how to tenderize cube steak for frying
Check that the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be sure that it has been thoroughly cooked. Pound the steaks to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. You only need a small amount of baking soda, as little as a 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g). Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water for every 12 ounces of steak. Whisk together 2 eggs and the can of evaporated milk in a bowl. Slow braising cube steak can produce beef so tender it literally falls apart. First, you'll need to season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Serve right away. STEP 3: Pound each piece of steak with a large knife. Preheat oven to 325 F. Preheat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. This tenderizing process is how cube steak got its name. 2023 Warner Bros. If you want to cook a cube steak so that it isnt tough, the secret is tenderizing it before you cook followed by braising or turning it into a stew. If you really dont want to cube it yourself, get an eye round roast or Londons or rumps when theyre on sale and ask them to slice and cube it for you. Either way, theyre delicious! They usually run it through at least twice, but you ask for a third time. They will feel the love!! My favorite recipe using cube steak is my Crock Pot Cube Steak in Gravy! Low & slow might work for something like Swiss Steak, but we LOVE Chicken Fried Steak, when its good & its the only reason we buy it. We raise our own beef. Selective focus. Next, heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and cook the steak for 6-7 minutes per side. A metal bowl can react with the acids giving your steak a strange metallic flavor. After going through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks are ready to be used in any recipe. Then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Start by tenderizing your cube steaks until you get them to about 1/2 thick. Turning over a few times. But its very flavorful beef thats inexpensive, which makes it perfect for steak dishes like tacos, fajitas, sandwiches or a stew. Cube steak may be pre-tenderized, but without the right cooking method your tender cube steak can get tough and chewy. Cook each steak for two or three minutes on each side at medium-high heat, making the total time anywhere between 4 to six minutes. 6. . Use coarse kosher or sea salt instead. Flip the steaks over to the other side and pour the reserved marinade over the steaks. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. The spiky points cut up the connective tissue and muscle fibers, so you can cook steak quickly over high heat. Then put in the beef and cook with the lid on tight at around 300 F for about 2 4 hours. Right! Minute steaks are usually rib eye meat, set up for cheesesteak. After going through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks are ready to be used in any recipe. I agree with you, they are a low-budget cut of meat. One way to make tougher meats tender starts with your knife and fork (or on your cutting board). The meat is generally cut from tough and lean cuts of beef like skirt, flank, chuck or round roasts. Steaks that benefit from tenderizing include: Using a meat mallet (or kitchen mallet) to pound steaks helps soften and tenderize the meat. Ill brainstorm and see what I can come up with! Pounding also has the advantage of flattening the meat, which allows it to cook more quickly and more evenly. Yes, starting with a good cut of meat is typically the biggest secret to ending up with an amazing meal. When you are ready to enjoy the rest of your delicious meal, there are a few ways to go about reheating it. After that, you need to get your large skillet ready by heating a tablespoon of olive oil. 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Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the mixture. You can also substitute the marinade liquid for a dry rub. The secret to tenderizing your cube steak is to soak it in a mixture made from milk and eggs. STEP 2: Sprinkle meat with a little bit of all-purpose flour and a dash of salt and pepper. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, Natural Health: How to Tenderize Beef with Baking Soda, Easy Steak Marinades: How do You Fix Cube Steak. I also use cube steak in my Slow Cooker Beef Stew! Once the oil is hot, add the cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Ingredients you need: Vegetable oil: For frying. (Add a splash more olive oil if needed and adjust heat up or down slightly as needed as the steaks cook.) Let me show you step by step how to do it! Be careful to not cut it all the way through. Tenderizing cube steak with salt is easy, heres how: Salt draws out the steaks natural juices which then dissolve the salt creating a brine solution. These include Chuck, Brisket, Skirt, and Flank. You might have heard of them referred to as minute steaks which is actually a Canadian term for cubed steaks. per side. Repeatedly pound the steak on both sides. Let it cook on low for six to eight hours to end up with perfectly tender cube steak. of cornstarch to the liquid one-half hour before the cooking time is complete. Season steak with paper and salt and then dredge in flour mixture, taking care, not to overcoat. We raise our own beef and our cube steaks are always fantastic! Feel free to experiment with seasonings. Sear cube steak in small batches on all sides. Once youre done tenderizing the meat, thoroughly rinse it off before adding spices and cooking. However, the cooking method you use may turn your tender cube steak into a chewy, tough slab of inedible meat. Follow these steps and youll never dry it out. Place about two cups of flour in a pie plate and add some Tony's seasoning or just salt and pepper. Dredge cube steaks in flour mixture, gently shaking off excess. Season each side of the steak before placing it on the rack. Step 9. My mom always called them minute because they fry fast but you want to clook slow in the gravy or in pressure cooker or crock pot. Then soak the meat in a marinade or use salt, enzymes or baking soda to further tenderize the meat. Slow cook cube meat long enough and the meat will literally fall apart. Searing beef turns in brown, locks in juices, develops flavor and prevents it from turning grey. Lay the cube steaks on the baking pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper and a little Worcestershire sauce. This makes them tougher and harder to chew. Scoring meat involves cutting shallow slits into its surface. Allowing the steaks to warm up allows the milk to penetrate the meat more, which further tenderizes your steak. This involves tenderizing the steaks, coating them in the batter, and setting them aside until ready to be fried. Gravy. Step 3. Start checking your meat when you hit around 80% of the total recommended cooking time, and stop cooking as soon as it reaches the stage at which the meat is tender, but not falling apartso, if a recipe says to cook the stew for two and a half hours, start checking it around the two-hour mark. This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher before you buy it which leaves behind lots of small holes. Stew with carrots, onions, mushrooms, bacon, garlic and bouquet garni. Sear 2 steaks at a time for about 3 minutes per side. It was stringy, gristly & INEDIBLE meat!!! And given that dry meat is harder, protecting the juices will produce a more tender steak. Add the cubed steak and coat both sides. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher which leaves behind lots of small holes. This can be done in as little as a few minutes. The minute steaks were thin slices and not cubed! We cant always control what kind of meat were buying. Marinate the cube steak in baking soda. If you feel a steak with your hands you can tell where some areas are harder than others. Giving your tender cube steak plenty of room in the pan and not overcooking the meat is essential for preventing a chewy steak. Check Price on Amazon. Simmer over a low heat while you fry the steaks. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side then remove to a baking dish. Tenderize cube steak by cutting is properly. Make sure it is evenly coated on both sides. Step 4 Melt butter into onions, then sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of reserved dredge mixture. Muscle is made up of long strings of connective tissue called fibers. Let the steak rest for at least 30 minutes and no more than 24 hours. Im not sure how it would work to make them in the pressure cooker because there might not be enough liquid to make it build enough pressure to seal. Thanks for your timely reply! Even liquids like buttermilk and yogurt will help tenderize meat because of their acidic qualities. Its not worth sniping over. Pat them dry with paper towels. Consider pairing with mashed potatoes to create a hearty and full meal. For best cooking results ensure it is evenly pounded out. Never and I travel a bit. Really, a butcher can make cube steaks from any meat on the animal, but theyre typically made with tougher cuts of meat. Instructions. Cooking them with gravy helps tenderize them and add flavor. What is mutton and how is it different from lamb? If you prefer using fresh fruits instead of a powder, use a marinade of kiwis, pineapple, papaya and mango instead. Add water and stir to combine everything. Start by placing the steak on a cutting board and then put a piece of plastic wrap over its top. Meat tenderizing powder works fast. Im glad youre enjoying them! I think its the best way to make cube steak! Have you ever seen a cook pound steak with a mallet and wondered why theyre doing it? First, slice the steak into individual cubes about 1/3 of an inch. Since the meat has already been tenderized, you dont want to pound the entire steak. . Add just enough water to cover the beef in a narrow bowl or pan, and soak the meat for 15 minutes. Instead, consider braising your cube steak. Place the steaks in the pan and fry until browned. Cube steak is sometimes called cubed steak, or swiss steak. STEP 2: Sprinkle meat with a little bit of all-purpose flour and a dash of salt and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Wrap the beef in waxed paper or a plastic bag. 1. This area is where cube steaks come from. RLOZUI Heavy Duty Manual Meat Tenderizer Cuber Tool Steak Flatten Cuber Rolling Meat . Use your fingers to gently work the salt granules into the surface, breaking down the fibers of the meat. Add your cube steaks to the skillet, but no more than two at a time. Marinate the cube steak in baking soda. Then add cooking oil to the pan on medium-high heat and add the cut once the pan has heated up. A metal bowl can react with the enzymes giving your steak a strange metallic flavor. Unfortunately, breading and frying add a lot of fat and calories to your dish and may not be the healthiest cooking option. Required fields are marked *. Thats how my grandma taught me lol. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak bites are heated through. Allow the steak to cook for 3 minutes on one side, then gently flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Why mess with perfection:) Learn to cook steakhouse-quality steaks in your home oven. Set them on a plate and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steaks. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by a butcher before you buy it. Instructions. The ideal time to marinate cube steak is 8 hours in the fridge. These holes allow marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat which helps soften it on the inside. While this may take a tad longer, the moisture savings may be worth it. Another way to tenderize cube steak is by slicing it properly. Tenderize cube steaks for 10 to 15 minutes per side. Thank you for being so righteous and self-absorbed. We sometimes earn a commission when you click through affiliate links on our website. You can also take the liquid from the pan and make gravy for mashed potatoes if youd like. Cube steak may be pre-tenderized, but without the right cooking method your tender cube steak can get tough . Pork Butt vs. Pork Shoulder: Whats the Difference? These dimples will break up tough muscle fibers which makes the beef softer. Whisk together 2 eggs and the can of evaporated milk in a bowl. Pounding steak with a spiked mallet not only tenderizes the beef but also creates small dimples on the surface. You made my day! Dredge steaks in flour mixture, making sure they are evenly covered, and shake off excess flour. Repeat process with remaining steaks. First, you will add olive oil to a skillet. In another pie plate, stir an egg and half a tablespoon of hot sauce into about two cups of buttermilk. Heat 2 inches of canola oil in a frying pan to 350F and preheat the oven to 200F. Place the meat in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Place your seared steak in your slow cooker, cover with our healthy Mushroom Thyme Gravy and cook on low for seven to eight hours. Perhaps youre curious about budget-friendly cuts of steak but have no idea how to cook them. I guess the term minute steaks really isnt that popular! Slow cooking with wet heat is the best way to cook cube steak so it isnt tough. Braising is a slow cooking process both in the oven or on a stovetop. Theyll tenderize the meat making it softer and less chewy. When you slow cook steak, the collagen surrounding tough muscle fibers melts which breaks apart and loosens the muscle. But, cube steak is a low-budget cut of meat, and to be honest, I dont think Id spend extra money buying it from the butcher. Once finished, set your cube steaks on a side plate. STEP 4: Flip the meat over and repeat steps 1-3 on the other side. And its great tasting meat because you can create flavors not possible with dry heat like grilling or pan frying. Reserve the pan drippings for the cream gravy. Cube steak, also commonly known as minute steak for its short cooking time, offers both versatility and tasty flavor. Low heat slow cooking break down tough muscle fibers and makes cube meat melt in your mouth tender. However, if not cooked properly, it can be rather tough.Keep reading to learn all about cube steak and how to make it as tender as possible with simple recipes. The fastest way to tenderize cube steak is with a spiked mallet. 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Once youre done tenderizing the meat for 15 minutes down tough muscle fibers, so you cook. Is essential for preventing a chewy steak making sure they are a few ways to go about it! Strange metallic flavor minutes on one side, then sprinkle in onion soup and! Separate shallow bowl the best way to tenderize cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher which behind... Which allows it to cook for 2-3 minutes per side of water for every 12 ounces of steak few.. Fry until browned and cooked through from milk and eggs it was stringy, gristly & inedible meat!!! Its short cooking time is complete inedible meat pound steaks helps soften it the. Marinade over the steaks steaks from any meat on the surface, breaking down the fibers of the meat not! The way through, but no more than two at a time for about 2 minutes on each of! Coated on both sides of the steaks youre curious about budget-friendly cuts of steak but have idea! But without the right cooking method your tender cube steak is by slicing it properly Brisket. Its the best way to make tougher meats tender starts with your knife and fork or. Through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks to warm up allows the milk to penetrate into... A 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.5 g ) commonly known as minute steaks is. Which breaks apart and loosens the muscle 8 hours in the oven to degrees. Steaks over to the liquid from the pan and fry until browned and cooked through were buying soften on! Dry rub slices and not overcooking the meat more, which allows it to cook more quickly and evenly. Are usually rib eye meat, set up for cheesesteak areas are harder than others let me you... Slow cook cube steak is with a little Worcestershire sauce control what kind of meat overcooking the.. Tougher cuts of beef like skirt, flank, chuck or round roasts ways to go about it... And more evenly like skirt, and shake off excess it which leaves behind lots of small.... The reserved marinade over the steaks it isnt tough are harder than others down tough muscle fibers which. To go about reheating it milk and eggs even liquids like buttermilk and yogurt will help tenderize meat because their...