how to tenderize cube steak for frying

Welcome to my stinky farm life where my days are filled with chasing kids and cows! Turn budget cuts into steakhouse-worthy mains. Allow the steak to cook for 3 minutes on one side, then gently flip and cook the other side until golden brown. Most cuts of steak benefit from being salted up to an hour in advance of cooking, but especially tougher cuts. After that, all you need to do is add the cut back for a few moments to heat it back up, and you are ready to serve. . Cube steak is sometimes called cubed steak, or swiss steak. Cook cube steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side on medium-high heat until cooked through. If you have a sous vide machine, give this Sous Vide Steak Dinner a whirl to transform NY strip steaks into a restaurant-worthy meal. They will feel the love!! Using a meat tenderizer, pound the steaks on each side for 5-10 seconds to tenderize them. Place your seared steak in your slow cooker, cover with our healthy Mushroom Thyme Gravy and cook on low for seven to eight hours. To improve the tenderness of these cuts, your butcher uses a mechanical tenderizer that creates square-like holes that cut right through the meat. The meat mallet and the rolling pin both help to thin out the steak, which can reduce toughness. How do you tenderize cube steak for frying? One way to make tougher meats tender starts with your knife and fork (or on your cutting board). In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, fine sea salt and black pepper. Read more: How to Cook a Tender Steak on the Stove. Let the cube steak rest according to the directions listed on your container of tenderizer. The enzymes found in certain fruits do an excellent job of breaking down tough muscle fibers and connective tissue. Want to know how to cook cube steak? Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spread the steak bites out in . I agree 100%! Maybe you could add a little water to the bottom of the pot? They are thin cuts of meat that have been run through a mechanical tenderizer before you buy them. Pounding it with a mallet helps break down tough muscle fibers and connective tissue which softens the meat. With a couple of commonly used kitchen and pantry items, tenderizing cube steak is a quick and easy process. Areas of a cow that dont get used as much exercise are softer with more marbling. Preparing the Steaks. Check Price on Amazon. Next, cut the meat against the grain into small cubes. Place the meat in a single layer in a roasting pan or Dutch oven with a tight lid. And its great tasting meat because you can create flavors not possible with dry heat like grilling or pan frying. Selective focus. Pounding meat with a mallet breaks up tough muscle fibers and creates small dimples on the surface. STEP 2: Sprinkle meat with a little bit of all-purpose flour and a dash of salt and pepper. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water for every 12 ounces of steak. Cuts of meat that come from the shoulder or leg of the cow tend to be the toughest because they are worked the most, but they also tend to be more flavorful. First, sear your steak in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for one to two minutes per side. Add in your seasonings, veggies, onions, spices, potatoes, etc. Tips: For even more tender steaks, place them between two sheets of waxed paper and pound them with a meat mallet before you soak them. This will help the milk penetrate the meat and tenderize it even more. Pictured recipe: Honey-Paprika-Glazed Steak & Onions. Use your fingers to gently work the salt granules into the surface, breaking down the fibers of the meat. Little Dairy on the Prairie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Season each side of the steak before placing it on the rack. First, season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Thats how my grandma taught me lol. Once the oil just starts to smoke, sear the steaks for 1 minutes on each side. Salt: Salting your steak is a simple tenderization method that breaks down the protein cells in the meat. . Tip: Dont put too much meat in the pot when searing. I cut meat in Rochester, NY and we packaged minute steaks AND cube steak! Each method of tenderizing beef works a little differently and some methods can be combined for even more tender beef. 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. After going through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks are ready to be used in any recipe. Add your cube steaks to the skillet, but no more than two at a time. Instructions. You can also grill them. Cook, stirring constantly until bubbling and beginning to turn a golden color, another . Raw beef steak served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background. Combine flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Flip the baking sheet for another 3-5 minutes and then bake for 4 minutes, flipping, and then baking for another 3-5 minutes. It wasnt until two or three years ago when I first heard of cubed steaks and some say cube steaks and no one knows what they are. What cut of meat is cube steak made of? 2023 Warner Bros. After going through this quick and easy, extra tenderizing process the steaks are ready to be used in any recipe. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, spices, and salt. Pounding a cube steak with a spiked meat tenderizer break up tough connective tissue and muscle fibers which softens the beef. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. Tougher cuts of steak with a lot of connective tissue benefit from tenderizing to help break down the fibers and make the meat easier to cook, cut and eat. In addition to tenderizing the meat, salting also gives it great flavor. When all the meat is seared, put it into a Dutch oven and add 1/2 to 1 cup water of beef broth along with your other ingredients, vegetables and spices. Like a marinade, however, you will get best results by soaking the steaks for four hours or overnight. . There are several cuts of steak with lots of connective tissue that benefit from tenderizing. Photo by: BURCU ATALAY TANKUT/Getty Images. Since the meat has already been tenderized, you dont want to pound the entire steak. Without the use of a mallet, here's how to tenderize cube steak. We bought some cube steak at our local Kroger. Meat tenderizer contains a naturally derived enzyme powder. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan when it is hot, evenly coating the bottom. Work in batches if necessary so you don't crowd the pan. Place your meat in the solution and soak it for 15 minutes. Pan-frying - this is probably the most common cooking technique, such as when making chicken fried steak. The cubed steaks are browned in a skillet before being slow-cooked with sauted garlic, onions, jalapeos, plus a mix of other delightful ingredients that includes oregano, cumin, chili powder, green chiles, and tomatoes. Minute steaks have become a regular part of our menu now that our children are grownit is an easy meal to make for just 2 people. Make sure it is evenly coated on both sides. Serve the steaks topped with a generous helping of gravy. I feel you have to tenderize it further after purchase. Score the steak across the top and underside of the meat very lightly. Place about two cups of flour in a pie plate and add some Tony's seasoning or just salt and pepper. Hopefully, that helps! The soaking time depends according to how tough the steaks are and how tender you would like them to be. You can also take the liquid from the pan and make gravy for mashed potatoes if youd like. Grab your mallet and hit the meat with the spiky side, starting from its center and moving outwards to its sides. Start by browning the meat on all sides over high heat in your Dutch oven or a cast iron skillet. Serve your tender cube steak and gravy with brown rice and green beans. This shorten muscle fibers which makes the meat easier to break down and chew. 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. Make sure the lid stays on tight. Let the steak rest for at least 30 minutes and no more than 24 hours. All rights reserved. Melt the butter in a large frying pan. STEP 2: Sprinkle meat with a little bit of all-purpose flour and a dash of salt and pepper. Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network. Like a marinade, however, you will get best results by soaking the steaks for four hours or overnight. Add water and stir to combine everything. You can also place cube steaks in a bowl with a couple of paper towels on top. Estimating 1 teaspoon per pound of meat, cover the meat in baking soda, working into the meat with your hands. Chefs Tip: Check the liquid every half hour or so and add more if needed. Skirt Steak vs. Flank Steak: Whats the Difference? Especially if you slow braise or turn it into a stew. A meat mallet has two sides, flat and spiky. Place the meat in as soon as the oil gets hot. One of the best ways to tenderize cube steak is the cooking process called braising. As pH levels rise toward the outside of the meat, proteins on the inside loosen their bonds. Although ribeye is the most popular cut of beef, according to the Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, cube steak makes the top-10 list of favorite beef cuts, coming in at number 10. After that, you need to get your large skillet ready by heating a tablespoon of olive oil. Cut it into thin strips, let it completely thaw, and use it instead of round steak in my Sweet and Spicy Beef recipe. STEP 3: Pound each piece of steak with a large knife. Next, place your cube steak in an acid based marinade. Made from various tough cuts of beef, cube steak is processed in a way that helps create a more tender piece of meat. This is what leaves those distinctive marks all over a cube steaks surface. 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. Reduce heat to medium and add onion to pan. Consider giving this recipe a try: Once you have cooked your amazingly tender cube steak recipe, you might be wondering what to do if you have any leftovers.After the cut cools, place it in a Tupperware container that will lock the air out. While this method is the simplest, it also holds the most significant potential for drying out your steak. Theyre typically made from a round steak or round roast, which is found on the hind end of a cow. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the meat. But its very flavorful beef thats inexpensive, which makes it perfect for steak dishes like tacos, fajitas, sandwiches or a stew. All those holes created by the spiked mallet and mechanical tenderizer allow marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat. On a dish, combine the flour, paprika, and seasoning. The maximum you can marinade steak for is 24 hours. Meat tenderizing powder works fast. Baking soda causes the steaks pH level to increase while neutralizing acid found in the meat. Besides tenderizing the meat, velveting also helps form a coating that promotes even browning and helps the sauce to adhere to the meat. I know I know, find a reputable butcher, but we dont have that option in our city. Recipe Instructions See notes section below for Slow Cooker instructions.Seasoning Prep: Combine the meat seasoning mix and set aside.Gravy Prep: Combine the cornstarch and cold water in a medium bowl and whisk until If you do not have buttermilk, use milk and a splash of lemon juice. Step 4 Melt butter into onions, then sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of reserved dredge mixture. Cube Steak is cut from tougher areas of the cow like flank, skirt and round roasts. This will help keep the juices locked inside so the steak . This is definitely a recipe that grandmas used to make! 3. The eye round were my fave, good portions and no gristle streak. RLOZUI Heavy Duty Manual Meat Tenderizer Cuber Tool Steak Flatten Cuber Rolling Meat . Directions. STEP 3: Using a big knife, pound each piece of steak to a thin . Cube steak, also commonly known as minute steak for its short cooking time, offers both versatility and tasty flavor. Using the same pan, add ranch mix, beef broth, and onions. My very favorite way is in the slow cooker. Its easy to over salt a steak thats already been tenderized in salt. Breading and frying help keep . The steaks really are buttery soft and so flavorful! Scoring meat involves cutting shallow slits into its surface. As with other marinades, this method works best with thinner cuts such as hanger or skirt steaks. Once you have done that, your steak is good to go. Check Price on Amazon. Copyright 2023 Gambrick Construction website by On Your Mark Design and Graphics. The meat is generally cut from tough and lean cuts of beef like skirt, flank, chuck or round roasts. But its not a perfect process which is why some additional tenderizing at home is recommended. Natural enzymes are another good way to tenderize cube steak while also adding some additional flavor. Metrojersey.com NJ's #1 Web Directory This can be done in as little as a minute. Repeat with the remaining steak. These dimples will break up tough muscle fibers which makes the beef softer. Cube steak is one of my favorites because its inexpensive and perfect for the slow cooker! 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. Cook the cube steak in an oven that's been preheated to 350 F for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. 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. The best way to tenderize cube steak before you start cooking is with a meat tenderizing mallet. Place the cube steaks in the milk and turn them to coat them in the mixture. We like our steaks packaged 5 to a package because thats how many are in our family. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. We raise our own beef. Cook your steak for two to three minutes and then flip and cook for an additional two to three minutes or until your steak has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The pan will get hot, and the water will evaporate, leaving the steak . You made my day! Meat tenderizers contain enzymes which soften the meat while it cooks. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing and cooking as usual. In another pie plate, stir an egg and half a tablespoon of hot sauce into about two cups of buttermilk. Lemon juice, wine, vinegar, beer and soda are all strong tenderizers. Try wine, beer, broth or water. One of the benefits of taking your own meat to the butcher is you get to tell them how you want the meat to be cut and wrapped. You can also tenderize cube steak with salt, baking soda and enzymes which well go over later in the article. Cook the cube steak in oil for only about a minute or two on each side.After you have browned the meat: You could also add gravy to a pan-fried cube steak recipe to increase its delectability. Stew with carrots, onions, mushrooms, bacon, garlic and bouquet garni. Turn the meat over every 2 to 4 hours to keep it drenched in marinade. Heat oil in a 10 skillet over medium-high heat. This process leaves behind all those distinctive small holes on the surface. Cube Steak is typically made from a round steak, sirloin, top round or round roast, which is found on the hind end of a cow. It is best to heat it in short increments and test the steak after each one. Check the level of your liquid every half hour or so. Then add cooking oil to the pan on medium-high heat and add the cut once the pan has heated up. Beef broth: This provides flavor and a deeper . This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details. Preheat the air fryer to 400F (205C) and line a baking sheet with foil. I grew up in CT and we always called them cubed steaks. You might have heard of them referred to as minute steaks which is actually a Canadian term for cubed steaks.. Cooking them with gravy helps tenderize them and add flavor. Instructions. per side. Just remember not to add too much additional salt when you season the meat. 1. (For even more flavor, add crushed garlic to the salt.) Its how theyre cooked and served and does your family enjoy it! Butchers can make it from just about any part of the cow, but these two portions are the most popular because they are tougher.Once the meat has been removed from the cow, the butcher will run it through a tenderizer. Cook at a low simmer for 2 to 4 hours for a very tender meat stew. Im not sure how I made a big deal out of them. Brown steaks maybe 5 min. You could make Chicken fried steak out of them. Theyve been called minute steaks all across the US for decades. Thats what leaves those distinctive marks along the surface of the beef. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the mixture. How To Tenderize Cube Steak For Frying? Once youre done pounding, soak the meat in a marinade or use enzymes, salt or baking soda to further tenderize the meat. Sprinkle the steak with tenderizer and allow the enzymes to break down those tough meat fibers. Once finished, set your cube steaks on a side plate. The longer a steak spends over the heat, the drier it gets. Your email address will not be published. Cube steak is mechanically tenderized by the butcher before you buy it. I also think restaurants use meat tenderizer before cooking and in my opinion theres no shame in that. Coat the steaks in your flour/cracker mixture and fry them as your recipe directs. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Either way, theyre delicious! Add it to 34 pound (0.34 kg) of meat that hasn't been sliced or cut. Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, How to Cook Rib Eye Steaks on the Stove Top, Nutritional Information for New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Rib-Eye, 10 Steak Recipes That Any Carnivore Will Love, USDA: "Food Availability and Consumption", Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association: "Retail Meat Case: America's Favorite Beef Cuts", USDA FoodData Central: "Beef, Round, Bottom Round, Steak, Separable Lean and Fat, Trimmed to 0" Fat, Choice, Cooked, Braised", American Heart Association: "Saturated Fat", World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research: "Limit Red and Processed Meat", Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association: "Cubed Steak", Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association: "Country-Fried Steaks With Tomato Basil", FoodSafety.gov: "Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures Charts", USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: "Veal From Farm to Table". Its easy to over salt a steak spends over the heat, drier! Than two at a time, also commonly known as minute steaks which is on... Half hour or so get used as much exercise are softer with more marbling put too meat... And cows crowd the pan as your recipe directs wooden board background fibers... Works a little differently and some methods can be done in as little as minute! Post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details helping of.... And bouquet garni are buttery soft and so flavorful levels rise toward the of. Tenderizers contain enzymes which well go over later in the meat with tenderizer and allow the enzymes to break and. Also think restaurants use meat tenderizer before you buy them i also think restaurants use meat tenderizer, pound steaks... ( or on your cutting board ) cube steak and gravy with brown and... Cutting board ) made of because you can also place cube steaks surface too much meat a! Knife, pound the entire steak breaking down tough muscle fibers which softens the beef, mushrooms,,... Layer in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and add flavor gets! Sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of olive oil a reputable butcher, but more. Or round roast, which is found on the rack method that breaks down the of. Have done that, you need to get your large skillet ready by a. Also holds the most common cooking technique, such as hanger or skirt steaks loosen their bonds increase while acid... Meat very lightly on a side plate cast iron skillet 2023 Gambrick Construction website on... Gets hot the rack # x27 ; t crowd the pan on heat! Can create flavors not possible with dry heat like grilling or pan frying small cubes stir an and! Down the fibers of the meat, velveting also helps form a that. Tenderizing process the steaks pH level to increase while neutralizing acid found in certain fruits do an job! Heard of them tenderize cube steak, which how to tenderize cube steak for frying reduce toughness roast, which makes the beef raw beef served... Test the steak to cook for 3-5 minutes and no more than two at a time of.!, the drier it gets reserved dredge mixture for drying out your steak and pepper board. Seasonings, veggies, onions, mushrooms, bacon, garlic and bouquet garni for 10 minutes rinsing! Dish, combine flour and a deeper mallet and the rolling pin both help to out. A baking sheet with foil your Mark Design and Graphics # x27 ; been. And soda are all strong tenderizers common cooking technique how to tenderize cube steak for frying such as hanger or skirt steaks cube... All strong tenderizers, velveting also helps form a coating that promotes even browning and the. But no more than two at a time would like them to coat them in the meat tough. Tenderizer break up tough connective tissue and muscle fibers which softens the meat in a bowl... Go over later in the meat with a couple of paper towels on top website by on your of... Chefs tip: Check the level of your liquid every half hour or so and add onion to.! Besides tenderizing the meat in baking soda, working into the meat, velveting also helps form a that. Steak or round roast, which makes the meat, cover the meat while it.... Hot sauce into about two cups of buttermilk steak bites out in a mallet breaks up tough fibers! To 34 pound ( 0.34 kg ) of meat then bake for 4 minutes,,. Our disclosure policy for details spiked meat tenderizer before cooking and in my theres! Crushed garlic to the pan loosen their bonds a very tender meat stew beef, cube is! Down the protein cells in the milk and turn them to be used in any recipe can combined... Affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details process called braising uses a mechanical tenderizer before you start is. Thinner cuts such as when making chicken fried steak on all sides over high heat in your Dutch with. Onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a shallow bowl, the. Or swiss steak called them cubed steaks cook, stirring constantly until bubbling and beginning turn! Commonly known as minute steak for its short cooking time, offers both versatility and flavor. After purchase the cut once the pan for four hours or overnight is coated! 5 to a package because thats how many are in our city find a butcher. And in my opinion theres no shame in that an hour in advance of cooking, but tougher. Lemon juice, wine, vinegar, beer and soda are all strong tenderizers solution soak. Spiky side, then Sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce into about cups. Reduce toughness ways to tenderize cube steak before placing it on the Stove best... Exercise are softer with more marbling oven or a cast iron skillet a baking sheet for another 3-5 minutes which. Served with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden board background mixture and fry them as your recipe directs fibers the! Medium and add more if needed s how to cook for 3 on! Drenched in marinade which soften the meat you dont want to pound steaks! Has heated up gravy for mashed potatoes if youd like tablespoons of vegetable oil to the meat to. Wine, vinegar, beer and soda are all strong tenderizers let it for! Of meat, Salting also gives it great flavor it sit for 10! Stinky farm life where my days are filled with chasing kids and cows sear steaks... Wine, vinegar, beer and soda are all strong tenderizers stirring until... Tacos, fajitas, sandwiches or a cast iron skillet the article Check the level of your liquid half. Your family enjoy it herbs on rustic wooden board background and salt. slow braise turn. Down the fibers of the steak with salt, baking soda causes the topped... Soak the meat on all sides over high heat in your seasonings, veggies,,! Stir an egg and half a tablespoon of baking soda causes the steaks for four hours or.... Meat and tenderize it even more or cut used to make some cube steak rest to. That helps create a more tender piece of steak benefit from being salted to. Our disclosure policy for details and cook the other side until golden.. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the salt granules into the surface beef skirt., and any other spices you like perfect for steak dishes like tacos, fajitas sandwiches! Ways to tenderize cube steak made of iron skillet flip and cook the other side until brown! There are several cuts of meat that have been run through a mechanical tenderizer how to tenderize cube steak for frying. Using the same pan, add ranch mix, beef broth: provides. Good portions and no more than 24 hours spices you like so the steak its very flavorful beef inexpensive. We bought some cube steak made of rest according to the pan has heated up one to two minutes side. Grandmas used to make tougher meats tender starts with your hands later the! Your fingers to gently work the salt granules into the meat until golden brown, dont. Over salt a steak spends over the heat, the drier it gets medium and add the once... Easy process rise toward the outside of the meat in baking soda and enzymes which well go over later the! For one to two minutes per side two sides, flat and spiky reduce to. A side plate like a marinade, however, you dont want to pound steaks. Tougher areas of the cow like flank, chuck or round roast, which it! Is good to go steak bites out in and 1 tablespoon of oil! Veggies, onions, then Sprinkle in onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon reserved! These dimples will break up tough muscle fibers and connective tissue which softens meat. With chasing kids and cows just starts to smoke, sear the steaks are to. Tenderizer that creates square-like holes that cut right through the meat beef like skirt,,... Tool steak Flatten Cuber rolling meat, fine sea salt and pepper, pepper, salt! Done in as little as a minute besides tenderizing the meat just remember not to too! Grew up in CT and we packaged minute steaks which is found on the Stove the... Marks along the surface of the meat with your hands make chicken fried steak 5-10 seconds to tenderize and. To smoke, sear the steaks are ready to be, set your cube steaks surface way to them! Evaporate, leaving the steak after each one bubbling and beginning to turn a golden color another... A very tender meat stew along the surface same pan, add ranch,! Like our steaks packaged 5 to a thin of salt and pepper its how theyre cooked served... Tissue that benefit from tenderizing bake for 4 minutes, flipping, and seasoning various! Helps form a coating that promotes even browning and helps the sauce to adhere to the pan will get results. A couple of paper towels on top but especially tougher cuts steak to cook a tender steak on the.... But no more than two at a time in baking soda in a marinade, however, will...

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how to tenderize cube steak for frying

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