If you’ve ever asked yourself how to make cube steak tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place. Cube steak is often overlooked because many assume it’s tough and hard to cook. However, mastering how to make cube steak properly can turn this affordable cut of beef into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. This article will take you through everything you need to know — from understanding the cut to tenderizing techniques, cooking methods, and delicious recipes you can try at home.
Table of Contents
What Is Cube Steak and Why Is It Popular?
Understanding how to make cube steak starts with knowing what cube steak actually is. Unlike other cuts of beef, cube steak is not defined by its location on the cow but rather by its preparation.
The Cut and Tenderizing Process
Cube steak is typically made from tougher beef cuts like the top round, top sirloin, or chuck. These cuts have dense muscle fibers and connective tissue, which make them less tender in their natural state. The “cube” in cube steak refers to the pattern left on the meat after it’s passed through a mechanical tenderizer. This process breaks down tough fibers, resulting in a more tender steak that cooks quickly.
Why Choose Cube Steak?
There are several reasons why cube steak is a popular choice, especially for home cooks learning how to make cube steak:
- Cost-effective: Cube steak is much more affordable than premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon.
- Versatile: Suitable for frying, baking, slow cooking, or even grilling.
- Flavorful: When prepared correctly, cube steak absorbs marinades and seasonings well.
- Quick cooking: The tenderizing process allows it to cook faster than other tough cuts.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for How to Make Cube Steak
Before diving into the preparation, gather your ingredients and tools to ensure success with how to make cube steak.
Meat Selection
| Cut Type | Description | Tenderness | Price Range (per lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Round | Lean and slightly tough | Medium | $6-$8 |
| Sirloin Tip | Lean with a good beef flavor | Medium-High | $7-$10 |
| Chuck | More marbled, richer in flavor | Medium | $5-$7 |
Selecting the right cut helps with your goal of how to make cube steak tender and delicious.
Additional Ingredients
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
- All-purpose flour for dredging
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking fats: vegetable oil, butter, or a blend
- Beef broth or stock (for making gravy or slow cooking)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
Kitchen Tools
- Meat mallet or tenderizing machine (if tenderizing yourself)
- Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Slow cooker or oven-safe dish for alternative cooking methods
How to Make Cube Steak Tender: Proven Tenderizing Methods
Tenderizing cube steak properly is crucial to achieving the juicy, tender texture that makes this beef cut so satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the best tenderizing techniques for how to make cube steak.
Mechanical Tenderizing
Most commercially sold cube steaks are already tenderized mechanically. If you’re preparing your own:
- Use a meat mallet: Place the steak on a clean surface, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound it evenly with the textured side of the mallet. This helps break down tough muscle fibers.
- Use a tenderizing machine if available: These machines pierce the meat with small blades, creating the signature cube pattern.
Pro tip: Don’t over-pound, or your steak may become mushy, losing its texture.
Natural Tenderizing Through Marinades
If you want to avoid mechanical tenderizing, natural methods can help you understand how to make cube steak tender:
- Use acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, or yogurt in a marinade. These acids break down protein fibers gently.
- Add flavor with herbs, garlic, and spices.
- Marinate the steak for 1 to 4 hours — too long may result in mushiness.
Salt as a Dry Brine
Another underrated method in how to make cube steak preparation is dry brining with salt:
- Salt the steak generously and let it rest for at least 40 minutes.
- Salt draws moisture out and then reabsorbs it, breaking down muscle tissue and enhancing flavor.
- Rinse excess salt before cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for How to Make Cube Steak Perfectly
Knowing how to make cube steak tender is half the battle. Cooking the steak properly ensures juicy, flavorful results.
Preparing Your Cube Steak for Cooking
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps in browning.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and other desired spices evenly on both sides.
- Dredge in flour: Lightly coat the steak in all-purpose flour. This helps create a crispy crust and thickens gravy if you make it.
Pan-Frying Cube Steak
- Heat oil or a blend of oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the cube steak in the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty.
- Flip only once or twice to build a good sear.
- Remove steak and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Oven-Baking Cube Steak
- Brown the cube steak in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until desired doneness.
- Cover with foil to keep moist if desired.
Slow Cooking / Braising Cube Steak
- Brown the steak first to develop flavor.
- Add beef broth, onions, and seasoning to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
- This method is ideal for tougher cuts or when you want rich gravy.
Advanced Tips for How to Make Cube Steak Like a Pro
- Don’t overcrowd your pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures a crispy crust.
- Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or adjust to preference.
- Rest your meat: Letting your steak rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, making it juicier.
- Experiment with seasoning: Try smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for variations.
- Make gravy: After frying, deglaze the pan with beef broth and add flour to make a delicious gravy.
Popular Cube Steak Recipes to Try at Home
Once you’ve mastered how to make cube steak, it’s time to explore recipes that highlight this versatile beef cut.
Classic Cube Steak with Onion Gravy
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- Season and dredge steaks in flour.
- Brown steaks in a skillet; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions in butter until softened.
- Add beef broth, scraping pan bits.
- Return steaks to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes with gravy.
Cube Steak Sandwiches
- Cook cube steak with peppers and onions.
- Serve on toasted buns with melted cheese and your favorite condiments.
Quick Stir-Fry Cube Steak
- Thinly slice cube steak.
- Marinate briefly in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
- Stir-fry with mixed vegetables.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Cube Steak
Q1: How do you prepare cube steaks?
You prepare cube steaks by tenderizing tougher cuts of beef, usually top round or sirloin, using a meat mallet or mechanical tenderizer to create the cube pattern. After tenderizing, season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. For extra tenderness, marinate the steak in an acidic mixture like vinegar or lemon juice for 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking.
Q2: What cut of meat is used for cube steak?
Cube steak is usually made from tougher cuts like top round, top sirloin, or shoulder round. These cuts contain more connective tissue and muscle fibers, which require tenderizing. Because of this, they are more affordable and benefit from mechanical tenderizing to become tender and flavorful when cooked.
Q3: How long does it take for cube steak to get tender?
If using a meat mallet, tenderizing takes just a few minutes. Marinating the steak in acidic ingredients requires 30 minutes to 4 hours to soften the fibers. Slow cooking or braising can take 2 to 8 hours, breaking down connective tissues fully for fork-tender meat.
Q4: How to cook beef cubes to be tender?
Cook beef cubes slowly using moist heat methods like braising or stewing. Brown the meat first, then simmer in liquid on low heat for 1.5 to 3 hours until tender. Avoid high heat or quick cooking, which toughens the meat. Marinating beforehand also helps improve tenderness.
Q5: Can cube steak be frozen and stay tender?
Yes, you can freeze cube steak without losing tenderness. To preserve its quality, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain tenderness and texture. Avoid refreezing once thawed to keep the best quality.
you can read more about ” Don’t Miss These Irresistible Venison Cube Steak Recipes! “
Conclusion: Your Comprehensive Guide on How to Make Cube Steak
Now that you understand how to make cube steak tender and delicious, you’re ready to transform this affordable cut into meals everyone will enjoy. With proper tenderizing techniques, seasoning, and cooking methods, cube steak can be juicy, flavorful, and versatile enough for many recipes.
Remember, the key to mastering how to make cube steak is knowing your cuts, using effective tenderizing methods, and cooking with care. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and recipes to find what works best for you. Start your cube steak journey today and enjoy the delicious results!