Tender Cube Steak with Gravy

Imagine the smell of a homemade meal filling your kitchen. It brings everyone to the table. Cooking tender cube steak with gravy is like a warm hug on a cold night. It’s a dish that fills your heart with joy.

Do you remember the first time you had this dish? It was full of flavor and tender. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook cube steak perfectly. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, tips, and tasty recipes to make your family happy.

Get ready to discover the magic of cube steak and its savory gravy. It’s a dish that will bring joy to your table.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the history and charm of cube steak.
• Learn how to choose the right cut for maximum tenderness.
• Understand the best methods for tenderizing and seasoning your cube steak.
• Explore stovetop versus slow cooker techniques for cooking cube steak.
• Master a delicious gravy recipe to complement your tender cube steak.

Introduction to Tender Cube Steak

Tender Cube Steak is a favorite in Southern comfort food. It’s tender and full of flavor, making it great for many recipes. It’s also easy on the wallet and can be cooked in many ways, from frying to slow-cooking.

This dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual get-togethers. It’s a hearty option that pleases everyone. Exploring Tender Cube Steak opens up a world of flavors and cooking methods to enhance your meals.

What is Cube Steak?

What is Cube Steak? It’s a specific meat cut that’s popular in American homes. It comes from tougher beef cuts like top or bottom round. The meat is then tenderized mechanically to make it softer and more enjoyable.

The term “cube steak” became well-known in the 1930s and 1940s. During the Great Depression, it was a cheap yet tasty beef option. Today, it’s used in many recipes to make hearty, affordable meals.

Cube steak is a key ingredient in dishes like chicken-fried steak and stews. Its tender texture makes it great at absorbing flavors. Exploring cube steak in the kitchen reveals its unique qualities and its place in American cooking.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Choosing the right cut for cube steak is key for great taste and tenderness. Top round and sirloin are top choices, known for their quality. These cuts come from specific cow parts, giving the perfect texture for tasty cube steak dishes.

When you’re at the butcher or grocery store, keep these tips in mind for better meat selection:

• Choose cuts with a bright red color and good marbling for tenderness and flavor.
• Steer clear of cuts with too much fat or a grayish color, as they can change the taste.
• Ask the butcher for the best cube steak cuts and where the meat comes from.

Knowing these details helps you pick meat that tastes amazing and gets tender when cooked. Quality cube steak can make your dish stand out and wow your guests.

Preparation Steps for Tender Cube Steak

Getting your cube steak tender and flavorful starts with the right steps. First, tenderize the meat to improve its texture and taste. Then, add the perfect seasoning mix to bring out the natural flavors. This guide will show you how to tenderize steak and season it for a delicious meal.

Tenderizing the Meat

Start by tenderizing your cube steak. Use a meat mallet to gently pound it. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making it tender. Make sure it’s even in thickness for even cooking.

Adding a bit of salt or marinade while tenderizing can also enhance the flavor.

Seasoning Your Cube Steak

Seasoning is key to making your cube steak taste great. Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a tasty blend. Rub this mix on both sides of the meat after tenderizing.

This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Letting the steak rest for 30 minutes before cooking helps the flavors sink in. This makes your dish even more delicious.

Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker

When cooking cube steak, you can choose between Stovetop Cube Steak and Slow Cooker Cube Steak. Each method has its own benefits, fitting different tastes and schedules.

The Stovetop Cube Steak method cooks the meat fast. It gives a great sear that boosts flavor and texture. It’s ideal for quick meals, ready in under 30 minutes. Just heat oil, season the steak, and cook until it’s just right. You can also make a tasty gravy with the pan’s leftover bits.

The Slow Cooker Cube Steak method is great for those who value ease. Prepare your ingredients in the morning and let it cook all day. This way, the steak becomes tender and flavorful, with little effort needed. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, delicious meal.

Try both Cube Steak Cooking Methods to see which one you like best. Each method provides a unique experience, making the most of this versatile meat.

The Perfect Gravy Recipe

A rich gravy can take your cube steak to a whole new level. Making the Best Gravy for Cube Steak means using top-notch ingredients and a few easy steps. Here, you’ll learn what ingredients to use and how to make this tasty gravy.

Ingredients for Delicious Gravy

To make a Homemade Gravy that goes well with your meal, you’ll need these ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Drippings from the cooked steak

Making the Gravy: Step-by-Step

When you have your ingredients, follow these easy steps to make a delicious gravy:

1. In the same pan where you cooked your steak, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for about one minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Allow the gravy to thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Using drippings from the steak will make the gravy even more flavorful. This gravy is perfect with your tender cube steak, making every bite amazing. For more beef recipe tips, check out this guide.

Serving Suggestions for Tender Cube Steak with Gravy

Serving Cube Steak is a joy, thanks to the many sides that go well with it. Classic pairings add both texture and taste. Mashed potatoes are a top choice, with their creamy texture balancing the rich gravy.

Cornbread is another great option, with its slightly sweet flavor. Serving it warm, with butter melting on top, makes the meal even better.

Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add color and nutrition. They offer a crunchy texture that complements the tender steak, making the dish look impressive.

For something different, try new Cube Steak Meal Ideas. You could put the steak in a sandwich with sautéed onions and peppers, topped with coleslaw. Or, add it to a beef stew for a gourmet twist.

To make your meal more inviting, focus on presentation. Arrange the steak, sides, and gravy in a way that looks good. Using colorful dishes makes the meal even more appealing, adding to the comfort of serving cube steak.

Cubed Steak Varieties and Variations

Cube steak can be many flavors and textures, making it great for different meals. You can try different varieties of cube steak by changing how you cook it or using different sauces. Each way can make a tasty dish that you’ll love.

Mushroom gravy is a favorite, adding a deep umami taste. You can also add spices and herbs like paprika for smokiness or rosemary for a fresh scent. Try adding jalapeños for a Southern flavor or garlic for an Italian twist.

Don’t be afraid to try unique cube steak recipes. You could stuff the steak with cheese and herbs or braise it with fresh veggies. This way, you can create new dishes and find new favorites.

Tips for Storing Leftover Cube Steak

Proper storage of Cube Steak can make it last longer and taste better. Start by letting the cooked steak cool down to room temperature within two hours. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also put it in an airtight container for better preservation.

Refrigeration works well if you want to eat your leftover steak in three to four days. For longer storage, freezing is a good choice. Always label the container with the date. Slicing the steak before freezing helps with quicker thawing and reheating.

When reheating, keeping the steak moist is important. You can do this by gently heating it on the stovetop with some broth or in the microwave with a damp paper towel. Don’t overcook it to avoid dryness. For more cooking tips, check out cube steak recipes.

Health Benefits of Eating Beef

When you think of cube steak, you might imagine a delicious meal. But it also offers significant health benefits. The nutritional value of cube steak makes it a great choice for a healthy diet. It’s packed with protein, which is key for muscle growth and repair.

Beef is also a top source of iron, which fights iron deficiency anemia. This mineral is vital for carrying oxygen in your blood. It helps keep your energy up. Plus, beef gives you important B vitamins, like B12, which boost your metabolism and health.

To get the most health benefits from beef, choose lean cuts and eat them in moderation. This way, you get lots of nutrients without too much fat. With smart meal planning, beef can be a great part of a balanced diet, helping you reach your wellness goals.

Conclusion

Exploring tender cube steak reveals it’s more than just a meal. It’s a way to bring people together. The recipe we’ve shared is easy to make and perfect for any time. You’ll soon become a pro at cooking cube steak.

We’ve talked about picking the right meat and how to make it tender and tasty. Each step is important for that soft, delicious texture everyone loves. Cooking should be fun, and these tips will make your kitchen a place of joy and creativity.

Now, it’s time to try making tender cube steak yourself. You can serve it with gravy over rice or with mashed potatoes. It’s sure to impress your guests. So, gather your ingredients, invite friends, and enjoy a meal together.

Tender Cube Steak with Gravy

cube steak with gravy is a delicious and hearty dinner idea. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this easy and satisfying meal in no time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 6 cube steaks 4 ounces each
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 –4 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 medium onion diced or sliced
• 12 ounces cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth​
• The Weary Chef
• +4

Instructions

 

• Season and Sear: Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned.​
• Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a slow cooker. Arrange the seared cube steaks on top of the onions.​
• Add Gravy Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the steaks in the slow cooker.​
• Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the steaks are tender.​
• Serve: Serve the tender cube steaks with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Keyword comfort food, slow cooker, cube steak, gravy, Southern-style