Cube steak, known for its affordability and tenderness when prepared correctly, offers a versatile option for various cuisines. This cut of beef, pounded to tenderize, not only cooks quickly but also lends itself to diverse flavors, from hearty to gourmet. Here are five delectable recipes featuring cube steak that you're sure to enjoy:
Recipe 1: Classic Cube Steak with Gravy
This timeless dish envelops tenderized beef in a rich, homemade gravy, making it the perfect comfort food:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Brown the steaks for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and cook until caramelized. Stir in flour, then gradually add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, then return steaks to the skillet.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and flavors to meld.
🔔 Note: Keep the heat low to medium to prevent burning the gravy, ensuring a smooth and rich texture.
Recipe 2: Cube Steak Parmesan
For a spin on an Italian classic, this recipe transforms cube steak into a mouthwatering Parmesan dish:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan. Dip each steak in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry steaks in hot oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Place steaks in a baking dish, cover with marinara, and top with mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Recipe 3: Southwestern Cube Steak Tacos
Fuse your love for Mexican flavors with this easy-to-make taco recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- Taco seasoning mix
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings like cilantro, salsa, avocado, and lime
Instructions:
- Season the cube steaks with taco seasoning. Grill or pan-fry until cooked to your liking, typically about 5 minutes per side.
- Slice the steak into strips, warm tortillas, and assemble with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 4: Asian Stir-Fry with Cube Steak
This quick and vibrant stir-fry combines the tender cube steak with an array of vegetables and an aromatic sauce:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1⁄2 cup snap peas
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet. Quickly sear the sliced steak, remove, and set aside.
- Add garlic, stir-fry for a minute, then add peppers, zucchini, and peas. Stir-fry until tender.
- Mix soy sauce, hoisin, and vinegar; pour over vegetables. Return steak to pan, heat through, and serve with rice.
Recipe 5: Stuffed Cube Steak Roll-Ups
Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple dish:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- Spinach, wilted and drained
- Provolone or Swiss cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Layout the steaks, season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Layer with spinach, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Roll up the steaks, secure with toothpicks, and grill or pan-fry until browned and cheese is melted.
In summary, cube steak is not just an economical choice but also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer traditional dishes like cube steak with gravy or innovative recipes like Asian stir-fry, cube steak promises flavor, tenderness, and an opportunity to impress with minimal effort. Try these recipes to explore the delicious potential of cube steak and bring variety to your dinner table.
Can cube steak be cooked in a slow cooker?
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Absolutely! Cube steak is well-suited for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender over time. Add it to your slow cooker with your favorite sauce or broth for a hands-off meal that will be ready in a few hours.
How do I make cube steak more tender?
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To enhance the tenderness of cube steak, marinate it in an acidic solution like vinegar or citrus juice, use a meat mallet to further tenderize, or employ slow cooking methods which naturally break down the muscle fibers.
What side dishes go well with cube steak?
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Side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh salad complement cube steak beautifully, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Is cube steak good for making sandwiches?
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Cube steak can be an excellent choice for sandwiches due to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Consider slicing it thin for a Philly cheesesteak or using it in more gourmet options like a steak and cheese ciabatta.
