Are you in the mood for a delightful, home-cooked meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly tasty? Look no further than the Easy Pork Cube Steak Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or planning a dinner party, this recipe promises a quick and delicious dish that's sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this culinary treat at home.
Ingredients
- 4 pork cube steaks, about 1/2 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Preparation Steps
1. Prepping the Steaks
- Trim the Fat: Remove any excess fat from the steaks to avoid flare-ups while cooking.
- Season: Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. If you like, add a sprinkle of paprika for some color.
2. Setting up the Breading Station
- Flour: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with more salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Egg Wash: Beat the eggs with milk in another dish.
- Bread Crumbs: Place the bread crumbs in a third dish. You could also mix in some grated Parmesan for added flavor.
3. Breading the Steaks
- Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip in the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat thoroughly with bread crumbs, pressing them into the meat to adhere.
👩🍳 Note: When breading, use one hand for the wet steps (egg wash) and the other for the dry steps (flour and bread crumbs) to keep from breading your fingers too!
4. Cooking
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serving
- Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving.
- Pair with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
🌟 Note: If you want a healthier option, you can bake the breaded steaks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Side Dish Suggestions
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Soft and fluffy, a perfect canvas for the rich flavors of the pork. |
| Green Beans | Sauteéd with garlic and almonds for a light, complementary side. |
| Garlic Bread | A simple but flavorful addition to soak up the steak juices. |
To wrap up, the Easy Pork Cube Steak Recipe isn't just about quick preparation; it's about delivering a dish that feels luxurious with every bite. The crispy outside with its tender, juicy inside promises a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. This recipe is easily adaptable to personal taste, making it a go-to for any occasion. Whether you're trying to impress dinner guests or simply looking for a delicious meal to enjoy solo, these pork cube steaks are sure to satisfy.
What are pork cube steaks?
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Pork cube steaks are cuts of pork that have been tenderized through a process called cubing or pounding, which breaks down the fibers and makes the meat more tender.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Yes, you can bread the steaks and refrigerate them for a couple of hours before frying. However, avoid leaving them too long as the breading might get soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
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You can bake the steaks instead of frying to reduce the oil intake. Also, using whole grain bread crumbs can boost the fiber content.
