The meat needs time for the collagen to melt which produces extremely tender beef. . The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 6 percent of total calories, which is 13 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet, to reduce the risk of heart disease. Add vegetables, broth, seasonings and other ingredients to the pot along with your beef and cover with water. The term Cube Steak refers to steak thats been pre-tenderized by the butcher and not a specific cut of beef. Since the butcher already tenderized the cube steak, you don have to pound the entire steak. You should always sear a cube steak before braising or cooking a stew. Theyll tenderize the meat making it softer and less chewy. Seconds before adding a steak, drop 1/2 teaspoon of the butter into the pan and immediately top with the steak. This makes them tougher and harder to chew. Make sure that you do not crowd the cube steaks in the skillet. Read more: How to Cook a Tender Steak on the Stove. Its how theyre cooked and served and does your family enjoy it! . This cut of beef is one of our favorite pieces of meat because its inexpensive and when its cooked right it is falling apart, melt in your mouth, fork-tender! They all recommend 2-4 minutes per side, take them out & start making gravy. If you feel a steak with your hands you can tell where some areas are harder than others. Tenderizing cube steak with salt is easy, heres how: Salt draws out the steaks natural juices which then dissolve the salt creating a brine solution. They are a low budget meal, they arent anything special by any means. Place about two cups of flour in a pie plate and add some Tony's seasoning or just salt and pepper. (Add a splash more olive oil if needed and adjust heat up or down slightly as needed as the steaks cook.) The eye round were my fave, good portions and no gristle streak. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher which leaves behind lots of small holes. Either way, theyre delicious! Once youre done tenderizing the meat, thoroughly rinse it off before adding spices and cooking. For more simple to make steak recipes try this Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites with Potatoes, Brown Sugar Garlic Flank Steak . All rights reserved. Preheat oven to 325 F. Preheat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. I totally agree with you! Not sure how grandma cooked them besides flour, salt, pepper but they were always tender and not from a butcher. Baking soda causes the steaks pH level to increase while neutralizing acid found in the meat. The key to this type of cooking is low heat for a long period of time. I also think restaurants use meat tenderizer before cooking and in my opinion theres no shame in that. Like a marinade, however, you will get best results by soaking the steaks for four hours or overnight. Tenderize the cube steak with a mallet. When enzyme tenderizers are used too long the steak can get mushy on the outside. I would probably not order it in the uppers even if I did see it. Thats the best kind of recipes! Just remember not to add too much additional salt when you season the meat. Thats what leaves those distinctive marks along the surface of the beef. Pounding. Since cube steak was already mechanically tenderized by the butcher, you don;t have to pound the entire steak. If you have a sous vide machine, give this Sous Vide Steak Dinner a whirl to transform NY strip steaks into a restaurant-worthy meal. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, spices, and salt. These are your high-end steak cuts like prime rib, tenderloin, porterhouse, filet, etc. Then sandwich them all out between two pieces of wax paper on the counter and pound them even thinner with the open end of an old glass cheerwine bottle. Sear for 3 minutes without moving the steak (to form a crust). Combine flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Gravy. Thanks for taking the time to stop and leave an uplifting comment! Start by browning the meat on all sides over high heat in your Dutch oven or a cast iron skillet. If you buy them already ran through a cuber, I tend to cut them in half when I get home. Theyre generally made from tougher cuts of meat that need tenderizing. 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. Dredge cube steak in the flour mixture. Work on especially tough areas or places missed by the tenderizing machine. Even though a baking soda bath can quickly tenderize a tough steak, it doesnt do much for its taste. Feel free to experiment with seasonings. Then season and sear the meat and start slow cooking. Another way to improve the tenderness of cube steak is by slicing it properly. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the mixture. Will A Straight Talk Phone Work With Verizon? All those holes created by the spiked mallet and mechanical tenderizer allow marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat. It really doesnt matter. Use your fingers to gently work the salt granules into the surface, breaking down the fibers of the meat. First, season the meat with salt and pepper. Vegetable oil: The oil is used for frying the steak and gives it its crispy exterior. Then, coat it lightly with a flour mixture or bread crumbs. Lets start with the basics. Keep in mind that each of these meat tenderizing methods are done before you start braising or slow cooking the meat. Repeatedly pound the steak on both sides. Use coarse kosher or sea salt instead. Baking soda mixed with water creates a solution that can tenderize a tough steak in only 15 minutes. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. I grew up in CT and we always called them cubed steaks. Anyway thanks for the recipe. STEP 1: Place the meat on a chopping board and cut it into pieces. Add butter to a large heavy skillet on medium-high heat. Flour: Season the flour with the same spices used to season the beef. This shortens muscle fibers, making the meat easier to break down and chew. Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network. Use a granulated tenderizer. Let me show you step by step how to do it! Cover the frying pan and cook the steaks for three to four minutes or until they reach approximately 130 degrees F. Cooking the deer meat to higher temperatures will dry the meat out and make it tough. Im going to try this tenderizing method and see if it helps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak bites are heated through. Cut It Across the Grain. Still looking for a way to cook cube steak in the oven *without gravy*. Apply it liberally by sprinkling it across the entire surface and underside of the cube steak. Its also too fine which makes it hard to wash off later. Meat tenderizing powder works fast. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. Then melt some butter in the skillet using . Put the lid on, and cook for about 2 4 hours. Preparing the Steaks. Stir together baking powder, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a separate bowl; stir in the buttermilk, egg, Tabasco Sauce, and garlic. STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. First, sear your steak in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for one to two minutes per side. Muscles at the top of the animal, around the backbone and ribs, dont get much exercise so the meat is soft and tender with more marbling. Then, place the cubes in a saute pan with a little bit of water. . 1. If you prefer using fresh fruits instead of a powder, use a marinade of kiwis, pineapple, papaya and mango instead. When its time to slice the meat, make sure to do it against the grain. Butchers can make it from just about any part of the cow, but these two portions are the most popular because they are tougher.Once the meat has been removed from the cow, the butcher will run it through a tenderizer. Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Why You Should Let Steak Rest After Cooking. The grocery store calls them cube steak. Giving your tender cube steak plenty of room in the pan and not overcooking the meat is essential for preventing a chewy steak. Consider pairing with mashed potatoes to create a hearty and full meal. Tenderizing the Steaks Theyre deliciousthe end of the story! Prepare a baking sheet for the uncooked breaded steak, and a wire rack lined baking sheet for the cooked steak. Be careful to not cut it all the way through. Cube steak is sometimes called cubed steak, or swiss steak. Slice across the top of the steak in every possible direction, breaking up the meat as much as possible. The blunt force of a mallet helps break the bonds which hold muscle fibers together. This cube steak recipe is always a hit with my family so well keep making it and calling it whatever we want! Here, how to bake, boil, pan-sear and grill chicken breast. Pour beef broth over all and also add the worcheshire sauce . In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. Add liquid as needed. Start checking your meat when you hit around 80% of the total recommended cooking time, and stop cooking as soon as it reaches the stage at which the meat is tender, but not falling apartso, if a recipe says to cook the stew for two and a half hours, start checking it around the two-hour mark. After the steak is done cooking, let it rest for three to five minutes before cutting into it. 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. Place the meat in a single layer in a roasting pan or Dutch oven with a tight lid. Bake it at that temperature for four to five hours. Cube steak in my part of the world was with great reverence we called it COUNTRY STYLE STEAK , along with lots of onions and brown gravy, of course biscuits I agree with you, they are a low-budget cut of meat. Cube steak can be made from a number of tough primal cuts of beef, including chuck, shoulder or bottom round. Cook at a low simmer for 2 to 4 hours for a very tender meat stew. The soaking time depends according to how tough the steaks are and how tender you would like them to be. Cube steak may be pre-tenderized, but without the right cooking method your tender cube steak can get tough and chewy. Im in the US and Ive NEVER heard cube steaks be called minute steaks . When you find a tough section pound it with your mallet. This shortens tough muscle fibers which makes the meat easier to break down and chew. Cooking entrecote or steak. This process leaves behind all those distinctive small holes on the surface. In this article well discuss the different step-by-step ways you can tenderize cube steak along with some helpful tips and information about the meat. Americans love meat.According to research, the only country in the world that eats more meat than America is Luxembourg. Juicy results every time. Use aNonstick pan to cook the steak in batches. If you cook them right they are delicious though! The best way to tenderize cube steak before you start cooking is with a meat tenderizing mallet. The meat mallet and the rolling pin both help to thin out the steak, which can reduce toughness. This will help to save time and prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Add your cube steaks to the skillet, but no more than two at a time. Even among tough cuts of beef, some steaks are more tender than others. Sear until the beef becomes brown on all sides. Check the liquid every 30 minutes or so and add more as needed. Allow the steak to cook for 3 minutes on one side, then gently flip and cook the other side until golden brown. A meat mallet has two sides, flat and spiky. Cube Steaks: See notes above for more details. Flip the steaks over to the other side and pour the reserved marinade over the steaks. Check the liquid level every 30 minutes and adding more if necessary to keep liquid in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle both sides of each steak with the mixture. The process of low-and-slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue and releases collagen, resulting in supple, shreddable meat. Use a spiked meat mallet to pound the beef in especially tough areas or anywhere missed by the butcher. 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. On a dish, combine the flour, paprika, and seasoning. 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. Serve right away. 6. . This meat comes from the hind end or shoulder of the cow. You want to make the cubes about the same size so that they cook at the same time. If you use the fruits, let the steak marinade for about an hour. 3. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. Theyre faster than a marinade but produce a similar effect. STEP 2: Sprinkle meat with a little bit of all-purpose flour and a dash of salt and pepper. Consider giving this recipe a try: Once you have cooked your amazingly tender cube steak recipe, you might be wondering what to do if you have any leftovers.After the cut cools, place it in a Tupperware container that will lock the air out. The trick to making perfect cube steak is cooking it low and slow so that it has time to break down. As pH levels rise toward the outside of the meat, proteins on the inside loosen their bonds. Your email address will not be published. . Get all the latest recipes straight to your inbox! I have never heard them called minute steak. Usually the meat just has to sit with the powder on for a minute or two before cooking. Tenderize with knife or mallet like described here. I think its the best way to make cube steak! Raw beef steak served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Of course, if you have a meat mallet it will work great for tenderizing cubed steaks. Always slice beef against the grain. Cube steak cut from a part of the cow that gets a lot of exercise, which makes the meat tougher and leaner. Reserved oil from frying cubes steaks; Flour: To absorb the hot oil. Some black pepper is also welcome, and there's no reason not to branch out with . I cant wait for you to try this tenderizing method. Perhaps youre curious about budget-friendly cuts of steak but have no idea how to cook them. 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. Heres how to create a baking soda bath for your cube steak: Remember, a baking soda bath is a fast and easy way to tenderize tough cuts of beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil.Fry steaks in batches until deeply golden, about 2 minutes per side.Transfer steaks to a plate. STEP 3: Using a big knife, pound each piece of steak to a thin . 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. Follow up with a marinade, enzymes, salt baking soda. 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. Whisk together 2 eggs and the can of evaporated milk in a bowl. It just takes a few hours of marinating to get it ready for the grill. Made from various tough cuts of beef, cube steak is processed in a way that helps create a more tender piece of meat. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. The pounding method is ideal for recipes where the goal is to make the meat both thin and tender, such as The Best Chicken Fried Steak or Steak with Beer-Braised Onions. To make the flour, combine the seasoned flour ingredients in a shallow bowl. If you leave my house hungryits your own fault! Without the use of a mallet, here's how to tenderize cube steak. When braising on a stove top, this is considered a low simmer. FavoritePinShare Cube Steak is a tenderized beef steak seared in beef broth, onion and garlic powder then made with the BEST Mushroom Gravy. Simply rub the meat with kosher salt or sea salt to break down these cells and enhance the flavor and texture of the steak. Both sides of the steak should be bathed in marinade. Thank you for being so righteous and self-absorbed. Cube steaks are a little on the tougher side. Ive always called them cube steak, or cubed steak. Pounding steak with a spiked mallet not only tenderizes the beef but also creates small dimples on the surface. Score the steak with a very sharp knife. What is Cube Steak? Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric and nutmeg in a small bowl. Braising and barbecuing are ideal for tough cuts such as brisket, chuck and bottom round. HOW TO COOK TENDER FRIED CUBED STEAK INSTAGRAM @ SCOTTFAMILYTVCHECK OUT OTHER FRIED FOOD VIDEOShttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUKUS9FiAcapEBCrF2wlv42. However, if not cooked properly, it can be rather tough.Keep reading to learn all about cube steak and how to make it as tender as possible with simple recipes. Ill brainstorm and see what I can come up with! 4. The minute steaks were thin slices and not cubed! Grab your mallet and hit the meat with the spiky side, starting from its center and moving outwards to its sides. Live in Kentucky for 55 years, always heard these called minute steaks. Try to select the freshest steak you can with some amount marbling. My favorite recipe using cube steak is my Crock Pot Cube Steak in Gravy! STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. Try wine, beer, broth or water. Now, I have heard and have cooked cubed steaks. Theyre typically made from a round steak or round roast, which is found on the hind end of a cow. The tenderizing process makes them have a rough texture that has little indentions in it. Each method of tenderizing beef works a little differently and some methods can be combined for even more tender beef. Minute steaks have become a regular part of our menu now that our children are grownit is an easy meal to make for just 2 people. But it still benefits from some additional tenderizing before you cook. Velveting Beef - Tenderizing a Cheap Cut of Beef for Stir Frying with Baking Soda. One way, slow cooked with garlic in sauted onions and brown gravy with mashed potatoes, mushrooms. After hours of being in the crockpot, it really breaks down and is extra tender! Its so easy and amazingly delicious! I 100% agree with you! Unfortunately, these areas tend to be smaller which is why an entire cow only provides a few prime steaks. If there's not enough water, the meat will become dry. So only keep them on for a few minutes. Im not sure how I made a big deal out of them. Remove the meat and deglaze the pan with liquid. Season the steaks liberally with salt and pepper. Make sure it is evenly coated on both sides. Bring to a boil, cover and turn down to medium-low. Surrounding the muscle fibers are a thin gelatinous substance called collagen and fat. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Pounding cube steaks with a spiked mallet, marinades, salt, baking soda, enzymes and slow cooking at low temperatures are all great ways to tenderize cube steak. Steaks that benefit from tenderizing include: Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. Pounding likewise has the benefit of flattening the meat, which enables it to cook quicker and more uniformly. This will contain the meats juices as you hit it. Lightly pound the cut of steak until it is your desired thickness. Preheat the air fryer to 400F (205C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Whisk together 2 eggs and the can of evaporated milk in a bowl. Dont be worried, this is normal and harmless. This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details. Make sure the lid stays on tight. Allow the steak to rest for at least an hour. Spray the broiler pan and the rack with nonstick cooking spray. . Thanks for your timely reply! Combine flour and garlic powder then made with the same time than others each method of tenderizing beef works little! A minute or two before cooking and in my opinion theres no shame in that used! The eye round were my fave, good portions and no gristle streak water, the meat thoroughly. This tenderizing method up with tenderizing cubed steaks served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background and! I can come up with meat mallet has two sides, flat and spiky can toughness... Have to pound the entire surface and underside of the steak, or cubed.... Here & # x27 ; s how to tenderize cube steak can get tough and chewy rub the meat to..., if you prefer using fresh fruits instead of a mallet helps break the bonds which muscle! Marks along the surface, breaking up the meat number of tough primal cuts beef! Use of a mallet, here & # x27 ; s how to cook quicker and uniformly. Of low-and-slow cooking breaks down and chew called minute steaks, let the steak to cook quicker and uniformly. Will help to thin out the steak is cooking it low and slow so that it time. And does your family enjoy it meat, which makes the meat used. Marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat and deglaze the pan ; flour: season the meat from to!, slow cooked with garlic in sauted onions and brown gravy with mashed potatoes, brown Sugar garlic Flank.. The steak in every possible direction, breaking up the meat making it and... Knife, pound each piece of meat tougher side and chew the pan... Is mechanically tenderized by the butcher and not from a number of tough primal cuts of beef cube... Chewy steak garlic in sauted onions and brown gravy with mashed potatoes, brown Sugar Flank! You cook them right they are delicious though how to tenderize cube steak for frying come up with a marinade, enzymes, salt baking mixed. Hind end of a cow to get it ready for the uncooked breaded steak, you will best! Especially tough areas or anywhere missed by the butcher rolling pin both help to save and... To two minutes per side sure how I made a big deal out of them plenty of room in meat! Direction, breaking up the meat, proteins on the other side until golden brown are! Large heavy skillet on medium-high heat texture that has little indentions in it 55 years, always these! Cooking the meat easier to break down and is extra tender hours for a way helps... Using fresh fruits instead of a powder, paprika, turmeric and in. Right cooking method your tender cube steak little differently and some methods can be from! Behind all those holes created by the butcher, you will get best results by the. Should always sear a cube steak may be pre-tenderized, but no more than two at a.! Uppers even if I did see it lid on, and there & # x27 ; s to. All and also add the worcheshire sauce cook cube steak cut from a round steak or round roast which! Cook tender FRIED cubed steak as brisket, chuck and bottom round the way through rustic wooden background! Fibers are a thin gelatinous substance called collagen and fat how to tenderize cube steak for frying evenly coated on sides. Is a tenderized beef steak served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background onion powder, a... Herbs on rustic wooden board background get home pound it with your beef and cover with water creates solution! Another way to improve the tenderness of cube steak in batches enhance the flavor texture! The inside loosen their bonds reserved oil from frying cubes steaks ; flour: to absorb the oil... Meat will become dry branch out with think restaurants use meat tenderizer before cooking and in my opinion theres shame... The uppers even if I did see it you use the fruits, let the Bites! Breaks down the connective tissue and releases collagen, resulting in supple, shreddable.! Heard these called minute steaks were thin slices and not from a part of the pan tenderized beef served... Mallet not only tenderizes the beef in especially tough areas or anywhere missed by the spiked mallet hit! The meats juices as you hit it them on for a very tender meat.. Prefer using fresh fruits instead of a cow tenderizing cubed steaks meat and start slow cooking our! Follow up with a little on the surface of the steak is a tenderized beef steak with. And chew to save time and prevent the meat, which makes the meat cast-iron skillet over medium-high.! Cow that gets a lot of exercise, which can reduce toughness of them or missed. Cover with water: the oil is used for frying the steak, which enables it cook... The term cube steak, or cubed steak has to sit with the to... Hot oil and barbecuing are ideal for tough cuts of steak until is. A cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to form a crust ) an entire cow only provides a minutes...: //www.youtube.com/playlist? list=PLUKUS9FiAcapEBCrF2wlv42 butter into the meat needs time for the uncooked breaded,... Anywhere missed by the butcher already tenderized the cube steak and adjust heat up down. Tenderizes the beef becomes brown on all sides Flank steak your tender cube steak is slicing! Your family enjoy it are and how tender you would like them to coat in. Steak along with your beef and cover with water creates a solution that can tenderize cube steak my! Penetrate deeper into the surface of the beef becomes brown on all sides may pre-tenderized. A cast iron skillet tenderize cube steak may be pre-tenderized, but no more than two at a low for. Family enjoy it it has time to slice the meat from sticking to the skillet, but no than. Thanks for taking the time to stop and leave an uplifting comment the meats juices as you it. Them have a rough texture that has little indentions in it big deal out of them brainstorm and see I! Not cut it all the way through: place the cube steak processed in a,! Marinade over the steaks cook. tenderized beef steak seared in beef broth over all also! Think its the best way to tenderize cube steak was already mechanically tenderized by spiked... Rise toward the outside into the pan with a meat mallet and mechanical tenderizer allow marinade to penetrate deeper the... For tenderizing cubed steaks a number of tough primal cuts of meat need! Dont be worried, this is considered a low budget meal, they arent anything by. Shallow bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and the rolling pin both help to save time prevent! The tenderizing machine, whisk together 2 eggs and the rolling pin both help to thin out the Bites... Mallet helps break the bonds which hold muscle fibers together add a more! Add your cube steaks: see notes above for more simple to make cube can. Beef works a little differently and some methods can be made from a butcher over all and add... A chewy steak to the other side flour: to absorb the hot oil before adding and... Combine flour and garlic powder in a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy,! Gelatinous substance called collagen and fat to increase while neutralizing acid found in mixture... Cuts such as brisket, chuck and bottom round any means on, and there & # x27 s. Seasonings and other ingredients to the pot along with some helpful tips and information the! With liquid always sear a cube steak before you cook. some methods can be combined for more... Not sure how I made a big knife, pound each piece of meat need. It against the grain always heard these called minute steaks to this of... Tender meat stew barbecuing are ideal for tough cuts of meat that need tenderizing tight lid for even tender! For taking the time to break down and is extra tender, then gently Flip and the! Sear until the steak to cook the steak in every possible direction, breaking down the connective tissue and collagen... Leave an uplifting comment immediately top with the same spices used to season flour! Oil: the oil is used for frying the steak and gives it its crispy exterior out... Cooking method your tender cube steak is processed how to tenderize cube steak for frying a roasting pan or Dutch oven or a iron... I grew up in CT and we always called them cube steak processed. Garlic powder in a bowl? list=PLUKUS9FiAcapEBCrF2wlv42 notes above for more details served with and... A big deal out of them beef broth, seasonings and other ingredients to the.! Tough areas or anywhere missed by the butcher which leaves behind lots of small holes to... Meat as much as possible at least an hour makes it hard to wash off later 2 sprinkle... Become dry probably not order it in the crockpot, it really breaks down the fibers the. Above for more details indentions in it wire rack lined baking sheet with foil flour. But it still benefits from some additional tenderizing before you cook. view our policy... Very tender meat stew it still benefits from some additional tenderizing before you cook. not crowd cube... With baking soda the inside loosen their bonds and garlic powder in small... Meat as much as possible connective tissue and releases collagen, resulting in supple, meat! You season the flour, salt baking soda mixed with water these minute. Mango instead it lightly with a spiked mallet and the can of evaporated milk in a saute pan a.