5 Delicious Cube Steak Recipes for Quick Dinners

When it comes to quick and easy dinner solutions, cube steak is an often overlooked but incredibly versatile option. Known for its tenderizing process that involves being mechanically tenderized, cube steak can be a star ingredient in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to elegant dinners. In this post, we'll explore 5 delicious cube steak recipes that can help you whip up mouthwatering meals in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these recipes are designed to be straightforward, allowing you to bring restaurant-quality meals to your table effortlessly.

1. Country-Fried Cube Steak with Cream Gravy

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. In another dish, combine beaten eggs and buttermilk.
3. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then back into the flour for a final coat.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Using the same skillet, whisk in remaining flour from coating into the hot oil, cooking until it becomes slightly brown to form a roux.
6. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then add heavy cream, and cook until the gravy thickens. Season to taste.

⚠️ Note: Be careful when adding the broth to the roux; if added too quickly, it can splatter and make a mess.

2. Cube Steak Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan in one dish, and place beaten eggs in another.
3. Dip steaks first in eggs, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
4. In a skillet, heat some oil and lightly fry the breaded steaks until they're golden.
5. Pour some marinara sauce into a baking dish. Place the steaks over the sauce, sprinkle with oregano, and top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

3. Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, brown the steaks over medium heat, then remove them from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, cook onions until soft, add garlic, and then the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them.
5. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with parsley before serving.

4. Cilantro Lime Cube Steak

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cumin, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
2. Marinate the cube steaks for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
3. Grill or pan-fry the steaks until they reach your desired doneness, basting occasionally with the marinade.
4. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish.

5. Asian Inspired Cube Steak Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to make a sauce.
2. Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan, quickly stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender, then set aside.
3. Add the steak strips, cook until browned, then return vegetables to the pan.
4. Pour the sauce over everything, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken, and cook until everything is well coated and heated through.

Wrapping up our exploration of cube steak, we've seen how this humble cut of meat can be transformed into dishes that are not only quick to prepare but also full of flavor and nutrition. From the classic Country-Fried Cube Steak with Cream Gravy to the zesty Cilantro Lime Cube Steak, there's something to please every palate. These recipes illustrate the versatility of cube steak, showcasing it as a perfect candidate for speedy meals without sacrificing taste or quality. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a fast family dinner, cube steak can be your secret ingredient for memorable meals.

Can I prepare these cube steak recipes in advance?

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Yes, some of these dishes can be prepared in advance. For recipes like Country-Fried Cube Steak or Cube Steak Parmesan, you can bread and prepare the steaks ahead of time, and even make the gravy or sauce earlier. Just cook or heat them when you’re ready to serve.

How do I ensure my cube steak stays tender when cooking?

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To keep cube steak tender, avoid overcooking it. Cube steak is already tenderized, so quick cooking methods like pan-frying or grilling are ideal. Also, marinating or using a sauce can help to add moisture and flavor, ensuring the steak doesn’t dry out.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

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Absolutely. Recipes like Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy or Asian Inspired Cube Steak Stir-Fry can be made in larger batches and frozen. Just be sure to cool the dishes completely before freezing. They can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.