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December 10, 2024
Cubed steak, also known as minute steak or swiss steak, is a popular cut of beef that is typically tenderized by pounding it with a meat tenderizer or fork. This process breaks down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. However, cooking cubed steak can be a challenge as it is prone to becoming tough and chewy if not prepared properly.
To ensure that your cubed steak is tender and juicy, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, marinating the steak can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade made with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil can work wonders in tenderizing cubed steak.
Another important step is to cook the cubed steak over high heat for a short period of time. This helps to seal in the juices and prevent the meat from drying out. Searing the steak in a hot skillet or grilling it on high heat are both effective methods for achieving a tender and flavorful result.
Lastly, allowing the cubed steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak. It is best to cover the steak loosely with foil during the resting process to keep it warm and retain its moisture.
By following these simple tips, you can easily cook cubed steak tender and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer to pan-fry, grill, or bake your cubed steak, incorporating these techniques will help you achieve a tender and flavorful result every time.
Easy Tips to Make Cubed Steak Tender
Cubed steak is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, it can sometimes turn out tough and chewy if it isn’t cooked properly. To ensure that your cubed steak is tender and flavorful, follow these easy tips:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
When buying cubed steak, look for a cut that has some marbling and is labeled as tender. Some good options include top sirloin, chuck steak, or round steak. These cuts are well-suited for cubing and will result in a tender steak.
2. Tenderize the Steak
To further enhance the tenderness of the cubed steak, use a meat mallet or a tenderizing tool to break down the muscle fibers. Gently pound the steak on both sides to loosen the tissues and create tiny channels for seasoning and marinade to penetrate.
3. Marinate the Steak
Marinating the cubed steak for a few hours or overnight can greatly improve its tenderness. Create a simple marinade using ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Place the steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
4. Cook the Steak Slowly
Searing the cubed steak over high heat and then finishing it off with low heat is an excellent technique to ensure tenderness. Start by searing the steak for a couple of minutes on each side in a hot skillet with some oil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the steak cook slowly for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and juicy.
Alternatively, you can also cook the cubed steak in a slow cooker or pressure cooker to achieve the desired tenderness. These cooking methods help break down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender steak.
5. Let the Steak Rest
Once the cubed steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
By following these easy tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and tender cubed steak every time. Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to find your favorite combination. Enjoy!
Choose the Right Cut of Steak
When it comes to cooking cubed steak, choosing the right cut of beef is crucial to achieving a tender result. Look for cuts of beef that are known for their tenderness, such as sirloin or ribeye. These cuts have a good amount of marbling, which helps keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking.
It’s also important to choose steaks that are cut against the grain. Look for steaks that have fine lines running through them. This is an indication that the meat has been cut against the grain, which helps break up muscle fibers and results in a more tender steak.
Additionally, consider the thickness of the steak. Thicker steaks are less likely to dry out during cooking and are easier to cook to the desired level of doneness without overcooking. Aim for steaks that are around 1 inch thick for the best results.
By choosing the right cut of steak, you are setting yourself up for success in cooking a tender and delicious cubed steak.
Tenderize the Cubed Steak
Before cooking cubed steak, it’s important to tenderize the meat to ensure it is tender and moist. Here are a few methods you can use to tenderize cubed steak:
| Method | Description |
| Marinating | Marinating the cubed steak in a mixture of acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, can help break down the proteins and make the meat more tender. Place the cubed steak in a zip-top bag or container, add the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. |
| Pounding | Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the cubed steak to help break down the muscle fibers. This will also help flatten the meat and make it cook more evenly. Place the cubed steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent any splattering. |
| Tenderizing Mallet | A meat tenderizing mallet, also known as a meat tenderizer, can be used to tenderize the cubed steak. Simply place the meat on a cutting board, hold the mallet with one hand, and pound the steak in a vertical motion. Be careful not to over-tenderize the meat, as it can become mushy. |
| Citrus Juice | Another effective method to tenderize cubed steak is to marinate it in citrus juice, such as pineapple or papaya juice. These juices contain enzymes that naturally break down proteins and help tenderize the meat. Simply pour the citrus juice over the cubed steak, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. |
Whichever method you choose, tenderizing the cubed steak before cooking will help ensure a tender and flavorful result. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you and enjoy your deliciously tender cubed steak!
Marinate the Steak for Extra Flavor
One way to make your cubed steak tender is to marinate it before cooking. Marinating helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat, resulting in a more tender and delicious steak.
Choosing the Right Marinade
When selecting a marinade for your cubed steak, you have many options. You could opt for a simple marinade made with ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. This basic marinade is easy to prepare and adds a savory flavor to the steak.
If you prefer a sweeter and tangier taste, you could try a marinade made with ingredients like honey, orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger. This marinade adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy flavor to the steak.
Marinating the Steak
To marinate the cubed steak, place it in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is well coated in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Before cooking, remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure even browning when cooking.
Note: It’s important not to reuse the marinade that has come into contact with raw meat. If you want to use it as a sauce, make sure to heat it to a boil first to kill any bacteria.
By marinating your cubed steak, you can enhance its tenderness and add a burst of flavor. Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite combination and enjoy a delicious and tender meal.
Cook the Cubed Steak Low and Slow
One of the secrets to cooking tender cubed steak is to cook it low and slow. This method allows the steak to slowly tenderize and become fork-tender.
Here is a simple recipe to cook cubed steak low and slow:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Cubed steak | 1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). |
| – Salt and pepper | 2. Season the cubed steak with salt and pepper on both sides. |
| – All-purpose flour | 3. Dredge the cubed steak in all-purpose flour to coat. |
| – Vegetable oil | 4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. |
| – Beef broth | 5. Brown the cubed steak on both sides in the skillet. |
| – Onion (optional) | 6. If desired, add sliced onions to the skillet and cook until caramelized. |
| – Worcestershire sauce (optional) | 7. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. |
| – Garlic powder (optional) | 8. Sprinkle garlic powder over the cubed steak. |
| – Onion powder (optional) | 9. Sprinkle onion powder over the cubed steak. |
| – Paprika (optional) | 10. Sprinkle paprika over the cubed steak. |
| – Fresh herbs (optional) | 11. Add any desired fresh herbs to the skillet. |
| – Slow cooker (optional) | 12. Transfer the cubed steak and onions (if using) to a slow cooker. |
| 13. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the steak is tender. | |
| 14. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. |
By cooking the cubed steak low and slow, you will ensure a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy!
FAQ
What is cubed steak?
Cubed steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that has been tenderized by a machine. It is typically cut from the top or bottom round roast.
Why is cubed steak tough?
Cubed steak can be tough because it is made from a lean cut of beef and has been mechanically tenderized. To make it tender, it should be cooked using low and slow methods.
How can I make cubed steak tender?
To make cubed steak tender, it can be marinated in a mixture of acidic ingredients, such as vinegar or lemon juice, or it can be cooked for a long period of time using moist heat, such as braising.
What are some recipes for cooking cubed steak?
Some popular recipes for cooking cubed steak include chicken-fried steak, Swiss steak, and steak and gravy. These recipes typically involve breading and frying the cubed steak or simmering it in a flavorful tomato-based or mushroom sauce.
Can I grill cubed steak?
Grilling cubed steak may not be the best option as it is a lean cut of meat and can easily become dry and tough when cooked over high heat. However, if you prefer to grill it, it is recommended to marinate it first and cook it quickly over high heat to keep it tender.
What is cubed steak?
Cubed steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized and pounded with a meat tenderizer, creating small indentations on the surface. It is often used in dishes such as chicken-fried steak or swiss steak.