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December 10, 2024
Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that can be tough, but when cooked properly, it becomes tender and delicious. One of the best ways to prepare cube steak is by smothering it in a savory gravy. The combination of the juicy steak and rich gravy creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Before you begin cooking cube steak, it is important to tenderize the meat. This can be done by using a meat mallet to pound the steak, which helps to break down the tough fibers. Once the steak is tenderized, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Preparing the gravy is the next step in this recipe.
To make the gravy, start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and soft. Then, sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Slowly pour in beef broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the gravy to simmer and thicken.
In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned cube steak in the skillet, cooking for a few minutes on each side until it is browned. Once the steak is browned, transfer it to the skillet with the gravy. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let the steak simmer in the gravy for about 30 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
When the cube steak is cooked to perfection, serve it smothered in the rich and flavorful gravy. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender cube steak and savory gravy!
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a type of beef that has been tenderized by pounding it with a meat tenderizer or marinating it in a tenderizing marinade. It is typically cut from the round or chuck, which are tougher cuts of meat, and then mechanically tenderized to improve its texture and tenderness.
The name “cube steak” comes from the indentations or “cubes” that are left on the surface of the steak after it has been tenderized. These indentations also help the meat absorb flavors from marinades or seasonings during cooking.
Cube steak is often used in recipes that require thin cuts of meat, such as chicken-fried steak or Swiss steak. It is also a popular choice for making beef stroganoff or other dishes where the meat is cooked in a gravy or sauce.
When cooked properly, cube steak can be tender, flavorful, and easy to eat. It is a versatile cut of meat that can be prepared using various cooking methods, including frying, braising, or slow cooking.
Why Cook Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a flavorful and budget-friendly cut of meat that is perfect for a variety of dishes. It gets its name from the small, cube-like indentations that are created by tenderizing the meat. Here are a few reasons why you should consider cooking cube steak:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Versatile | Cube steak can be used in a wide range of recipes, from classic comfort dishes like steak and gravy to more exotic stir-fries. |
| Quick cooking time | Due to the tenderizing process, cube steak cooks relatively quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. |
| Budget-friendly | Cube steak is an affordable cut of meat, making it a great choice for those on a budget. |
| Flavorful | The tenderizing process helps the cube steak absorb flavors easily, resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal. |
| Texture | Cube steak’s unique texture adds an interesting element to dishes, providing a satisfying bite. |
With its versatility, affordability, and appetizing qualities, cube steak is a great option for home cooks looking to create delicious and satisfying meals.
Preparation
Preparing cube steak and gravy requires a few simple steps to ensure delicious results. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather all the necessary ingredients: cube steak, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, vegetable oil, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Dredge each piece of cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture and shake off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cube steak to the hot oil and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining seasoned flour mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the cube steak to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let the cube steak cook in the gravy for about 30 minutes, or until tender.
- Once cooked, remove the cube steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring the gravy to a boil and let it reduce and thicken slightly.
- Serve the cube steak topped with the thickened gravy.
Now that you’ve learned how to prepare cube steak and gravy, you’re ready to enjoy this tasty and comforting dish. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
To cook cube steak and gravy, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 cube steaks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
– Salt and black pepper (to taste, for gravy)
– Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Seasoning
Before cooking the cube steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavor of the meat. Here are some seasoning options you can try:
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the cube steak to taste.
- Garlic powder: Add a touch of garlic powder to give the meat a savory taste.
- Onion powder: Use onion powder to add a mild onion flavor to the cube steak.
- Paprika: For a hint of smokiness, sprinkle some paprika on the meat.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Make sure to season both sides of the cube steak evenly before proceeding to the cooking process.
Cooking
Cooking is the process of preparing food by applying heat or utilizing various cooking techniques. It is an art form that allows us to create delicious and nutritious meals to satisfy our hunger and please our taste buds.
Cooking cube steak and gravy is a popular dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Cube steak, also known as minute steak, is a tenderized cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderized using a meat tenderizer. It is typically thin and can be cooked quickly, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals.
To cook cube steak and gravy, start by seasoning the cube steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter to the pan. Place the seasoned cube steak in the skillet and cook each side for a few minutes until browned. Remove the cube steak from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic and cook until they become soft and fragrant. Then, sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic and stir to combine. Gradually add beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Once the gravy has thickened, return the cube steak to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes until it is heated through. Serve the cube steak and gravy hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dish. The tender cube steak and savory gravy combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cooking allows us to experiment with different flavors, textures, and ingredients. It is a skill that can be honed over time, and the more we cook, the better we become at creating delicious meals. So, don’t be afraid to try new recipes and techniques in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
Searing the Steak
To cook cube steak, the first step is to sear it. Searing helps to lock in the juices and enhances the flavor of the meat.
Here’s how to sear cube steak:
- Remove the cube steak from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil or butter to the hot pan and let it melt.
- Place the cube steak in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on one side.
- Flip the steak using tongs or a spatula and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Once both sides are seared, you can proceed with the next steps in the recipe to create the gravy and finish cooking the cube steak to your desired level of doneness.
Remember, searing the steak is just the first step in cooking cube steak and gravy. Be sure to follow the rest of the recipe instructions for a delicious final result!
Making the Gravy
Once the cube steak is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Keep the drippings in the pan.
In the same pan with the drippings, add diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and drippings, stirring constantly until the flour is well incorporated. This will help thicken the gravy.
Slowly pour in beef broth while continuing to stir the mixture. This will create a flavorful base for the gravy.
Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
Return the cube steak to the pan, spooning the gravy over the steak to coat it evenly.
Cook for an additional few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the gravy is thickened and the cube steak is heated through, remove from heat and serve.
FAQ
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a type of beef steak that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat tenderizer, which creates cube-shaped indentations on the surface of the meat.
How do I cook cube steak?
To cook cube steak, you can start by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then, you can dredge it in flour and pan-fry it in oil or butter until it is browned on both sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
What is cube steak gravy?
Cube steak gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce made from the pan drippings of the cooked steak, along with ingredients like onions, mushrooms, beef broth, and flour or cornstarch to thicken it. It is often served spooned over the cooked steak and mashed potatoes.
Can I bake cube steak instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake cube steak instead of frying it. To do this, you can place the seasoned and dredged steak in a baking dish, add some beef broth or gravy, cover it with foil, and bake it in the oven at a moderate temperature until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. This method can result in a tender and juicy steak with a different texture than pan-frying.