Cubed steak

Morning Glory

Morning Glory

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[Mod.edit: This and following few posts moved here to form new topic (MG)]

TastyReuben said:
Breaded cube steak with beef gravy, roasted baby potatoes, and charred green beans.
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What is cube steak? Is it simply steak cut in cubes? I've never come across steak in cubes then breaded. In fact, come to think of it, steak isn't normally breaded - or at least it isn't in the UK.
 
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Morning Glory said:
What is cube steak? Is it simply steak cut in cubes? I've never come across steak in cubes then breaded. In fact, come to think of it, steak isn't normally breaded - or at least it isn't in the UK.
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It's pounded out steak (a cheaper cut) to make it tender. It's really good. It's one of the few things my mother could cook really well, so I was always happy when she made it.
 
Cube steak: a versatile and tenderized cut of beef
Cube steak, also known as cubed steak, is a beef cut mechanically tenderized by pounding or passing it through a machine, resulting in its characteristic "cubed" appearance. This process breaks down muscle fibers, making it more tender and suitable for various cooking methods, especially those with shorter cooking times.

Here's a closer look at cube steak:
Cuts used
Cube steak is typically derived from tougher cuts of beef like top round, bottom round, or sirloin, which are known for being lean but also less tender. The tenderizing process makes these cuts more palatable and versatile.

Characteristics
  • Tenderized: The defining characteristic is the tenderization, which makes it easier to chew compared to the original cuts.
  • Flavor pockets: The indentations created by tenderizing can hold seasonings, enhancing the flavor of the cooked steak.
  • Lean: Cube steak typically comes from leaner cuts, making it a good source of protein while often having a lower fat content, according to Steak University.
  • Versatile: It can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic comfort food to more creative cuisine.
Cooking methods and recipes
Cube steak's tenderized nature makes it suitable for:
  • Pan-frying: This is a popular method, often involving breading and quick cooking on each side.
  • Slow cooking: For extra tender results, cube steak can be simmered in a slow cooker, allowing for extended cooking time that further breaks down fibers and creates a flavorful dish.
  • Braising: Low and slow cooking in liquid can create incredibly tender cube steak, as seen in dishes like cube steak with gravy.
Some popular recipes include:
  • Chicken-fried steak: A Southern classic featuring breaded and fried cube steak served with gravy.
  • Smothered cube steak: Often involves braising the steak in gravy, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
  • Salisbury steak: A dish similar to a hamburger patty, served with brown gravy.
  • Beef stroganoff: Cube steak can be used in this creamy, mushroom-based dish.
  • Slow cooker cube steak with gravy: A recipe from TikTok utilizes a crockpot to cook the steak with onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, onion, cream of mushroom soup, and water.
Tips for cooking cube steak
  • Seasoning: Season generously, as the indentations can hold a lot of flavor.
  • Flouring: Lightly dredge the steak in flour before cooking to create a crispy crust and retain moisture.
  • Don't skimp on oil: Use enough oil to ensure proper browning and prevent sticking.
  • Soaking in milk: Some recipes recommend soaking cube steak in milk to further tenderize and add juiciness.
In summary, cube steak is a versatile and relatively inexpensive cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful through mechanical tenderization. It's a great option for various cooking methods and dishes, from quick pan-frying to slow-cooked comfort meals.

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Morning Glory said:
What is cube steak? Is it simply steak cut in cubes? I've never come across steak in cubes then breaded. In fact, come to think of it, steak isn't normally breaded - or at least it isn't in the UK.
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Cube steak is a cheaper cut of meat that's been tenderized via hammers or a rolling mill type thing.
Morning Glory said:
So its not in cubes?
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They run it through something like this if it isn't hammered.
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Morning Glory said:
What is cube steak? Is it simply steak cut in cubes? I've never come across steak in cubes then breaded. In fact, come to think of it, steak isn't normally breaded - or at least it isn't in the UK.
Click to expand...
You know, I was thinking about this, and it seems I remember a beef stew recipe that called for lightly dredging cubes of stew meat in seasoned flour and frying it in butter before adding any liquid to the pot.
 
medtran49 said:
It also used to be called minute steak, as in you cooked it about a minute on each side.
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I never heard it called that, but I would require it to be cooked well-done and I imagine it always was in our house growing up or I would remember that term "minute steak". The only time I like pink steak is with ribeye, Porterhouse, filet mignon, etc. cooked medium rare. Even my burgers need to be brown all the way through.
 
JAS_OH1 said:
I never heard it called that, but I would require it to be cooked well-done and I imagine it always was in our house growing up or I would remember that term "minute steak". The only time I like pink steak is with ribeye, Porterhouse, filet mignon, etc. cooked medium rare. Even my burgers need to be brown all the way through.
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It was when I was a kid in Kentucky. Mother made it a lot because my grandmother made it a lot and she liked it.
 
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