Exploring Cube Steak Dishes Beyond Chicken Fried Steak

Cube steak, despite its name, doesn’t necessarily have to fit into the confines of traditional chicken fried steak. This versatile cut of meat is perfect for a range of dishes that can be slow-cooked, grilled, or roasted. The key to cooking cube steak lies in the tenderization process, which can make any tough cut of meat surprisingly flavorful and tender.

Why Cube Steak Matters

Cube steak gets its name because it is often purchased in pre-cubed form, making it easy to prepare. However, the term is more accurately used to describe any steak that has been processed into small, bite-sized cubes, typically to make it more tender and flavorful. This cut is excellent for slow-cooking methods, as it ensures that the meat breaks down and becomes tender over time. Some popular methods include baking, slow-cooking in a casserole, or even roasting.

Swiss Steak Adaptation

Swiss steak is a classic dish that utilizes cube steak to create a rich, savory flavor profile. The preparation of swiss steak typically involves tenderizing the meat, coating it with flour, browning it in oil, and then simmering it in a flavorful tomato sauce. Here’s a simple yet delectable adaptation of the swiss steak recipe:

Swiss Steak Adaption Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Steve Cylka

Ingredients:

2 pounds of steak round sirloin cube minute 1 cup flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp paprika 1/4 cup olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 onions, sliced 2 peppers, diced 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 cans of diced tomatoes 1/2 cup water 1 can tomato paste

Instructions:

If you are using steak that has not been tenderized, pound it on both sides with a meat tenderizer. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Dredge the steak in the flour mixture until coated all over. Heat the oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook about 4 minutes per side. The flour should brown and create a crust around the steak. If there are more pieces of steak than will fit in the skillet, cook them in multiple batches. After the steak has cooked about 4 minutes per side, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate. The skillet will have a buildup of browned flour and other seasonings. This has incredible flavor that should not be wasted. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir to pull the bits off the skillet. Add the garlic, onions, peppers, and celery to the skillet and cook until beginning to soften, about 7 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Add a third of the tomato mixture to the bottom of a casserole dish or roasting pan. Then add the steak and top it with the remaining tomato mixture. Cover the casserole dish and bake in a 325F oven for 2 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Alternative Dishes for Cube Steak

While swiss steak is a classic, there are many other delicious ways to prepare cube steak. Here are a few more options to consider:

Stovetop Beef Stroganoff

A rich and creamy beef stroganoff can be easily made with cube steak. Brown the cube steak in butter or oil, then simmer it in a flavorful sauce made from beef broth, sour cream, and mushrooms.

Slow-Cooker Carnitas

Break down the cube steak in your slow cooker with some acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and then cook it until it falls apart. Serve it as a topping for tacos or nachos.

Stuffed Peppers

Fill hollowed-out bell peppers with a mix of cooked cube steak, seasoned rice, and your favorite seasonings, then bake until tender.

These dishes not only showcase the versatility of cube steak but also highlight its ability to transform from a tough cut of meat into something rich and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking it slowly in a casserole or quickly on the stovetop, cube steak is a fantastic choice for those looking to prepare tasty, comforting meals that are both hearty and filling.