If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, look no further than pork cube steak cooked on the stove. This tender and flavorful cut of pork is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.
To begin, gather your ingredients. You will need pork cube steak, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, and vegetable oil. The flour mixture will help create a crispy coating on the steak, while the seasoning adds a burst of flavor. The butter and vegetable oil will be used to cook the steak, ensuring it becomes golden brown and juicy.
Next, prepare the steak by pounding it with a meat mallet. This step helps tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly. After pounding, season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring it is evenly coated. Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly to adhere. This will create a crispy crust when cooked.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook the steak in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy steak.
Serve the pork cube steak with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and green beans. This simple and tasty meal is sure to please the whole family. So why wait? Try cooking pork cube steak on the stove today and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner!
Cooking Pork Cube Steak on the Stove
When it comes to cooking pork cube steak on the stove, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow this simple recipe for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 pork cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each pork cube steak in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure it sticks.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated pork cube steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Remove the pork cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Return the pork cube steaks to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the steaks are tender.
Once the pork cube steaks are cooked through and tender, they are ready to be served. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. This stovetop cooking method is simple and produces a delicious result that the whole family will enjoy.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking pork cube steak on the stove, choosing the right cut is essential to ensure a delicious and tender result. There are a few cuts of pork that work well for cube steak:
1. Pork Tenderloin: This lean and tender cut of pork is a popular choice for cube steak. It cooks quickly and can be cut into thin slices or pounded to a uniform thickness.
2. Pork Loin Chop: Another great option for cube steak, pork loin chops are flavorful and easy to cook. They can be boneless or bone-in and are usually cut between 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
3. Pork Sirloin: This cut comes from the area between the loin and the leg and is known for its tenderness. It can be sliced into cube steak or pounded thin for more even cooking.
4. Pork Shoulder Steak: While it may not be as tender as some other cuts, pork shoulder steak can still be a good choice for cube steak. It has a rich flavor and can benefit from marinating or slow cooking to enhance tenderness.
Whichever cut you choose, look for meat that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and add flavor during cooking.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start cooking pork cube steak on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork cube steak: Look for cube steak that is well-marbled and about 1/2 inch thick.
- Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings will enhance the flavor of the pork.
- All-purpose flour: Flour will be used to coat the steak and create a crispy crust.
- Vegetable oil: Use vegetable oil for frying the steak, as it has a high smoke point.
- Butter: Butter will be used to add richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics will provide a savory base for the sauce.
- Beef broth: Beef broth will be used to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs will add a subtle earthy flavor to the sauce.
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you have everything, you can move on to the next step.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking your pork cube steak, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure it’s ready to be cooked.
1. Take the meat out of the refrigerator: Remove the pork cube steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow the meat to come to room temperature and cook more evenly.
2. Pound the meat: Place the pork cube steaks on a cutting board and cover them with a sheet of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan, pound the steaks until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly.
3. Season the meat: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the pork cube steak to enhance the flavor. You can also add additional spices or a marinade if desired. Rub the seasoning into the meat for better absorption.
4. Let the meat rest: After seasoning, let the pork cube steak sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors and helps it cook more evenly.
Now that you have prepared the pork cube steak, it is ready to be cooked on the stove.
Cooking the Cube Steak
Now that you have prepared the cube steaks, it’s time to cook them on the stove. Follow these steps for a delicious result:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Place the cube steaks in the skillet and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned.
- Remove the cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and any other desired seasonings. Cook them until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add beef broth or water to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the cube steaks to the skillet and let them simmer in the liquid for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Once the cube steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the cube steaks hot with the onions, garlic, and any remaining cooking liquid poured over the top.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked pork cube steaks!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your pork cube steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy the delicious dish you have prepared. Here are a few tips to make the most of your pork cube steak:
1. Plating
Transfer the cooked pork cube steak to a serving plate. Arrange it neatly and make it look appealing. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of freshness and color.
2. Pairings
Pork cube steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad. These sides provide a balance of flavors and textures that complement the rich and tender pork.
3. Sauces
Enhance the flavors of the pork cube steak by serving it with a sauce. A classic choice is a mushroom gravy, which adds a savory element to the dish. You can also try a creamy peppercorn sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce for a different twist.
4. Enjoyment
Take the time to savor each bite of your pork cube steak. Appreciate the juicy and tender texture as well as the delicious flavors. Share the meal with family or friends and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a tasty and satisfying dish.
Remember to store any leftovers properly in the refrigerator to enjoy the pork cube steak for another meal. It can be reheated in a skillet or oven for a quick and convenient meal. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade pork cube steak!
Variations and Tips
Here are some variations and tips to make your pork cube steak even more delicious:
- Marinate the pork cube steak for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade. This will help to enhance the flavor and make the meat more tender.
- Season the steak with your favorite spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the skillet while cooking the steak for an extra boost of flavor.
- If you prefer a crispy crust, try dredging the pork cube steak in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking it on the stove.
- You can also experiment with different cooking methods such as grilling or baking the pork cube steak instead of pan-frying it.
- Serve the cooked pork cube steak with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- To prevent the pork cube steak from drying out, avoid overcooking it. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
- Let the cooked pork cube steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat more tender.
FAQ
What is pork cube steak?
Pork cube steak is a cut of pork that has been tenderized, usually by pounding with a meat tenderizer, and then cut into small, cube-like portions. It is often used for dishes such as country fried steak.
How do I tenderize pork cube steak?
To tenderize pork cube steak, you can use a meat tenderizer to pound it until it becomes thinner and more tender. You can also marinate it in a tenderizing marinade for a few hours before cooking.
Can I cook pork cube steak on the stove?
Yes, you can cook pork cube steak on the stove. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add some oil, and cook the steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through.
What are some serving suggestions for pork cube steak?
Pork cube steak can be served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad. You can also pair it with a sauce or gravy, such as mushroom gravy or honey mustard sauce, for added flavor.