What To Cook With Cube Steak

Cube steak is tenderized beef that cooks quickly and works in recipes that need fast, hearty results. If you are wondering what to cook with cube steak, you have plenty of options that fit busy weeknights. This cut comes from the top round or bottom round, and it gets pounded or run through a machine that leaves those little dimples. That process breaks down tough fibers, so the meat turns tender in a short time.

The key is to cook it hot and fast, or slow and low with moisture. Anything in between can leave you with a chewy bite. Below you will find practical recipes, simple methods, and tips that make cube steak a regular in your kitchen.

What To Cook With Cube Steak

Cube steak shines in dishes that add flavor and moisture. Here are the most popular ways to use it.

Classic Chicken Fried Steak

This is the most famous use for cube steak. You bread it, fry it, and cover it in creamy gravy.

1. Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.
2. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then back in flour.
3. Heat about half an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Pour off most of the oil, add a few tablespoons of flour, and whisk in milk to make gravy.
7. Serve the steak with mashed potatoes and pour gravy on top.

This dish is heavy but satisfying. It works for Sunday dinner or a comfort meal any night.

Cube Steak And Gravy In The Slow Cooker

If you want tender meat without standing at the stove, use a slow cooker.

• Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crock.
• Add the cube steak pieces on top.
• Mix one can of cream of mushroom soup with half a cup of beef broth and pour over the meat.
• Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
• Serve over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.

The long cook time breaks down any remaining toughness. The gravy forms on its own.

Swiss Steak

Swiss steak uses tomatoes and peppers to tenderize the meat while it bakes.

1. Brown the cube steak in a hot skillet with a little oil. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
3. Add a can of diced tomatoes, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of sugar.
4. Return the steak to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 45 minutes to an hour.
5. Check the meat for tenderness before serving.

The acid from the tomatoes helps break down the beef. This is a good recipe for a cold evening.

Cube Steak Sandwiches

You can turn cube steak into a quick sandwich that beats fast food.

• Season the steak with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
• Cook in a hot cast iron skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
• Toast a hoagie roll or thick slice of bread.
• Add cheese, sautéed onions, and a smear of mustard or mayo.
• Slice the steak against the grain and pile it on the bread.

This takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. It is a great use for leftover cube steak too.

Cube Steak Stir Fry

Cube steak is already thin, so it works in a stir fry if you slice it into strips first.

1. Slice the raw cube steak into half-inch strips.
2. Toss the strips with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce.
3. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with oil.
4. Cook the beef for 2 minutes, then remove.
5. Stir fry broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Add the beef back, pour in a sauce of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little honey.
7. Cook for one more minute and serve over rice.

The cornstarch keeps the meat tender and helps the sauce cling to it.

Grilled Or Broiled Cube Steak

You can cook cube steak on a grill or under a broiler if you watch it closely.

• Brush the meat with oil and season both sides.
• Preheat the grill or broiler to high.
• Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium doneness.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

This method is fast, but the meat can dry out. A marinade of oil, vinegar, and herbs helps. Do not overcook it.

Tips For Cooking Cube Steak

Follow these rules to get good results every time.

• Always pat the meat dry before cooking so it browns instead of steams.
• Use a meat mallet if your cube steak looks thick in spots. Even thickness cooks evenly.
• Salt the meat 30 minutes before cooking if you have time. This helps it hold moisture.
• Do not skip the resting period after cooking. Five minutes makes a difference.
• If you fry, keep the oil at 350°F. Too low and the breading gets greasy.
• For slow cooking, make sure there is enough liquid to cover at least half the meat.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many people ruin cube steak without knowing why. Here are the usual problems.

1. Cooking it too long on high heat without moisture. This makes it tough and dry.
2. Not seasoning the flour or breading. The coating needs salt and pepper.
3. Using a fork to flip the meat. Use tongs to keep the crust intact.
4. Forgetting to slice against the grain when serving. This shortens the fibers and makes each bite easier to chew.
5. Reheating in a microwave on high. It turns rubbery. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth instead.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers

Cube steak keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place it in a covered skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth. Warm for 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the meat from drying out. If you have gravy, reheat the steak in the gravy.

Now you have a full list of ideas for what to cook with cube steak. Try the chicken fried version first if you want a classic. Use the slow cooker when you are short on time. And remember the golden rule: hot and fast, or low and slow. Avoid the middle ground and your cube steak will turn out tender every time.