Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook beef cubed steak, using a skillet is the perfect method. Cubed steak, also known as minute steak, is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that cooks quickly. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
To start, you’ll need some cubed steak, which you can find at your local butcher or grocery store. Look for cuts that are about a 1/2 inch thick, as this will ensure they cook evenly and quickly in the skillet. You’ll also want to gather some basic seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to enhance the flavor of the steak.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to tenderize the cubed steak. This can be done by using a meat tenderizer or the back of a fork to lightly pound the steak. Tenderizing the steak will help to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product. Once the steak is tenderized, season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Preparing the Beef Cubed Steak
To prepare beef cubed steak in the skillet, you will first need to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Beef cubed steak
– Salt and pepper
– Flour
– Oil or butter for frying
– Skillet
– Tongs
Before you start cooking, make sure to take the beef cubed steak out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure that the meat cooks more evenly. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a shallow dish, spread out a layer of flour. Dredge each piece of beef cubed steak in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Allow the oil or butter to melt and heat up before adding the beef cubed steak. You want the skillet to be hot enough to sear the meat.
Carefully place the coated beef cubed steak into the hot skillet. It should sizzle as soon as it touches the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will prevent proper browning. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a golden brown crust.
Use tongs to flip the beef cubed steak and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the meat to prevent it from burning.
Once the beef cubed steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil or butter.
Allow the beef cubed steak to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Now that the beef cubed steak is prepared, it’s ready to be served as is or used in other recipes like sandwiches or stews. Enjoy!
Seasoning the Beef Cubed Steak
Before cooking the beef cubed steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavor. You can use a simple blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a classic seasoning, or get creative with different herbs and spices.
Start by patting the beef cubed steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning to adhere better to the meat.
Next, generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can adjust the amounts of each seasoning to your taste preferences.
If you want to add more depth of flavor, consider including other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness.
After seasoning the steak, gently press the spices into the meat with your fingertips to ensure they stick. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Remember, seasoning is essential to bring out the best taste in beef cubed steak, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices to create a dish that suits your palate.
Heating the Skillet
Before you begin cooking the beef cubed steak, it’s essential to heat the skillet properly. Follow these steps to ensure the skillet is heated to the correct temperature:
- Choose a skillet that is large enough to fit all the cubed steaks without overcrowding.
- Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Allow the skillet to heat for about 2-3 minutes until it is hot.
- Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and spread it evenly.
- Tilt the skillet to coat the entire cooking surface with the oil.
By properly heating your skillet, you’ll ensure that the beef cubed steaks cook evenly and develop a delicious golden crust. Now that your skillet is heated, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the cooking process.
Cooking the Beef Cubed Steak
Once you have prepared your beef cubed steak and gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!
Step 1: Season the Steak
Begin by generously seasoning the beef cubed steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough to quickly sear the steak.
Step 3: Add Oil
Add a tablespoon of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the skillet. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Place the seasoned beef cubed steak in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and slightly crispy. This will give the steak a nice sear and lock in the juices.
Step 5: Reduce the Heat
Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. This will allow the steak to continue cooking evenly without burning.
Step 6: Cook to Desired Doneness
Cook the beef cubed steak for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). For medium, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your preference for doneness.
Step 7: Rest the Steak
Once cooked to perfection, remove the beef cubed steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Now that you’ve cooked the beef cubed steak, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed! Serve it with your favorite side dishes and sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Adding Sauce or Gravy (Optional)
If you want to add more flavor to your beef cubed steak, you can consider making a delicious sauce or gravy to accompany it. Here are a few options:
| Sauce/Gravy | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Sauce | 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped onions, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, salt and pepper to taste |
|
| Onion Gravy | 1 large onion, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups beef broth, salt and pepper to taste |
|
| Pepper Sauce | 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper, salt to taste |
|
Choose the sauce or gravy that complements your taste preferences and enjoy your delicious beef cubed steak with an added burst of flavor!
Serving the Beef Cubed Steak
Once the beef cubed steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to serve it and enjoy the delicious flavors. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve your beef cubed steak:
1. Plating the Steak
Start by placing the cooked beef cubed steak on a clean serving plate. You can choose to leave it whole or slice it into smaller pieces for easier serving.
2. Pairing with Sides
Beef cubed steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options to consider:
| 1. | Mashed Potatoes: | Serve the beef cubed steak on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting combination. |
| 2. | Steamed Vegetables: | Include a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add color and balance to your plate. |
| 3. | Roasted Potatoes: | Roast some potatoes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and herbs as a tasty and hearty side dish. |
| 4. | Sautéed Mushrooms: | Top your beef cubed steak with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy and flavorful addition. |
Feel free to mix and match different sides to create a well-rounded meal according to your taste preferences.
Once you have plated your beef cubed steak and chosen your sides, you are ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What is beef cubed steak?
Beef cubed steak is a cut of beef that is tenderized by pounding it with a meat tenderizer. It is typically made from round or sirloin steak.
What are some popular seasonings to use when cooking beef cubed steak?
Some popular seasonings to use when cooking beef cubed steak include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other seasonings such as onion powder, chili powder, or dried herbs to enhance the flavor.
How long should I cook beef cubed steak in a skillet?
The cooking time for beef cubed steak in a skillet can vary depending on the thickness of the steak. In general, you should cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
