Cube steak is a popular meat choice for many families, as it is affordable, flavorful, and tender when cooked correctly. This cut of beef is made by tenderizing a tough piece of meat, typically top round or top sirloin, which results in a cube-shaped steak. One of the most delicious ways to enjoy cube steak is by frying it. This cooking method gives the steak a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Before you start cooking your fried cube steak, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:
- Cube steak
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
Begin by preparing the cube steak. Season it with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the flavors of the meat. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Dip each cube steak into the flour, making sure it is coated on all sides. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the steak with bread crumbs, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
To cook the cube steak:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Add the breaded cube steak to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the fried cube steak hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
This simple and delicious recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, fried cube steak is a versatile and tasty dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!
Step-by-step guide to cooking delicious fried cube steak
Are you ready to elevate your steak game? Look no further than this simple and delicious recipe for fried cube steak. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, fried cube steak is sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat each cube steak in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure a good coating.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the coated cube steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the cube steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: You can serve fried cube steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish. It’s also delicious with a creamy gravy drizzled on top. Get creative and make it your own!
Choosing the perfect cube steak
In order to cook delicious fried cube steak, it is essential to choose the right cut of meat. Cube steak is typically made from tenderized round steak or top sirloin. When selecting cube steak, look for pieces that are uniform in thickness and have a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat throughout the meat, which helps to keep it moist and tender during cooking.
Consider the following tips when choosing the perfect cube steak:
- Thickness: Look for cube steak that is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This thickness allows for even cooking and ensures that the steak stays tender.
- Marbling: Pay attention to the marbling in the meat. Look for cube steaks with visible streaks of fat, as this will enhance the flavor and juiciness of the steak.
- Uniformity: Choose cube steaks that are similar in thickness and size. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture and taste.
- Freshness: Always select fresh cube steak that has a bright red color. Avoid cube steak that appears brown or has a strong odor, as this could indicate spoilage.
By following these tips and selecting the perfect cube steak, you can ensure that your fried cube steak will turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Gathering Essential Ingredients
Before you start cooking fried cube steak, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
4 cube steaks | 1 cup all-purpose flour |
1 teaspoon garlic powder | 1 teaspoon onion powder |
1 teaspoon paprika | 1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
2 eggs, beaten | 1/4 cup vegetable oil |
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you begin the cooking process. Having everything prepared and within reach will make the cooking process go smoothly and efficiently.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you will be ready to move on to the next step in cooking your delicious fried cube steak.
Prepping the cube steak
Before cooking the cube steak, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
1. Start by patting the cube steak dry using paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
2. Season both sides of the cube steak generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the meat.
3. You can also add additional spices or herbs according to your taste preferences. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
4. Allow the cube steak to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after seasoning. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
5. While the cube steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with it.
By prepping the cube steak properly, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.
Breading the cube steak
Once you have prepared your cube steak by tenderizing it and seasoning it to your liking, it’s time to bread it. Breading the steak not only adds a delicious crispy coating but also helps to seal in the flavors.
To bread the cube steak, you will need a breading mixture. You can make a simple breading mixture by combining flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices in a shallow bowl. Mix the ingredients well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Take one piece of cube steak and coat it in the breading mixture, pressing the mixture onto the steak to ensure it adheres well. Make sure to coat both sides of the steak thoroughly. Repeat this process for each piece of cube steak you are cooking.
Once all the steaks are breaded, set them aside on a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the breading to adhere to the steak and helps to create a crispier coating when fried.
Cooking the cube steak
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your cube steak recipe, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious fried cube steak:
- Remove the cube steak from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, tenderize the cube steak on both sides. This will help to break down the tough fibers and make it more tender.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cube steak in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cube steak from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the fried cube steak immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
Enjoy your homemade fried cube steak!
Serving and enjoying your fried cube steak
Once your fried cube steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips on how to serve and enhance the flavor of your steak:
1. Plating
First, transfer your fried cube steak onto a clean serving plate. Take care to drain any excess oil or grease before plating the steak. This will ensure a cleaner presentation.
2. Sides and accompaniments
Fried cube steak pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. These side dishes will provide a balanced and well-rounded meal.
Additionally, you can also serve your steak with a side of warm gravy or sautéed onions and mushrooms. These add-ons will enhance the flavor profile of the dish and provide a satisfying umami taste.
Remember to season your sides and accompaniments well to complement the flavor of the fried cube steak. Salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme can all be used to enhance the taste.
3. Garnish
To add a touch of freshness and visual appeal to your dish, consider garnishing your fried cube steak with some finely chopped parsley or green onions. These green accents will add a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
4. Enjoying the dish
When ready to eat, use a knife and fork to cut into the succulent cube steak. Take a moment to savor the aroma and appreciate the crispy exterior and tender interior of the steak. The flavors will be enhanced by the sides and accompaniments you have chosen.
Pair your meal with a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing iced tea to complete the dining experience. Don’t forget to enjoy the company and conversation that comes with sharing a delicious meal.
So there you have it! A guide on how to serve and enjoy your fried cube steak. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to have a satisfying and memorable dining experience with this delicious dish.
FAQ
What is cube steak?
Cube steak refers to a cut of beef, usually from the top or bottom round that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat tenderizer. It gets its name from the tiny cuts or indentations made by the tenderizer, which resemble a cube pattern.
What are some tips for cooking cube steak?
When cooking cube steak, it’s important to remember a few tips. First, season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before cooking. Next, dredge the steak in flour to help create a crispy crust when frying. Lastly, be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough and chewy.
Can cube steak be grilled instead of fried?
Yes, cube steak can be grilled instead of fried. Grilling the steak can give it a slightly different flavor and texture compared to frying. To grill cube steak, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
What side dishes would go well with fried cube steak?
There are several side dishes that pair well with fried cube steak. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and a fresh green salad. These sides provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the richness of the fried steak.
Can you use a different type of meat for cube steak?
Traditionally, cube steak is made from beef, most commonly a cut from the top or bottom round. However, you can also use other cuts of meat for cube steak, such as pork or chicken. The tenderizing process is the same, regardless of the type of meat used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized and pounded into thin slices. It is often used for making dishes like chicken fried steak.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of cube steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like sirloin or round steak for this recipe. Just make sure to pound it thin and tenderize it before cooking.