Cube steak is a budget-friendly cut of beef that's been mechanically tenderized, making it perfect for fast and delicious meals
What it is:
- It's typically a less tender cut of beef (like round steak) that's been run through a machine with metal blades or needles, creating those characteristic "cube" indentations.
- This process breaks down the tough muscle fibers, making it much more tender and quicker to cook.
Why it's great:
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Quick Cooking: Because it's already tenderized, cube steak cooks very quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
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Budget-Friendly: It's usually a very affordable cut of beef.
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Versatile: You can pan-fry it, bread it, or even use it in stews and casseroles.
How to cook it:
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Pan-Frying: This is the most common method. Season it well, and cook it quickly over medium-high heat.
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Breaded and Fried: For a classic comfort food dish, bread it and fry it like chicken-fried steak
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Braising: You can also braise cube steak in a flavorful sauce for a tender and hearty meal
Tips for success:
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Don't overcook: Cube steak is thin and cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, or it will become tough.
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Season generously: It benefits from a good seasoning.
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Use a flavorful sauce: Whether it's a simple pan sauce or a rich gravy, a flavorful sauce complements cube steak perfectly.
Perfect for:
- Chicken-fried steak
- Quick pan-fried dinners
- Beef and gravy
- Easy casseroles
Cube steak is your go-to for fast, affordable, and tasty beef meals. It's pre-tenderized, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.