Stovetop Cubed Steak Recipes: Simple and Delicious Meals
There's something deeply comforting about a well-cooked steak, especially when it's prepared in a skillet on the stovetop. Cubed steak, known for its tenderizing process, provides an excellent canvas for various flavors and cooking methods. This blog post delves into simple yet delicious stovetop cubed steak recipes that are sure to become staples in your meal rotation. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, these recipes will offer a delightful experience in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before diving into the recipes, let’s go over the basics:
- Cubed Steak: This is typically made from top round or top sirloin, which is tenderized mechanically to give it that ‘cubed’ look. When selecting cubed steak at the grocery store, look for pieces that are uniformly tenderized with minimal gristle.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other spices you enjoy. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely touch.
- Cooking Oil: High smoke point oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are ideal for searing.
- Butter: For that extra flavor and rich browning.
- Pantry Basics: Flour for dredging, broth for braising, and perhaps a touch of wine or vinegar for deglazing.
Ensuring you have all these ingredients ready will streamline your cooking process.
Classic Gravy Cubed Steak
This recipe is all about that rich, savory gravy that coats every fiber of the steak, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 cubed steaks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
Steps:
- Prepare the Steaks: Season steaks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steaks on both sides, about 3 minutes each, then set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and a little more oil if needed. Sauté until onions are translucent. Deglaze with a bit of broth, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of the remaining flour, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Slowly whisk in the rest of the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Return the steaks to the skillet, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the steak is tender. Finish by stirring in butter for a rich gravy.
📌 Note: For a thicker gravy, you can mix some of the broth with cornstarch before adding it to the skillet.
Southwestern Style Cubed Steak
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, this Southwestern inspired recipe is just the ticket.
Ingredients:
- 4 cubed steaks
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Steps:
- Season the Steaks: Rub the steaks with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the steaks for about 3 minutes on each side, then remove.
- Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary and sauté the peppers and onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for a minute.
- Combine: Pour in the diced tomatoes, return the steaks to the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
These recipes showcase the versatility of cubed steak, proving that it can be the star of both comfort food and spiced-up, vibrant dishes.
Wrapping up our exploration of stovetop cubed steak recipes, we've covered a spectrum of flavors and techniques. From the soul-warming comfort of a classic gravy recipe to the vibrant zest of a Southwestern dish, cubed steak offers a culinary canvas for home cooks. These recipes not only promise a delightful eating experience but also simplify the cooking process, ensuring that anyone can achieve tender, flavorful steak at home. The beauty lies in the simplicity and the ability to customize flavors according to taste, making each meal uniquely yours. Whether you're looking for something straightforward or a bit adventurous, these recipes provide a foundation for delicious meals that celebrate the rich flavors of cubed steak.
What is cubed steak?
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Cubed steak is a cut of beef, usually from the top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized mechanically to create cube-like indentations on the surface. This process helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and ready to absorb flavors during cooking.
How do I prevent cubed steak from becoming tough?
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To keep cubed steak from getting tough, ensure you don’t overcook it. Sear it quickly over high heat to lock in flavor and moisture, then allow it to cook in liquid like broth or gravy over low heat, which helps in tenderizing the meat further.
Can these recipes be adjusted for different diets?
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Yes, these recipes are quite versatile. For gluten-free diets, substitute flour with almond or coconut flour. For those avoiding dairy, use oils instead of butter. Vegetarians might consider using plant-based steak alternatives or thick slices of eggplant for a similar cooking experience.