Cube steak often gets a bad reputation. It’s one of those cuts that, when cooked incorrectly, can turn into a tough, chewy disappointment. But knowing how to cook cube steak so it’s not tough can completely change your approach. In fact, with the right techniques, you can turn cube steak into a tender, flavorful dish that will impress anyone you serve it to.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook cube steak so it’s not tough. From choosing the right cut to mastering cooking methods and using the best seasoning, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to ensure you get tender, flavorful results every time.
What Is Cube Steak and Why Does It Often Turn Out Tough?
Before we dive into the ways to cook cube steak to perfection, let’s first talk about what it is. Cube steak is a beef cut that has been tenderized, typically by a machine that creates small indentations in the meat. This process is meant to break down tough fibers, but if you don’t cook the meat properly, it can still turn out tough. Therefore, understanding how to cook cube steak so it’s not tough is key to getting the perfect meal every time.
Understanding Cube Steak’s Toughness
Cube steak often comes from the tougher parts of the cow, usually the round or chuck area, which are known for their chewy texture. These cuts need a bit of extra care to soften and develop the tender, juicy texture we all want. When cooked improperly—whether by overcooking, using the wrong technique, or not tenderizing the steak enough—it can result in a tough, stringy bite. But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can avoid this common pitfall.
Choosing the Right Cube Steak for Tenderness
Not all cube steaks are created equal. When shopping for cube steak, it’s important to select a cut that will give you the best chance for tenderness.
Look for Marbling
Marbling refers to the small streaks of fat that run through the meat. These pockets of fat are essential for flavor and moisture. They help keep the steak juicy during cooking, making it less likely to turn tough. When shopping for cube steak, aim for cuts with good marbling.
Grade of Beef
The USDA grades beef based on quality, and this can impact how tender your cube steak will be. There are three main grades you’ll find in most grocery stores:
- Prime: This is the highest quality of beef, with the most marbling and tenderness.
- Choice: Slightly less marbled than prime, but still a great option for cooking.
- Select: This is a leaner grade of beef with less marbling. While it can still make a delicious steak, it’s more likely to turn out tough if not cooked properly.
When possible, choose a higher-grade cube steak to increase your chances of achieving a tender result.
Key Techniques for Cooking Cube Steak So It’s Not Tough
Cube steak can be tricky to cook, but with the right techniques, you can ensure it turns out tender and flavorful every time. Here are some essential tips to help you cook cube steak to perfection.
Use a Meat Tenderizer
One of the first things you can do to prevent tough cube steak is to tenderize it further. While cube steak is already mechanically tenderized, you can enhance this process with a meat mallet or a needle tenderizer. By pounding the steak with the mallet, you can break down the tough fibers and ensure a more tender result.
Be careful not to overdo it, as excessive tenderizing can cause the meat to become mushy. A few gentle strikes on each side should be enough.
Marinate the Steak
Marinating cube steak in an acidic liquid can help break down the fibers and infuse the meat with flavor. A marinade that contains vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk can help to tenderize the steak while adding moisture. Let the steak sit in the marinade for at least an hour, or even overnight for the best results.
Here are some marinade ideas:
- Buttermilk and spices: Buttermilk is particularly good for tenderizing meat and adding a subtle tangy flavor.
- Soy sauce-based marinade: The salt in soy sauce breaks down muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.
- Lemon or vinegar-based marinade: The acidity in lemon juice or vinegar helps to break down tough proteins in the meat.
Cook Over Low Heat (Low and Slow Method)
Cube steak benefits from slower cooking methods that allow the meat to break down and become tender. When cooking at a high temperature, you risk drying out the steak, which leads to a tough texture. Instead, try cooking your cube steak over low heat to keep the moisture in and make the meat more tender.
If you’re cooking on the stove, use a lower setting and give the meat extra time to cook. Alternatively, you can braise the steak in a pot with liquid, which is one of the best ways to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth result.
Best Cooking Methods to Make Cube Steak Tender
Now that you have some foundational knowledge about cube steak, let’s explore the best cooking methods to make it tender. Depending on your preferred cooking style and the time you have, you can choose from these methods:
Pan-Frying Cube Steak
Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook cube steak. However, it can also dry out the meat if not done carefully. Here’s how to pan-fry cube steak without making it tough:
- Season the Steak: Before cooking, season your cube steak with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
- Heat the Skillet: Use a heavy skillet, like a cast-iron pan, for even heat distribution. Heat it on medium-high and add a little oil.
- Sear the Steak: Sear the steak on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Lower the Heat: Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through without becoming dry.
Adding a small amount of butter toward the end of cooking can help enhance the tenderness and flavor.
Braising Cube Steak
Braising is one of the best methods to make cube steak tender and juicy. This slow-cooking process involves cooking the meat in a liquid at a low temperature for a long period of time. Here’s how to braise cube steak:
- Brown the Steak: First, brown the cube steak in a skillet with oil. This step helps develop flavor.
- Add Liquid: After browning, add beef broth, wine, or a combination of both to the pan. The liquid should cover the steak about halfway.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer the steak for 1-2 hours. The low heat and moisture will help tenderize the meat.
- Finish the Dish: Once the steak is fork-tender, serve it with your favorite sides.
Grilling Cube Steak
Grilling cube steak is a great option for those who love a smoky flavor. However, grilling can quickly dry out the steak if you’re not careful. Here’s how to grill cube steak perfectly:
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the Steak: Season your cube steak with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices.
- Grill the Steak: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the correct internal temperature. You want it to be around 145°F for medium-rare.
Recipes for Tender Cube Steak
Now that you know the best cooking methods, let’s get into some delicious recipes that will help you make cube steak tender and flavorful.
Recipe 1: Simple Pan-Fried Cube Steak
Ingredients:
- 2 cube steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear each side of the cube steak for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add butter. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the steak is tender.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe 2: Braised Cube Steak with Onions and Gravy
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the cube steaks in a large skillet, remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until soft.
- Add flour to create a roux, then slowly add beef broth.
- Return steaks to the pan and simmer for 1-2 hours until the steaks are tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
Common Mistakes That Make Cube Steak Tough and How to Avoid Them
Even with all the best tips, you may still encounter some challenges when cooking cube steak. Here are some common mistakes that can lead to tough results:
- Overcooking the Meat: Cube steak cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to avoid this.
- Not Tenderizing Enough: If you skip the tenderizing step, your cube steak might still be tough, even after cooking. Use a meat mallet or marinade to ensure tenderness.
- Using the Wrong Cooking Method: If you treat cube steak like a regular steak and grill it at high heat, it’s more likely to be tough. Opt for slower methods like braising or pan-frying with careful attention to heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make cube steak tender without marinating it?
- Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak or cook it slowly using a braising method.
- What’s the best way to cook cube steak so it doesn’t get tough?
- Braising, slow-cooking, or pan-frying on low heat are the best ways to keep cube steak tender.
- Is it better to grill or fry cube steak?
- Pan-frying or braising is recommended for the best results, as grilling can cause the steak to dry out quickly.
- Can you cook cube steak in the oven?
- Yes, braising or baking with liquid in a covered dish can make cube steak tender.
- How do you make cube steak juicy?
- Marinating, tenderizing, and cooking slowly all contribute to keeping the steak juicy.
- What is the best seasoning for cube steak?
- Simple salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder work great, but feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Conclusion
Cube steak doesn’t have to be tough. By following the right techniques and cooking methods, you can turn this affordable cut of meat into a juicy, tender dish. Whether you pan-fry, braise, or grill, the key is to tenderize the meat, cook it slowly, and avoid overcooking.
Now that you know how to cook cube steak so it’s not tough, why not give it a try? With a few simple tricks and some patience, you can create a meal that everyone will love.