Cube steak and gravy is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in many American households for generations. This hearty, homestyle meal is made with tenderized cube steak, rich and savory gravy, and often served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. In this article, we will explore the art of cooking cube steak and gravy, including the best techniques, ingredients, and recipes to make this beloved dish.
Understanding Cube Steak
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what cube steak is and how it’s made. Cube steak is a type of beef steak that has been tenderized by pounding or rolling it with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This process breaks down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender and easier to chew. Cube steak is usually made from top round or top sirloin beef, which is leaner than other cuts of beef.
Types of Cube Steak
There are several types of cube steak available in the market, including:
- Regular cube steak: This is the most common type of cube steak and is made from top round or top sirloin beef.
- Angus cube steak: This type of cube steak is made from Angus beef, which is known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
- Grass-fed cube steak: This type of cube steak is made from grass-fed beef, which is leaner and has a slightly different flavor profile than grain-fed beef.
Cooking Cube Steak
Cooking cube steak is relatively easy, and there are several ways to do it. Here are a few methods:
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking cube steak. To pan-fry cube steak, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the cube steak in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Tips for Pan-Frying Cube Steak
- Use a hot pan: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the cube steak. This will help create a nice crust on the steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the cube steak in batches if necessary, to ensure that each steak has enough room to cook evenly.
- Don’t press down on the steak: Resist the temptation to press down on the steak with your spatula, as this can squeeze out juices and make the steak tough.
Oven Broiling
Oven broiling is another way to cook cube steak. To oven broil cube steak, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cube steak on a broiler pan and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Tips for Oven Broiling Cube Steak
- Use a broiler pan: A broiler pan is essential for oven broiling cube steak, as it allows air to circulate under the steak and helps create a crispy crust.
- Don’t overcook the steak: Cube steak can become tough and dry if it’s overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
Making Gravy
Gravy is an essential component of cube steak and gravy. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade gravy:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the beef broth and milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Making Gravy
- Use a roux: A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that’s used to thicken the gravy. It’s essential for creating a rich and creamy gravy.
- Whisk constantly: Whisking constantly will help avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Use high-quality broth: Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
Recipes for Cube Steak and Gravy
Here are a few recipes for cube steak and gravy:
Classic Cube Steak and Gravy
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cube steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the cube steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the gravy by whisking together the flour and butter or oil, then gradually adding the beef broth and milk or heavy cream.
- Serve the cube steak with the gravy spooned over the top.
Cube Steak and Gravy with Mushrooms
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions:
- Season the cube steak with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cube steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the cube steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
- Make the gravy by whisking together the flour and butter or oil, then gradually adding the beef broth and milk or heavy cream.
- Serve the cube steak with the gravy and mushrooms spooned over the top.
Conclusion
Cube steak and gravy is a hearty, homestyle dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and tender cube steak with a rich and creamy gravy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, cube steak and gravy is a dish that’s sure to please.
What is cube steak and how is it different from other cuts of beef?
Cube steak is a type of beef cut that is made from top round or top sirloin. It is called “cube” steak because it is tenderized by pounding or rolling it to create small cube-like indentations on the surface. This process helps to break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender and easier to chew. Cube steak is different from other cuts of beef because of its unique texture and the way it is prepared.
Cube steak is often compared to other thinly sliced cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak. However, cube steak is typically more tender and has a milder flavor than these other cuts. It is also often less expensive than other cuts of beef, making it a popular choice for families and budget-conscious cooks. Overall, cube steak is a versatile and delicious cut of beef that can be used in a variety of dishes.
How do I cook cube steak to achieve the perfect tenderness?
Cooking cube steak to achieve the perfect tenderness requires some care and attention. The key is to cook the steak quickly over high heat, so that the outside is browned and crispy before the inside becomes overcooked. This can be achieved by pan-frying the steak in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil. It’s also important to not overcook the steak, as this can make it tough and chewy.
To ensure that the steak is cooked to the perfect tenderness, it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the steak should be at least 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 155°F (68°C) for medium-well or well-done. It’s also important to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness.
What is the best way to make a rich and flavorful gravy to serve with cube steak?
The best way to make a rich and flavorful gravy to serve with cube steak is to use the pan drippings from cooking the steak. This is because the pan drippings contain all the flavorful browned bits and juices from the steak, which can be used to make a delicious and savory gravy. To make the gravy, simply deglaze the pan with a small amount of liquid, such as beef broth or wine, and then whisk in some flour or cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
The key to making a rich and flavorful gravy is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the gravy slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the gravy to thicken to the perfect consistency. It’s also a good idea to taste the gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Some other ingredients you can add to the gravy to give it extra flavor include sautéed onions or mushrooms, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I make cube steak and gravy in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make cube steak and gravy in a slow cooker. In fact, a slow cooker is a great way to cook cube steak because it allows the steak to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. To make cube steak and gravy in a slow cooker, simply brown the steak in a skillet and then transfer it to the slow cooker with some beef broth and your choice of aromatics, such as onions and carrots.
The slow cooker will do the rest of the work for you, cooking the steak and gravy to perfection over several hours. One of the benefits of making cube steak and gravy in a slow cooker is that it’s a hands-off process, allowing you to come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal. You can also make the gravy in the slow cooker by whisking in some flour or cornstarch towards the end of the cooking time.
How do I serve cube steak and gravy?
Cube steak and gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One popular way to serve it is with mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich and flavorful gravy perfectly. You can also serve the steak and gravy with egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables. Some other options for serving cube steak and gravy include serving it with a side of sautéed greens, such as spinach or kale, or with a simple green salad.
No matter how you choose to serve it, cube steak and gravy is a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite. You can also customize the dish to your liking by adding your favorite seasonings or ingredients to the gravy. Some other ideas for serving cube steak and gravy include serving it with a side of biscuits or cornbread, or using the steak and gravy as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Can I make cube steak and gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cube steak and gravy ahead of time. In fact, making the dish ahead of time can be a great way to save time and effort during the week. To make the dish ahead of time, simply cook the steak and gravy as you normally would, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. You can also make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, where it will keep for several days.
When you’re ready to serve the dish, simply reheat the steak and gravy in the oven or on the stovetop, and serve it hot. You can also make the dish ahead of time and cook it in a slow cooker, which is a great way to come home to a ready-to-eat meal. One of the benefits of making cube steak and gravy ahead of time is that the flavors will meld together and the dish will become even more tender and flavorful.
Is cube steak and gravy a healthy meal option?
Cube steak and gravy can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. The steak itself is a good source of protein and iron, and it can be cooked in a way that is low in fat and calories. The gravy, on the other hand, can be high in fat and calories, depending on the amount of oil or butter used to make it.
To make cube steak and gravy a healthier meal option, you can use leaner cuts of beef and cook the steak in a way that is low in fat, such as grilling or pan-frying with a small amount of oil. You can also make the gravy with less oil or butter, and use more vegetables and aromatics to add flavor. Additionally, serving the steak and gravy with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad can help to balance out the meal and make it healthier.