Cooking cube steak on the stove is probably one of the most popular methods of cooking steak, and for a reason. This is an easy and convenient way to prepare this tenderized cut of meat. Whether you’re interested in a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a special family event or gathering, mastering the art of searing cube steak can surely elevate your culinary prowess. With the right pan, seasonings, and techniques, you can achieve a flavorful and succulent dish that will impress everyone. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create perfectly seared cube steak on the stove. So, grab your ingredients, have your stove ready, and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
What Pan Should I Use?
When it comes to cooking cube steak on the stove, using the right pan is crucial. A cast iron pan or heavy-bottomed skillet is perfect for achieving a good sear while ensuring even heat distribution. This will help to develop a flavorful crust on the outside of the steak without overcooking the inside. If you don’t have a skillet or cast iron, regular pans (even non-stick variants) can also work. Just make sure you preheat it to prevent the cube steaks from sticking.
The Best Seasonings, Rubs, Spices, and Marinade Ideas for Flavor
Enhancing the flavor of cube steak is all about infusing it with the right combination of seasonings, spices, rubs, and marinades. Some people enjoy cube steaks with just salt and pepper but getting creative can help you enjoy these cuts in many ways. These ideas will help you create an unforgettable experience:
Classic Herb Blend: A combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic can create a timeless and aromatic flavor profile that complements the natural richness of cube steak. This herb rub is one you will never get tired of.
Savory Soy Marinade: Create a simple yet rich marinade by mixing soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of ginger. This combination adds depth and umami flavors to the steak.
Smoky Paprika Twist: A sprinkle of smoky paprika is perfect for infusing your cube steaks with a little kick. This spice also adds a beautiful color that further intensifies the exterior sear.
Spiced-Up Rub: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your seasoning will give your steaks the kick you love. This will give your cube steak a delightful flavor without overwhelming your palate.
Zesty Citrus: Combining the juice of a lemon or an orange with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley gives your steaks that citrusy tang that will cut through the richness of the meat, providing a bright contrast.
Garlic Butter: If you enjoy comfort food, this traditional recipe made by searing your cube steak in a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic is the way to go. The caramelized garlic bits will add a burst of flavor with every bite.
Mediterranean: Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and a touch of lemon zest for that distinct, fresh Mediterranean flavor. This combination adds a hint of acidity that balances the intense beefy flavors.
Maple Glaze: For a touch of sweetness, consider glazing your cube steak with a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The sweet and tangy combo will take your taste buds on a unique journey.
Coffee and Spice Rub: Create a unique crust by rubbing your cube steak with a mixture of ground coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, and a dash of cocoa powder. Although uncommon, this will result in a complex and bold flavor profile.
Asian Fusion: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired marinade that will add a delightful twist to your cube steak.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Cube Steak
Bring to Room Temperature: Always allow the cube steak to come to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the steak.
Pat Dry: Pat the steak dry with paper towels before you season it. This helps in achieving a good sear by removing excess moisture. This will also make the seasoning stick to the meat better.
High Heat: Use medium-high to high heat when searing cube steak. A hot pan will create a desirable crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan causes steam to form, preventing the steaks from getting that nice, brown sear. If you must, cook your steaks in batches.
Allow Sufficient Resting Period: Once cooked, allow the cube steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This redistributes the juices to the meat fibers, resulting in a juicier steak.
How Do You Store Leftover Cube Steaks?
If you have leftover seared cube steaks, you can always store them in the fridge to maintain their quality. You can do this by wrapping the steaks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, placing them in an airtight container, and refrigerating them for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the steaks. If you’re planning on making this dish regularly, invest in freezer-safe bags.
Classic Pan-Seared Cube Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of cube steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and drizzle the marinade over them. Use a glove to mix and make sure each piece is coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the cube steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Shake off the excess liquid and pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high to high heat on the stove and add a bit of olive oil.
- Once the pan is hot, carefully add the cube steaks. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if they have reached your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, transfer the cube steaks to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Additional Cooking Notes
- Feel free to get creative and customize the marinades and seasonings according to your preferences.
- Adjust the cooking time to account for the thickness of the cube steaks and your desired level of doneness.
Conclusion
Cooking cube steak on the stove is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this cut of meat. By using the right pan and seasonings, you can recreate this succulent dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to try the ideas we provided above to enjoy this wonderful meal at home.
Classic Pan-Seared Cube Steak
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Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and drizzle the marinade over them. Use a glove to mix and make sure each piece is coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Remove the cube steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Shake off the excess liquid and pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high to high heat on the stove and add a bit of olive oil.
Once the pan is hot, carefully add the cube steaks. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check if they have reached your desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, transfer the cube steaks to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Feel free to get creative and customize the marinades and seasonings according to your preferences.
- Adjust the cooking time to account for the thickness of the cube steaks and your desired level of doneness.
*Photo by Emily licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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