Cube Steak Recipe with Onion Gravy | Butter Your Biscuit (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook cube steak so it's not tough? ›

The best way to cook cube steak for tenderness is slowly and evenly, so a slow cooker can do the trick when you have ample time to spare. However, braising, pan-frying, and sauteing also work. Just be sure to cook with enough liquid to keep the steak moist.

It's milk.

But the acid in milk is so mild that you can soak beef in it long enough to tenderize it effectively, without damaging the proteins on the surface. The calcium-rich properties of milk react with enzymes in the meat to gently soften the proteins.

Both are smothered in thick brown gravy, but Salisbury steak is made with ground beef formed into what resembles miniature or personal-sized meat loaves. Unlike the swift cooking times required by cube steak, Salisbury steak can simmer for a longer period of time without toughening the end product.

To keep them moist and tender, first dredge the steaks in all-purpose flour. The flour not only helps to form a flavorful outside crust on the steak, but it also helps retain moisture by locking in juices. I was skeptical but this was truly the best way to cook cube steaks.

Simply season milk with nonacidic ingredients, preparing enough marinade to completely submerge the meat. Cover and place the meat and milk marinade in the refrigerator between 4 to 12 hours—whatever you deem as the perfect wait—before rinsing and patting the meat dry.

You can soak the cube steak in milk for overnight or a few hours in order to soften it and add juiciness. No need to rinse it before cooking if you're not adding any batter or breading to the surface.

Cube steak, also known as minute steak or Swiss steak, is a cut of beef usually taken from the top round or top sirloin. These cow parts are well-known because of their high collagen and connective tissue content, which can make the meat tough and chewy.

Marinate with Acid

One of the best meat tenderizer methods is to marinate the meat. Not only does a tenderizing steak marinade imbue aromatic flavour, but the acidic ingredients in it also denature connective proteins in the meat.

Cube steak is also famously breaded or battered and pan-fried for the comfort-food favorites chicken-fried steak or country-fried steak. Saucy accompaniments like brown or white gravy, mushrooms and caramelized onions are traditionally paired with cube steak to complement its firm texture.

Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of meat and has the added plus of already being tenderized. This ingredient can be a time saver on a busy night — country-fried steaks, ground beef patties, slow-cooker recipes and burgers.

Is cube steak healthy? ›

Cube steak can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan. It contains a good amount of protein and essential nutrients which can be healthy as long as they're not consumed excessively.

Tenderize with Tools: Before cooking, use a meat mallet to tenderize your steak. This breaks down tough muscle fibers and can make your steak more tender. Low and Slow: For certain cuts, it's better to cook them at a lower temperature for a longer time.

Cube steak is a cut of Top Round or Top Sirloin that's been tenderized, (pounded with a textured mallet), which leaves small indentations on the meat. This helps break down the muscle fibers, which makes it less tough and more tender.