Cube Steak
Cube Steak is a tenderized, budget-friendly cut of beef that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for a variety of easy and flavorful meals. This recipe guides you through searing the steak to a golden crust and making a rich beef gravy, resulting in a juicy, comforting dinner ideal for weeknights.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free Option
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cube steak, tenderized
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Prepare the Meat: Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge the steak in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating without clumps.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Heat until a drop of water sizzles upon contact, preparing the pan to sear the steak properly and lock in the juices.
- Sear the Cube Steak: Place the floured steak in the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a crispy crust on each piece.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the steak and set aside. Add a bit more butter to the same pan if necessary, then whisk in beef broth while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken into a savory gravy.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the steak to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the meat further.
Notes
- Choose cube steaks with tenderizing marks for the best flavor and texture.
- Coating the steak with flour creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken the gravy.
- Use medium to medium-high heat to brown without burning the flour coating.
- Rest the meat for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- If cube steak isn’t pre-tenderized, gently pound it before seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz cube steak with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cube steak, tenderized beef, quick dinner, pan-fried beef, easy beef recipe, budget-friendly steak