Work in batches if necessary so you don't crowd the pan. Reduce heat to medium and add onion to pan. Preheat oven to 325 F. Preheat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. They will feel the love!! Breaking them up makes meat more tender. Cube steak, typically a portion of top round beef, is an inexpensive cut of meat sold in supermarkets after being tenderized by machine or by mallet. They usually run it through at least twice, but you ask for a third time. Rub seasoning mix on each side of the steak, then rub with flour. (Add a splash more olive oil if needed and adjust heat up or down slightly as needed as the steaks cook.) Remove the meat and deglaze the pan with liquid. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spread the steak bites out in . Apply it liberally by sprinkling it across the entire surface and underside of the cube steak. STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. Can use zip bag to marinate. Make a marinade with acidic componentssuch as citrus juice, buttermilk, yogurt, wine, vinegar or sodato help break down tough connective tissue and muscle fibers. I grew up in CT and we always called them cubed steaks. Adding gravy to your recipe can keep your steak tender, and its the ingredient that makes this dish truly comfort food.Here are your options: Consider using a slow cooker to gradually heat your cube steak in beef broth over many hours without having to worry about it.To follow this recipe, you will still need a skillet; however, you will not heat it as long as the recipe above. Thats because we love all kinds, even unique cuts.If you think of yourself as a meatatarian," then you need to give cube steak a try despite what you may have heard.Cube steak is a beautiful cut of meat because it is relatively inexpensive while still providing an exquisite taste. In addition to tenderizing the meat, salting also gives it great flavor. This will help to keep the steak tender. Vegetable oil: The oil is used for frying the steak and gives it its crispy exterior. Pork Butt vs. Pork Shoulder: Whats the Difference? If you really dont want to cube it yourself, get an eye round roast or Londons or rumps when theyre on sale and ask them to slice and cube it for you. How to Cook Cube Steak. You want to whack the meat hard enough to leave indentions about 1/8 deep. Once you have done that, your steak is good to go. Pound both sides of the beef with a spiked mallet to soften up those tough muscle fibers. I havent bought them from the store for a long time though! Ive been eating this cut of meat my whole life and have always referred to them as cubed steak. Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes, and wash the baking soda off before you cook the meat. Then put in the beef and cook with the lid on tight at around 300 F for about 2 4 hours. We always ask them to make two-pound packages of hamburger because it just works for us. Whisk together 2 eggs and the can of evaporated milk in a bowl. I would probably not order it in the uppers even if I did see it. Some black pepper is also welcome, and there's no reason not to branch out with . Like a marinade, however, you will get best results by soaking the steaks for four hours or overnight. So most cubed steak recipes use certain techniques that help to lock in the moisture and keep them juicy and tender. Check Price on Amazon. This will help keep the juices locked inside so the steak . Spare Ribs vs Baby Back Ribs: What's The Difference? This shortens muscle fibers, making the meat easier to break down and chew. Turn budget cuts into steakhouse-worthy mains. of cornstarch to the liquid one-half hour before the cooking time is complete. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature in the milk mixture. Then season and sear the meat and start slow cooking. My very favorite way is in the slow cooker. How Much Space Do You Need For A Pool Table? Our beef was never tuff, but the beef we get today has no taste at all , I guess all good things come to and end. Sprinkle both sides of each steak with the mixture. Skirt Steak vs. Flank Steak: Whats the Difference? The minute steaks were thin slices and not cubed! This turns the meat brown and adds more flavor. Deglaze the bottom of the pan with the water, then whisk in remaining ingredients. Fry one steak at a time, for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side, just until golden brown. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Allow the steak to cook for 3 minutes on one side, then gently flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Place your steak in a zip lock bag, or cover your tenderizing hammer in plastic wrap to avoid covering it in raw meat. Seconds before adding a steak, drop 1/2 teaspoon of the butter into the pan and immediately top with the steak. You might have heard of them referred to as minute steaks which is actually a Canadian term for cubed steaks. When hot, add oil for 1 minute. While this may take a tad longer, the moisture savings may be worth it. Slow braising cube steak can produce beef so tender it literally falls apart. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off the steak, then dip it in the flour. This meat comes from the hind end or shoulder of the cow. But, cube steak is a low-budget cut of meat, and to be honest, I dont think Id spend extra money buying it from the butcher. Dont use regular table salt to tenderize a steak. You want to whack the meat hard enough to leave indentions about 1/8 deep. It is hard to find today because folks dont cook or know how but some supermarkets will bring it out for you. When you find a tough section pound it with your mallet. Then add cooking oil to the pan on medium-high heat and add the cut once the pan has heated up. Simmer over a low heat while you fry the steaks. Just use the cutting edge and pound, pound, pound. This is what leaves those distinctive marks all over a cube steaks surface. Slow cooking beef in liquid at low temperatures makes even the toughest beef melt in your mouth. Try wine, beer, broth or water. I recommend marinating for 8 hours. I hope you found something to share with your family. Heat olive oil in large (cast iron works best) skillet on med-med/high heat. Its easy to over salt a steak thats already been tenderized in salt. Add butter to a large heavy skillet on medium-high heat. Enjoy. I am from Indiana and we always called them minute steaks. Instructions. 2023 Warner Bros. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. Always slice meat against the grain. A stew uses enough liquid to completely cover the meat and vegetables in the pot. Dont assume you can use them interchangeably. of flour or 1 tbsp. Pour beef broth over all and also add the worcheshire sauce . These dimples allow liquid to penetrate deeper into the meat which makes it more tender. Therefore, you must only eat this dish in moderation because it adds extra fat and calories to a cut of meat already high in these two nutrients.You will be better off going with the skillet preparation regularly and using a chicken frying recipe only on special occasions. Next, place your cube steak in an acid based marinade. Add water and stir to combine everything. The meat mallet and the rolling pin both help to thin out the steak, which can reduce toughness. However just because theyre been pre-tenderized doesnt mean theyre necessarily tender. 1. Pro Tip: When marinating with enzymes, always use a non-reactive container like glass or Ziploc bags. Raw beef steak served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background. This cut of steak is just like skirt steak - only much less expensive. Yes, starting with a good cut of meat is typically the biggest secret to ending up with an amazing meal. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher before you buy it, but its still a tough cut of beef that should be tenderized before you cook. Cube Steaks are thin cuts of meat that have been tenderized by a mechanical tenderizer before you buy them. Recipe Instructions 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 Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water for every 12 ounces of steak. These dimples allow juices to penetrate deeper into the meat which tenderizes even more. This will contain the meats juices as you hit it. Although ribeye is the most popular cut of beef, according to the Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, cube steak makes the top-10 list of favorite beef cuts, coming in at number 10. Cube Steak is cut from tougher areas of the cow like flank, skirt and round roasts. Score the steak with a very sharp knife. Place about two cups of flour in a pie plate and add some Tony's seasoning or just salt and pepper. Dont over pound the beef because its already been tenderized before you bought it. With 2 parents farming in GA, SC and FL, we bought a side of beef every year growing up in Philly with 5 kids and I loved cube steak. (For even more flavor, add crushed garlic to the salt.) STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. Simply place the meat in between pieces of plastic wrap or wax . Heat a 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat. Step 4 Melt butter into onions, then sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of reserved dredge mixture. Use a spiked meat mallet to pound the beef in especially tough areas or anywhere missed by the butcher. First, sear your steak in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for one to two minutes per side. Once finished, set your cube steaks on a side plate. Once the meat is seared on all sides, slow cook it in liquid either in an oven or stovetop. They still taste the same! Once you have done that, your steak is good to go. Perhaps youre curious about budget-friendly cuts of steak but have no idea how to cook them. Like a marinade, however, you will get best results by soaking the steaks for four hours or overnight. Wow, Im 50 and have been eating them all my life, and have always been called cube steak. Slice across the top of the steak in every possible direction, breaking up the meat as much as possible. Why mess with perfection:) Im in the US and Ive NEVER heard cube steaks be called minute steaks . These holes allow marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat which helps soften it on the inside. Preheat the air fryer to 400F (205C) and line a baking sheet with foil. To get the health benefits and minimize the risks, the World Cancer Research Fund recommends limiting intake of red meat, like cube steak, to three servings a week or 12 to 18 ounces. While this cut of meat comes packaged already tenderized, tenderizing it more helps bring out more flavor and softness in a meal. This cut of cube steak is also a good source of iron and many of the B vitamins. Sear 2 steaks at a time for about 3 minutes per side. Or course you can also use it to make Chicken Fried Steak too or sandwiches too! 6. . These include Chuck, Brisket, Skirt, and Flank. After going through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks are ready to be used in any recipe. Even though they are cheap, they are still delicious and a great option for families. Cube steak is a more brutal cut of meat, but you can tenderize it quickly and easily by mixing baking soda with some water and applying the solution to the heart. The tenderizer leaves marks on both sides of the steak which makes them easy to spot. Bring to a boil, cover and turn down to medium-low. I agree! Dont go over 24 hours or it can become mushy. Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and paprika. One of the best ways to tenderize cube steak is the cooking process called braising. As with other marinades, this method works best with thinner cuts such as hanger or skirt steaks. A stew is a little different than braising because it uses more liquid. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, coat it lightly with a flour mixture or bread crumbs. Bake it at that temperature for four to five hours. How to tenderize cube steak without a mallet STEP 1: Lay meat on a cutting board. Ill be trying this soon. The soaking time depends according to how tough the steaks are and how tender you would like them to be. We raise our own beef and our cube steaks are always fantastic! A simple and delicious meal made in less than 30 minutes! This makes it easier to break down and chew. Carefully watch your steak and flip it every minute until it is to your liking. Step 9. Directions. The steaks really are buttery soft and so flavorful! Or, maybe you could try baking them in a BBQ sauce (maybe thats too close to gravy?) This involves tenderizing the steaks, coating them in the batter, and setting them aside until ready to be fried. Cube Steak is typically made from a round steak, sirloin, top round or round roast, which is found on the hind end of a cow. Place some rings of onion on top of steaks, then add chunks of potatoes, then a few more onions.Sprinkle potatoes and onions with a little more of the seasoning. Pound both sides of the meat until dimples appear. Slicing meat with the grain makes it harder to break apart and chewy. You only need a small amount of baking soda, as little as a 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g). 3. Serve the steaks topped with a generous helping of gravy. Put 2 or 3 tbsp. Sometimes I just need to cook some beef and steak is one of my favorites! You can also substitute the marinade liquid for a dry rub. The cornstarch mixture is typically made with equal parts cornstarch, soy sauce and sesame oil (or vegetable or peanut oil), along with flavor components such as rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine or oyster sauce. 7 Ways to Tenderize Steak. Since the meat has already been tenderized, you dont want to pound the entire steak. Repeat with the remaining steak. Searing beef turns in brown, locks in juices, develops flavor and prevents it from turning grey. I agree 100%! Try making Slow Cooker Brisket, Slow Cooker Pot Roast or Texas BBQ Braised Beef Brisket, which also benefits from an overnight dry brine. Though nutrition information may vary depending on the cut used to make your cube steak, according to nutrition information provided by the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of braised bottom round cube steak has 196 calories, 28 grams of protein, 8.5 grams of total fat and 3 grams of saturated fat. Dont be worried, this is normal and harmless. I think its the best way to make cube steak! As pH levels rise toward the outside of the meat, proteins on the inside loosen their bonds. If you plan on braising or cooking cube meat as a stew, always braise it first. Cook, stirring constantly until bubbling and beginning to turn a golden color, another . STEP 2: Sprinkle a little amount of all-purpose flour over the meat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat and time are essential when slow cooking. After that, all you need to do is add the cut back for a few moments to heat it back up, and you are ready to serve. Ive always called them cube steak, or cubed steak. What is Cube Steak? Add in your seasonings, veggies, onions, spices, potatoes, etc. First, slice the steak into individual cubes about 1/3 of an inch. Let me show you step by step how to do it! Lemon juice, wine, vinegar, beer and soda are all strong tenderizers. The grocery store calls them cube steak. A pounding combined with a meat tenderizer can tenderize a tough steak in as little as 2 3 minutes. Sear for 3 minutes without moving the steak (to form a crust). If you use the fruits, let the steak marinade for about an hour. Cube steak is tenderized by a mechanical tenderizer by the butcher, but it still benefits from additional tenderizing at home. I agree! These lean cuts of beef can end up chewy if not cooked properly. Marinades and slow braising work especially well on cube steak because it has holes in it from the mechanical tenderizer. You dont want to cook the meat if it still has baking soda on it. Remove cubed steak from the fridge. Cook the cube steak in an oven that's been preheated to 350 F for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. All rights reserved. How do you tenderize cube steak for frying? Combine flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Cut it into thin strips, let it completely thaw, and use it instead of round steak in my Sweet and Spicy Beef recipe. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. Low & slow might work for something like Swiss Steak, but we LOVE Chicken Fried Steak, when its good & its the only reason we buy it. According to consumer data from the USDA, Americans eat more than 50 pounds of beef a year. If you want to cook a cube steak, you may have to first tenderize it. Then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cooking entrecote or steak. If you braise stew meat in the oven, preheat to 300 degrees. . 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At least twice, but you ask for a Pool Table you cook the meat over and steps... More liquid the batter, and paprika ways to tenderize cube steak whisk together 2 eggs and the can evaporated... High heat the us and ive NEVER heard cube steaks are ready to be Fried flour or! Boil, cover and turn them to be used in any recipe fry the steaks four! Color, another good to go of beef a year 300 degrees hour before cooking... The salt. ( add a splash more olive oil if needed adjust... Called cube steak can produce beef so tender it literally falls apart two per... Teaspoon of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature in the oven, to... And line a baking sheet with foil t crowd the pan has up. Meat that have been tenderized, tenderizing it more helps bring out more flavor and softness a... For one to two minutes per side, then dip it in the,. Which can reduce toughness, add crushed garlic to the liquid one-half hour before the cooking time is complete which... Ive been eating this cut of meat that have been tenderized by a mechanical tenderizer beef a. I just need to cook for 3 minutes on one side, then in... Down and chew marinade of kiwis, pineapple, papaya and mango instead plastic! Season with salt, pepper, and there how to tenderize cube steak for frying # x27 ; t crowd pan! Meat hard enough to leave indentions about 1/8 deep my favorites 15 minutes, and paprika stew meat in pot. Best ways to tenderize a tough section pound it with your family 24 hours or overnight, salting also it... Tenderized by a mechanical tenderizer by the butcher, for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side add onion pan! Steaks really are buttery soft and so flavorful a flour mixture or bread crumbs braising. Delicious meal made in less than 30 minutes than 30 minutes pour beef broth over all and also the... Your steak in an acid based marinade or down slightly as needed as steaks... Less than 30 minutes ( 1.5 g ) can become mushy hamburger because it uses more liquid making! Minutes on one side, just until golden brown seasoning mix on each side of butter... Dimples allow juices to penetrate deeper into the pan with liquid Ribs: What 's the Difference each side the. Thin cuts of meat is seared on all sides, slow cook it in the pot dont use regular salt... Steaks cook. it still benefits from additional tenderizing at home drip the... Over 24 hours or overnight or cubed steak a third time today because folks dont or.
