you’ll need a large skillet that’s been heated over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of oil to the skillet and heat until it begins to shimmer.

Step 5: Pan Fry Your Meat.

Once your skillet is heated, it’s time to pan fry your meat. Place the cubed steak in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the meat is browned and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Remove Your Meat from the Skillet.

Once your meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover with foil to keep it warm while you make the gravy.

Step 7: Make the Gravy.

The gravy is what really makes cubed steak shine. In the same skillet used to cook the meat, add some butter and flour to make a roux. Once the roux is browned, slowly whisk in some beef broth to create a smooth gravy. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings to taste.

Step 8: Serve Your Cubed Steak.

Once your gravy is finished, it’s time to serve your cubed steak. Top the meat with the gravy and serve with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes and green beans are classic choices that pair well with cubed steak.

Step 9: Leftover Ideas.

If you have leftover cubed steak, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to use it up. Cubed steak makes a great sandwich filling, or you can chop it up and add it to a stir-fry.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Cubed Steak!

With these simple steps, you can make delicious and tender cubed steak that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick and easy dinner, cubed steak is a great choice. So gather your ingredients and get cooking!

Choosing the Best Cubed Steak

The key to a delicious cubed steak recipe is selecting the right cut of meat. Remember, not all steaks are created equal, and the wrong cut can make your dish tough and chewy. Here are some tips for selecting the best cubed steak at your local butcher:

1. Look for the Right Cut of Beef

Cubed steak is made by pounding a round steak or top sirloin steak with a meat mallet to tenderize it. Some stores sell pre-cubed meat, but you can also buy a regular steak and cube it yourself. Be sure to select a cut of beef with well-defined muscle fibers and some visible marbling. The muscle fibers indicate a tougher meat that will benefit from pounding, and marbling will add flavor and moisture.

2. Choose the Right Size

Cubed steak should be about ¼ inch in thickness, and each piece should be about the same size to ensure even cooking. If you are buying a whole steak to cube yourself, choose one that is at least 1 inch thick, so you have room to flatten it without tearing it apart completely.

3. Get Fresh Meat

Fresh meat always tastes better than meat that has been frozen and thawed. If you plan on freezing your cubed steak, be sure to use it within a week or two.

4. Ask Your Butcher

If you are uncertain about which cut of beef to use, ask your local butcher for recommendations. They can offer tips and suggestions on how to prepare and cook the meat for the best results.

5. Check the Color and Texture

The color and texture of the meat can indicate how fresh it is. Look for a bright red color, and avoid any steak that has brown or gray spots. The meat should feel firm to the touch, and there should not be any slime or moisture pooling around the packaging.

6. Consider the Fat Content

Too much fat can make your cubed steak greasy and unappetizing. Look for a steak with a good balance of lean meat and fat. Too little fat can result in a dry, tough steak.

7. Know Your Budget

Cubed steak can be an affordable option for a family meal, but prices can vary significantly depending on the cut of beef. Round steak is typically less expensive than sirloin, but both can be delicious in a cubed steak recipe.

8. Shop Local

Support local farmers and ranchers by purchasing your cubed steak from a farmer’s market or local meat market. You’ll get the freshest, most flavorful meat possible, and you’ll be supporting your community.

9. Try Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Grass-fed beef is leaner and higher in nutrients than conventionally raised beef. It can be more expensive, but it is well worth the extra cost for the health benefits and the delicious taste.

10. Use Organic Beef

Organic beef is another great option for a healthier, tastier cubed steak. Organic beef is raised without antibiotics, hormones, and other harmful chemicals that can be found in conventionally raised beef. Look for the USDA Organic label when shopping for your cubed steak.

Choosing the Best Seasonings for Cubed Steak

Now that you have your cubed meat all prepared and ready to go, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do to enhance its flavor. Cubed steak can be quite flavorful on its own, but adding additional seasonings can take it to the next level. Here we’ll run through some seasoning options for you to consider when you’re making cubed steak:

Salt and Pepper

Sometimes, keeping things simple is the best way to go. Salt and pepper can work wonders for a cubed steak. Try using a generous amount of both and rubbing it evenly all over the steak. You can opt to use more or less as per your personal taste, but keep in mind that seasoning plays an important role in making your dish taste great.

Garlic

Garlic is another common seasoning used when preparing cubed steak. Garlic can be added to the steak in a few different ways, including crushed, minced, or sliced. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many other dishes as well. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder for your cubed steak.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice commonly used in Middle-Eastern and Indian dishes. If you are someone who loves a bit of spice in your food, then cumin is an excellent option for seasoning cubed steak. It has a unique earthy flavor and can be blended with other spices as well. It pairs well with garlic, paprika, and chili powder.

Paprika

Paprika is a popular spice that’s widely used in Eastern European and Spanish cuisine. It has a slightly sweet taste and a deep red color. Paprika’s flavor profile works well with many dishes and is a great choice when cooking cubed steak. It goes best with garlic, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a blend of vinegar, soy sauce, tamarind, molasses, and garlic. It’s often added to meat dishes, including cubed steak, to add a depth of flavor. You can add it to the steak directly or mix it with oil to create a marinade.

In conclusion, there are many ways that you can enhance the flavor of your cubed steak. Whether you decide to use simple salt and pepper or blend several seasonings together, always make sure that the seasoning complements the natural flavor of the steak. Experiment with different spices and herbs, and soon you’ll find the perfect blend for your loved ones. Here’s a table to summarize each of the seasoning options covered in this section:

Enjoy Your Homemade Cubed Steak!

Now that you know how to make a delicious and tender cubed steak, I hope you give it a try in your own kitchen. Remember to use quality meat, and marinate it for at least an hour for extra flavor. Thanks for reading and I hope you visit us again soon for more mouth-watering recipes!