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December 10, 2024
Cubed steak is a versatile and affordable cut of meat that is perfect for quick and delicious meals. Whether you want to prepare a satisfying dinner for your family or impress your guests with a mouth-watering dish, cooking cubed steak in a skillet is a great option. The skillet helps to brown and sear the steak, enhancing its flavors and creating a delectable crust. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of cooking cubed steak in a skillet, so you can enjoy a tender and flavorful meal.
Before you start cooking cubed steak, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. You can use various cuts for cubed steak, such as top round, bottom round, or sirloin. Look for a cut that is well marbled with fat, as this will ensure a juicy and tender result. You can ask your butcher to cube the steak for you, or you can do it at home using a sharp knife.
Once you have your cubed steak ready, it’s time to season it. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can experiment with different spices and herbs to add a burst of flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, so it will cook more evenly.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the cubed steak in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it develops a golden-brown crust. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful steak. You can serve cubed steak with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Step-by-step guide on cooking cubed steak in a skillet
Here is a simple recipe to cook tender and flavorful cubed steak in a skillet:
- Start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound of cubed steak
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of beef broth
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Coat each piece of cubed steak with the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to adhere.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cubed steak pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is browned and crispy.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the broth to come to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.
- Return the cubed steak to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Once your cubed steak is cooked, you can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Choosing the right cut
When cooking cubed steak in a skillet, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. The best cut for cubed steak is usually top round or top sirloin. These cuts are lean and tender, making them perfect for cooking in a skillet.
When selecting your cubed steak, look for pieces that are about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness allows the steak to cook quickly and evenly in the skillet. If the steak is too thin, it may become dry and tough. If it’s too thick, it may not cook all the way through.
Additionally, make sure the cubed steak is evenly cut. This ensures that each piece cooks at the same rate and results in a consistent, delicious meal. Avoid buying pre-packed cubed steak, as the pieces may vary in size and thickness.
Remember to trim any excess fat from the edges of the cubed steak before cooking. This helps prevent flare-ups and allows for more even cooking. Removing the excess fat also makes for a leaner, healthier dish.
Gathering the ingredients
Before you start cooking cubed steak in a skillet, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Cubed steak: 4 pieces, about 4 ounces each
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Once you have gathered everything, you can move on to the next step, which is preparing the cubed steak for cooking.
Prepping the cubed steak
Before you start cooking your cubed steak in a skillet, it’s important to properly prep the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
1. Gather your ingredients:
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy. For cooking cubed steak in a skillet, you’ll need:
- Cubed steak (about 1 inch thick)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Oil or butter for frying
2. Season the steak:
Before coating the cubed steak with flour, season it generously with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Coat the steak with flour:
Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each side of the cubed steak with a thin layer of flour. This will create a crispy crust when fried.
4. Let the steak rest:
Allow the coated cubed steak to rest for a few minutes. This will help the flour adhere better to the meat and create a better texture when cooked.
5. Pat the steak dry:
Using a paper towel, pat the cubed steak dry to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent the meat from steaming instead of searing when added to the skillet.
6. Heat the skillet:
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Allow the skillet to heat up before adding the cubed steak.
By properly prepping the cubed steak, you’ll ensure a flavorful and tender result when cooking it in the skillet. Now that you’ve prepped the meat, you’re ready to move on to the cooking process.
Cooking the cubed steak
Once you have prepared your cubed steak, it’s time to cook it in a skillet. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender dish:
1. Preheat your skillet: Place your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes so that it’s nice and hot.
2. Season your steak: Season both sides of the cubed steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will add flavor to your dish.
3. Add oil to the skillet: Once the skillet is hot, drizzle some oil into it. Use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
4. Sear the steak: Carefully place the seasoned cubed steak into the hot skillet. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice brown crust.
5. Cook to desired doneness: Continue cooking the cubed steak to your preferred level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it for about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for a more well-done steak.
6. Rest the steak: Once the cubed steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice the steak against the grain and serve it hot. You can enjoy cubed steak on its own or with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook cubed steak in a skillet to perfection. Enjoy your meal!
Serving suggestions
Once your cubed steak is cooked to perfection, you have several options for serving it. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Mashed potatoes and gravy
The classic pairing for cubed steak is mashed potatoes and gravy. The creamy texture of the potatoes and the savory richness of the gravy complement the tender steak perfectly.
2. Steamed vegetables
If you’re looking for a lighter option, steamed vegetables are a great choice. The bright colors and crisp texture of the vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak.
3. Rice pilaf
For an international twist, serve your cubed steak with a side of rice pilaf. The delicate flavors of the rice and the nutty aroma will enhance the taste of the steak.
4. Salad
If you prefer a healthier option, a fresh salad is a great choice. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for a light and tangy accompaniment to the steak.
5. Sandwich
If you have any leftovers, consider making a cubed steak sandwich. Slice the steak and place it between two slices of bread with your favorite condiments and toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and serve your cubed steak with any sides or accompaniments that you enjoy!
FAQ
What is cubed steak?
Cubed steak, also known as minute steak or swiss steak, is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet. It is usually tender, flavorful, and easy to cook.
How do I cook cubed steak in a skillet?
To cook cubed steak in a skillet, start by seasoning the steaks with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the steaks in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Can I bread and fry cubed steak?
Yes, you can bread and fry cubed steak for a delicious crispy coating. To bread the steaks, dip each piece in beaten egg and then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What can I serve with cubed steak?
Cubed steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of gravy or a creamy sauce for added flavor.
How long does it take to cook cubed steak?
The cooking time for cubed steak depends on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes about 3-4 minutes per side to cook cubed steak in a skillet. Thicker steaks may require additional cooking time, while thinner steaks may cook more quickly.
What is cubed steak?
Cubed steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized and pounded with a meat mallet or a mechanical tenderizer. It is typically made from round steak or chuck steak, and it gets its name from the small cube-shaped indentations that are left behind after tenderizing.