Discover the best ways to cook cube steak so it’s always tender and delicious. Avoid tough outcomes with these simple but effective tips and techniques.
Cube steak is an economical and versatile beef cut, yet it can easily turn out tough and chewy if not cooked properly. How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough? The secret lies in using the right cooking methods and preparation techniques. In this article, we will explore the best approaches to making cube steak tender and full of flavor, ensuring every meal is satisfying and enjoyable.
What is Cube Steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually derived from the top round or top sirloin, which has been mechanically tenderized. How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough? This process involves running the meat through a machine that leaves distinctive cube-shaped marks, hence the name. Despite being pre-tenderized, cube steak can still become tough if not handled and cooked properly.
Cube steak is widely known for its affordability, making it a go-to choice for budget-conscious families. However, because it is a lean cut, achieving a tender texture can be difficult without the right methods. Understanding why cube steak can be tough will help you prepare it perfectly.
Why Can Cube Steak Be Tough?
Common Causes of Tough Cube Steak
Without knowing the nature of cube steak, cooking it can easily result in toughness. Here are some common reasons why coocube steak becomes tough:
- Incorrect Cooking Techniques: Choosing an improper cooking method is a major reason why cube steak turns out tough.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Overcooking results in dry, chewy steak, while undercooking leaves it rubbery and difficult to eat.
- Skipping Tenderization: Failing to properly tenderize the steak before cooking can also lead to toughness.
To achieve tender cube steak, you need to employ methods that soften the muscle fibers. Choosing the right cooking technique is crucial to ensuring a good texture.
Methods for Cooking Cube Steak So It’s Tender
Tenderizing Before Cooking
Properly tenderizing cube steak before cooking is one of the best ways to ensure it comes out tender. If you want to cook cube steak so it’s not tough, consider using these popular and effective tenderizing methods:
Mechanical Tenderizers: Using a meat mallet is a straightforward and highly effective way to tenderize cube steak. By pounding the meat, you break down tough muscle fibers, making it easier to chew and more tender once cooked. This method is ideal if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills approach to making cube steak tender.
Marinating Cube Steak: Marinating is another fantastic way to improve the tenderness of cube steak. An acidic marinade containing ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or even buttermilk helps break down the connective tissue in the meat. The acids in the marinade act on the proteins, which results in a softer texture. For the best results, marinate the steak for at least two hours, but overnight is even better to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
Soaking in Milk: Soaking cube steak in milk is a traditional method often used to tenderize tough cuts of meat. The lactic acid in milk breaks down the proteins and fibers in the meat, resulting in a tender texture. Additionally, milk adds a mild, creamy flavor that complements the beef well. To use this method effectively, soak the cube steak in milk for at least an hour, though longer soaking times will yield even more tender results. This technique is especially useful for those who prefer a gentle, subtle way to tenderize meat without adding strong flavors.
Cooking Methods to Keep Cube Steak Tender
Selecting the proper cooking method is key to achieving tender cube steak.
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is a quick way to cook cube steak, but it requires careful handling to avoid toughness.
- Tips for Pan-Frying: Use medium-high heat with a well-oiled skillet. Sear each side for just a few minutes—overcooking will make the steak tough.
- Ideal Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until it forms a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for tenderness.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is one of the best ways to make cube steak melt-in-your-mouth tender. The extended cooking time at a low temperature makes all the difference.
- Benefits of Slow Cooking: The slow, gentle heat breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
- Best Slow-Cooker Recipe for Cube Steak: Cook cube steak in a slow cooker with broth or gravy for 6-8 hours on low. This method consistently yields tender results.
Braising
Braising is a reliable method for cooking cube steak if you want a flavorful, tender dish.
- How to Braise Cube Steak Properly: Start by searing the steak over high heat, then transfer it to a pot with a liquid like broth or wine. Allow it to simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours.
- Best Liquids for Braising: Beef broth, tomato sauce, or mushroom soup are all great choices for braising cube steak, as they infuse the meat with flavor and help ensure tenderness.
Grilling
Grilling cube steak can be tricky, as high heat can cause it to become tough. However, it is possible with proper preparation.
- Challenges with Grilling: The high heat of the grill can dry out cube steak quickly.
- Tips for Grilling Cube Steak: Use a good marinade to add moisture, and grill over medium heat for only a few minutes per side. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking.
Extra Tips to Make Cube Steak Tender
Follow these additional tips to make sure your cube steak is always tender and enjoyable:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is essential for cooking cube steak properly. Overcooking is a common mistake that leads to tough, dry meat. To avoid this, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures your steak will be juicy and tender without losing its moisture. A meat thermometer gives you precise control over the doneness, allowing you to pull the steak from heat at just the right moment.
- Rest the Cube Steak: After cooking, it’s crucial to let the cube steak rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices that have accumulated in the center during cooking to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This resting period enhances the tenderness of the cube steak and results in a much juicier bite. Cutting into the steak too soon will cause the juices to escape, leading to a drier final product. Patience here pays off in terms of flavor and texture.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the cube steak against the grain is a key step for ensuring tenderness. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. By slicing perpendicular to these fibers, you effectively shorten them, making the steak easier to chew. This technique greatly improves the eating experience, reducing any residual toughness in the meat. It’s a small but crucial detail that can make a big difference in the final result.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Cube Steak
Follow this simple, step-by-step recipe to make cube steak that’s tender and full of flavor. By following these instructions, you’ll learn how to properly tenderize, cook, and serve cube steak so that it turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup milk (for soaking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions for Cooking Cube Steak
- Tenderize the Steak: Begin by tenderizing the cube steak with a meat mallet, then soak it in milk for an hour.
- Season the Steak: Remove the steak from the milk and pat it dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Braise the Steak: Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
- Serve: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: One of the most common mistakes when preparing cube steak is overcooking it. Since cube steak cooks relatively quickly, it’s essential to keep a close eye on cooking time. Overcooking leads to a dry, tough texture that makes the steak less enjoyable. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F and remove the steak from heat promptly.
- Skipping Tenderization: Another common pitfall is skipping the tenderization step. Cube steak, by nature, contains tough muscle fibers, which means it requires tenderizing before cooking to achieve the desired tenderness. Whether using a meat mallet, marinating, or soaking in milk, properly tenderizing the steak ensures it will be soft and easy to chew. Skipping this step often results in a steak that is chewy and difficult to enjoy, so take the time to tenderize it thoroughly before cooking.
Variations and Alternatives
- Mushroom Gravy Cube Steak: Add sliced mushrooms and onions during the braising step to create a rich mushroom gravy.
- Smothered Cube Steak: Use cream of mushroom soup as the braising liquid for a creamy, comforting dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make Cube Steak Less Tough?
To make cube steak less tough and to cook cube steak so it’s not tough, it’s important to tenderize it before cooking. You can use a meat mallet, which physically breaks down tough fibers, or marinate the steak with an acidic mixture to help further break down those fibers. Common marinades include ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or even buttermilk, which help soften the meat and add flavor. Additionally, choose a gentle cooking method such as braising or slow cooking, both of which allow the meat to cook slowly, resulting in tender steak. Also, be sure not to overcook it, as high heat can make the meat dry and tough. Proper tenderizing and the right cooking technique will ensure that your cube steak is soft, juicy, and easy to enjoy.
Does Cube Steak Get More Tender the Longer You Cook It?
Cube steak does become more tender when cooked slowly at low temperatures. To cook cube steak so it’s not tough, use methods such as braising or a slow cooker, which allow the connective tissues in the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a much more tender dish. The key is to keep the heat low and give the steak enough time to become tender, which makes slow cooking or braising ideal for this purpose.
Why Do You Soak Cube Steak in Milk?
Soaking cube steak in milk is an effective way to tenderize the meat. The lactic acid in the milk helps to break down the tougher fibers in the steak, making it softer and more flavorful. This technique is particularly useful for reducing the natural toughness of cube steak, and it also adds a mild richness to the flavor. For best results, soak the cube steak in milk for at least one hour before cooking.
How Do I Make My Steak Tender and Not Tough?
To make any type of steak tender, including how to cook cube steak so it’s not tough, begin by tenderizing it before cooking. Use a meat mallet or consider marinating the steak to help break down the muscle fibers. During cooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the doneness and avoid overcooking, as that can lead to toughness. After cooking, always let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, and be sure to slice the steak against the grain. These simple steps will help make your steak tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak to perfection requires the right techniques and a little patience. By understanding how to tenderize the meat properly and choosing suitable cooking methods, you can transform a simple, affordable cut into a tender, mouthwatering dish.
Whether you choose to braise, slow cook, or pan-fry, the key lies in handling the steak gently and preventing overcooking. Proper preparation, such as tenderizing and marinating, also plays a significant role in ensuring that every bite is succulent and flavorful.
With the methods and tips outlined in this article, you can confidently prepare cube steak that’s always tender and delicious, avoiding the common pitfalls of toughness. Embrace these approaches, experiment in your kitchen, and enjoy cube steak that tastes great every time you cook it.
The satisfaction of achieving a perfectly tender cube steak is well worth the effort, and soon, you’ll have this technique mastered as part of your go-to recipes.