When you think about cube steak, you might not realize just how versatile it can be in the kitchen. You can whip up a satisfying meal that suits any occasion, whether it's a comforting Chicken Fried Steak or a hearty Cube Steak Chili for those chilly nights. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and simplicity, ensuring you won't be spending all day in the kitchen. So, what are the top five cube steak recipes you should try? Let's investigate some options that might just become your new favorites.
Classic Chicken Fried Steak
Classic Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern dish that features tender cube steak coated in a crispy, golden-brown batter and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and is often served with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal.
It's a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by tenderizing the cube steaks with a meat mallet, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the 1/4 cup of flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to achieve that crispy coating.
You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the batter into the pan; it should sizzle immediately.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
This dish is best served hot, so prepare your sides ahead of time to enjoy the chicken fried steak at its best.
Don't forget to save any leftover gravy for drizzling on mashed potatoes or biscuits!
Savory Cube Steak Stroganoff
Savory Cube Steak Stroganoff is a delightful twist on the classic beef stroganoff, featuring tender cube steaks that soak up a rich and creamy sauce. This dish combines the heartiness of beef with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the brightness of onions, all enveloped in a luscious sour cream sauce.
Perfect for a cozy dinner, it pairs beautifully with egg noodles or rice, making it a comforting meal that's sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Egg noodles or rice (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the cube steaks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the cube steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Next, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, bringing the mixture to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour, then stir it into the skillet, returning the cube steaks to the pan.
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve over egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the cube steaks in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and garlic for a few hours before cooking.
Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour or reduce the beef broth slightly. Always taste the sauce before serving, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Finally, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition in your stroganoff!
BBQ Cube Steak Sandwiches
BBQ cube steak sandwiches are a delicious and hearty meal that can easily be prepared for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The cube steak, known for its tenderness due to the meat being tenderized, pairs wonderfully with a smoky BBQ sauce that infuses flavor into every bite.
Served on a soft bun with your choice of toppings, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy any appetite and make for a perfect summertime barbecue dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 sandwich buns
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, cheese
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cube steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle a little olive oil on the grill or in the skillet and add the steak.
Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness. During the final minute of cooking, brush the steak generously with BBQ sauce.
In a separate skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper until they're soft and caramelized. Once the steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assemble the sandwiches by placing the sliced steak on the bottom half of each bun, topping it with sautéed veggies, and adding any optional toppings you desire. Finish with the top half of the bun and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the cube steak in your BBQ sauce for a couple of hours or overnight before grilling.
You can also experiment with different types of BBQ sauces to find a flavor profile that you love. If you're cooking for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe or using a slow cooker to keep the steak warm and tender until serving.
Finally, don't forget to toast the sandwich buns for added texture and flavor!
One-Pan Cube Steak and Veggies
One-Pan Cube Steak and Veggies is a delicious and hearty meal that brings together tender cube steaks with vibrant vegetables, all cooked in one pan for an easy cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of seasonings and the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables create a delightful dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cube steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the cube steaks with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the cube steaks to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, broccoli, and baby carrots.
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Return the cube steaks to the pan, nestling them among the veggies, and add soy sauce if desired.
Cover and let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the veggies, as this can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
If you prefer your steaks medium or well-done, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences; zucchini, asparagus, or even mushrooms would work wonderfully.
For added flavor, consider marinating the cube steaks for a few hours before cooking. Enjoy your one-pan meal!
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Chili
Slow Cooker Cube Steak Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. This recipe transforms tender cube steak into a flavorful chili, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory meal that pairs well with cornbread or over rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
To prepare the Slow Cooker Cube Steak Chili, start by placing the cube steak pieces in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers on top of the meat.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the steak is coated with the seasonings.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the steak is tender and the flavors have melded together.
For best results, consider browning the cube steak in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step improves the flavor and adds depth to the chili.
Additionally, feel free to customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dish. Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.