Cube steak is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. This budget-friendly cut of beef is tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet, which creates a texture that is perfect for breading and frying.
➤ You’ll need :
- 4 cube steaks
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, separated
Meat Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Gravy:
- ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube, or tsp better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½ inch strings
➤ Step-by-Step Guide to Making it :
See notes section below for Slow Cooker instructions.
Seasoning Prep: Combine the meat seasoning mix and set aside.
Gravy Prep: Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a medium bowl and whisk until incorporated and smooth.
Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup beef broth, 1 beef bouillon, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine and set aside.
Meat Prep: Place saran wrap over each cube steak and use the rough end of a meat tenderizer to pound it thin, about ½ inch thick or so.
This really makes a nice difference in the consistency of the meat even though cube steak has already been tenderized.
Rub seasoning mix on each side of the steak, then rub with flour.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear 2 steaks at a time for about 3 minutes per side. (Add a splash more olive oil if needed and adjust heat up or down slightly as needed as the steaks cook.) Set steaks on a plate to rest.
Leave the meat flecks in the pan, this is called “fond” and it will add flavor to the gravy. If you have any black/burnt areas, use a damp paper towel to carefully clean that out.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to ‘clean’ the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and toss to coat.
Cook the onions for 15-25 minutes, until desired consistency is obtained. I like mine very soft and reduced, almost caramelized. Be sure to stir them often as they cook.
Add the liquid gravy mixture and use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the pan once again. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Add the steaks and any juices back to the pan and spoon some gravy on the top of each steak.
Simmer with the lid partially covered for 5 minutes or so, until the gravy is thickened and the meat is cooked to your liking.
Optional: Remove from heat and melt 2 Tablespoons cold butter at the end for a silky, velvety finish. This is a technique that chefs use called “monter au beurre”.
Serve with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and roasted carrots or green beans.
➤ Pro Tips:
- Use a meat mallet to tenderize the cube steaks before breading them. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cube steaks. You want the oil to be around 350°F for the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the cube steaks. This will lower the temperature of the oil and make the steaks greasy and soggy.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made seasoning blend instead of mixing your own spices.
➤ Storage:
Leftover cube steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
➤ Nutrition Information:
One serving of cube steak (4 oz) contains approximately:
Calories: 220
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 280mg
Cube steak is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for any night of the week. By following these pro tips and storage advice, you can enjoy this classic comfort food whenever you want.
That’s it, all you have to do is Enjoy !
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