Olivia Carter
Have you ever wondered how to cook cube steak and gravy in a skillet? This classic comfort food dish is perfect for a hearty dinner, especially on those chilly nights. The combination of tender cube steak and rich gravy makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cube steak, also known as minute steak, is a tenderized cut of beef that has been pounded with a meat tenderizer. The name “cube steak” comes from the distinctive pattern of small indentations on the surface of the meat. This technique helps to break down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To cook cube steak and gravy in a skillet, you will need a few simple ingredients. First, you will need some cube steaks. You can usually find these pre-packaged at your local grocery store. Additionally, you will need some flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, vegetable oil, and beef broth.
To start, you will want to season the cube steaks with salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Then, dredge the steaks in flour to create a coating. This will help to thicken the gravy as the steaks cook. Next, heat some vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cube steaks and cook them for a few minutes on each side, until they are browned.
After the steaks have browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add some flour and cook it until it is golden brown. This will help to create a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Finally, return the cube steaks to the skillet and simmer them in the gravy for a few minutes, until they are fully cooked and heated through. Serve the cube steak and gravy hot, with your choice of side dishes such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. This delicious and comforting meal is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Guide on Cooking Cube Steak and Gravy in Skillet
Cube steak is a delicious cut of beef that can be tenderized and cooked to perfection in a skillet. Paired with rich gravy, it makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Follow these simple steps to cook cube steak and gravy in a skillet:
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 2 pounds of cube steak
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (for the gravy)
Step 2: Prepare the Cube Steaks
Using a meat mallet, tenderize the cube steaks by pounding them on both sides. This will help break down the tough fibers and make the steaks more tender. Season the cube steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Step 3: Coat the Steaks in Flour
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, making sure to evenly coat both sides.
Step 4: Cook the Steaks
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated cube steaks in the skillet. Cook the steaks for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Remove the cooked cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the 1/4 cup of flour and stir it into the remaining oil and drippings to make a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, or until it turns golden brown.
Slowly pour in the beef broth and water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Once the gravy is ready, return the cooked cube steaks to the skillet and coat them with the gravy. Let the steaks simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Your cube steak and gravy is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes!
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook delicious cube steak and gravy in a skillet. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with a tasty homemade meal!
Preparing the Cube Steak
Before cooking the cube steak, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Follow these steps:
1. Tenderize the steak: Cube steak is typically a tougher cut of meat, so it’s essential to tenderize it before cooking. To do this, use a meat tenderizer or the back of a heavy knife to pound each side of the steak. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.
2. Season the steak: Sprinkle both sides of the cube steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for extra flavor. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to let the seasonings penetrate the meat.
3. Dredge the steak: To create a crispy and flavorful crust, dredge the cube steak in flour. Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each side of the steak with a thin, even layer of flour. This will help the steak develop a golden brown crust when cooked.
4. Shake off excess flour: After dredging the steak, shake off any excess flour. This will prevent the flour from clumping and burning when cooking.
5. Prepare the skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Allow the oil or butter to melt and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
6. Cook the steak: Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the cube steak in the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.
7. Transfer to a plate: Once the cube steak is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Now that your cube steak is prepared, it’s ready to be served with delicious gravy or your favorite side dishes.
Seasoning and Browning the Steak
Before you start cooking the cube steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings depending on your taste preferences. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect blend of seasonings that suits your palate.
To begin, generously season both sides of the cube steak with your chosen spices. Use your hands to rub the seasonings into the meat, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. Allow the steak to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Next, it’s time to brown the steak in a skillet. Heat a little oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned cube steak to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as the steak needs space to cook properly and develop a nice crust.
Cook the cube steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s browned and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the steak.
Once the steak is thoroughly browned and cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can tent it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the gravy.
- Season the cube steak with your chosen spices, ensuring even coating.
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the seasoned steak to the skillet, being mindful not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Gravy
Once the cube steaks have been cooked to perfection, it’s time to make the delicious gravy to accompany them. Follow these simple steps to create a rich and flavorful gravy.
1. Deglaze the Pan
Start by removing the cooked cube steaks from the skillet and set them aside. With the heat still on, pour about 1/4 cup of beef broth or water into the skillet to deglaze it. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Making the Roux
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the flour mixture into the skillet with the deglazed pan drippings, while continuously stirring. This will help to thicken the gravy.
3. Adding Liquid
Gradually pour in 1 cup of beef broth, stirring constantly to combine it with the roux. This will create a smooth and velvety texture. For extra flavor, you can also add in 1/4 cup of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.
4. Simmer and Thicken
Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
5. Seasoning
Taste the gravy and season it with salt, black pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or rosemary. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
That’s it! You have now successfully made a delicious gravy to pair with your cube steaks. Serve the steaks smothered in the gravy or pour it over the top. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your cube steak and gravy are fully cooked and simmered to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious meal. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your cube steak and gravy:
- Transfer the cooked cube steak onto a serving plate or platter.
- Pour the savory gravy over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve it hot alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- For a complete meal, add a crisp salad or a side of freshly baked bread.
As you sink your fork into the tender cube steak and savor each bite, you’ll be amazed at the rich, comforting flavors that this dish offers. The fork-tender meat and flavorful gravy are a match made in food heaven.
Enjoy your cube steak and gravy served with love and shared with family and friends. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized with a meat tenderizer to create a cube-shaped pattern on the surface of the meat.
How do I make cube steak tender?
To make cube steak tender, you can marinate it in a mixture of vinegar and olive oil for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will help break down the fibers in the meat and make it more tender.
What is the best way to cook cube steak?
The best way to cook cube steak is to pan-fry it in a skillet. Start by seasoning the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember to cook it in batches if you are cooking multiple pieces of steak. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest. To make the gravy, use the same skillet and add butter, flour, and beef broth. Cook until the gravy thickens, then pour it over the steak.
