Cubed Steak Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals
Cubed steak, also known as minute steak, is a budget-friendly cut that's surprisingly tender and flavorful when cooked right. Its small size makes it perfect for quick weeknight meals. This post explores several easy cubed steak recipes, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Let's dive into some deliciousness!
Simple and Flavorful Cubed Steak Recipes
These recipes focus on maximizing flavor without complicated techniques or extensive ingredient lists.
Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Cubed Steak
This recipe is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly simple, yet delivers big on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cubed steak
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season: Season the cubed steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, swirling the pan, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Simmer: Pour the garlic butter over the steaks, and let them simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
Recipe 2: Creamy Mushroom Cubed Steak
This recipe elevates the simple cubed steak with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cubed steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sear: Season the cubed steaks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Return the cubed steaks to the skillet and coat them in the creamy mushroom sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Tips for Perfect Cubed Steak
- Tenderizing: Cubed steak benefits from tenderizing before cooking. You can use a meat mallet or a commercial tenderizer.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked cubed steak will be tough. Cook it to your desired doneness, but avoid overcooking.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't skimp on the salt and pepper! A good seasoning is essential for a flavorful dish.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variations. Consider adding onions, peppers, or other vegetables to your favorite recipe.
These easy cubed steak recipes provide a starting point for creating delicious and affordable meals. Remember to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy!
