Cube steak is a delicious, versatile, and budget-friendly meal that can be easily prepared in a frying pan. However, knowing how long to cook cube steak in frying pan for the perfect level of tenderness while maintaining its juicy flavor might seem like a mystery.
Worry not! In this blog post, we will demystify the cooking process and share valuable tips on how to prepare mouthwatering cube steaks right in your own kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Tenderizing cube steak before cooking is important to achieve a juicy and succulent dish. Techniques like using a meat tenderizer, marinating the meat, scoring it or pounding with a mallet can help.
- The proper preparation of the pan is crucial in achieving perfectly cooked cube steaks in a frying pan. Choose a heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast-iron skillet, add enough oil or butter to coat its bottom, avoid overcrowding the pan and heat it properly over medium-high heat before adding seasoned or tenderized cube steaks to sear.
- Knowing how long to cook cube steak in frying pan depends on various factors such as thickness, temperature of the steak before cooking, preferred level of doneness among others. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side for the steak to brown properly on medium-high heat. Checking internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer and resting time after removing from heat are also essential for safe consumption and tenderness level respectively.
What is Cube Steak And How Long to Cook Cube Steak in Frying Pan
Before finding out how long to cook cube steak in frying pan, let’s find out what cube steak is. Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized either by pounding meat with special tools or running it through a machine, making it much more tender and easier to cook quickly.
What Is Cube Steak?
Cube steak, commonly referred to as minute steak, is a popular cut of beef known for its quick cooking time and tender texture. It is derived from the cow’s top round or sirloin sections and processed through a mechanical tenderizer that leaves distinctive cube-shaped indentations on the surface.
While its tender nature makes it suitable for many dishes, cube steak truly shines when cooked in a frying pan until golden brown. Its popularity has grown over time due to its versatility in various recipes across diverse cuisines such as Southern-style chicken-fried steaks or delightful Worcestershire sauce-infused creations.
Tenderizing Techniques
To ensure that your cube steak is tender and easy to chew, you need to tenderize it before cooking. Here are some ways to do it:
- Use a meat tenderizer: A meat tenderizer is a handy kitchen tool that can help break down the tough fibers in the meat. Simply hammer the steak with the tenderizer until it becomes thinner and more pliable.
- Marinate the meat: Soaking the cube steak in an acidic marinade, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help tenderize it. You can also add flavorings like herbs and spices to enhance its taste.
- Brine the steak: Similar to marination, brining involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution to make it more tender and flavorful.
- Score the steak: Use a sharp knife to create shallow cuts on both sides of the cube steak. This will help break up any tough fibers in the meat and make it easier to chew.
- Pound with a mallet: If you don’t have a meat tenderizer, you can also use a kitchen mallet or rolling pin to pound the steak. This technique will flatten and stretch the muscle fibers, making them less chewy.
By using one or more of these techniques before cooking your cube steak in a frying pan, you’ll end up with a juicy and succulent dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Seasoning Tips
When it comes to seasoning your cube steak before cooking, there are many options available. Some popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect flavor for you.
If you’re looking for a more Southern-inspired dish, try seasoning your cube steak with Cajun spices or a blend of chili powder and brown sugar. Additionally, coating your cube steak in flour before frying can help create a crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with creamy gravy or a pan sauce made from the drippings left behind in the skillet.
How To Cook Cube Steak In A Frying Pan
Prepare the pan by heating it over medium-high heat for several minutes before adding oil or butter, then cook the cube steak on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning down the heat slightly to ensure even cooking.
Preparing The Pan
Before finding out how long to cook cube steak in frying pan, it’s essential to prepare the pan properly. First, choose a heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast-iron skillet that’s large enough to accommodate the steaks without overcrowding them.
Add enough oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. You can also use a combination of oil and butter for added flavor.
Once you’ve added your cooking fat, let it heat up before adding your seasoned or tenderized cube steaks to the hot surface. Cooking on high heat may burn some parts while leaving others undercooked, so adjust accordingly for even cooking by lowering the flame slightly during searing process.
Adding Oil Or Butter
To cook cube steak in a frying pan, it’s important to add oil or butter to the pan before searing. The type of cooking fat used will depend on your preference and the recipe you’re following.
When adding oil or butter to the pan, it’s crucial not to use too much; otherwise, the cube steak may become greasy. A tablespoon of oil or butter should suffice for each batch of cube steaks you’re cooking.
For best results when using oil in your pan-fried cube steak recipe, heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and wait until it is shimmering with heat before adding just enough liquid fat (such as canola) in which you’ll then fry up those delicious cubes!
Cooking Time For Cube Steak In A Frying Pan
Cooking cube steak in a frying pan is quick and easy, but timing is critical to avoid over or undercooking. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side for the steak to brown properly on medium-high heat.
To ensure perfect cooking results, it’s recommended to let each side cook undisturbed for at least three minutes before flipping. If any part sticks during cooking, gently lift that section with a spatula to prevent tearing off the entire crust.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
In this next section of ow long to cook cube steak in frying pan, here are several factors can affect the cooking time of cube steak in a frying pan, including:
- Thickness – The thickness of the steak determines how long it takes to cook. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
- Temperature – The temperature of the steak before cooking affects the cooking time. Room temperature steaks will cook faster than refrigerated ones.
- Pan Temperature – The temperature of the frying pan also affects cooking time. A hot pan will cook the steak faster than a cold one.
- Cooking Method – Different cooking methods influence cooking times as well. Pan-frying is faster than oven baking or grilling.
- Preferred Doneness – How you want your steak cooked significantly impacts the cooking time. Rare meat will cook faster than medium or well-done cuts.
- Altitude – High altitudes may require adjustment to cooking time since water boils at lower temperatures in high elevations.
- Resting Time – Allowing the meat to rest after removing it from heat can affect its final internal temperature and tenderness level, which influences overall cooking time.
To ensure perfectly cooked cube steaks every time, it’s crucial to take these factors into account when determining cooking times in the frying pan and adjusting them accordingly as needed while monitoring the internal temperature with a thermometer.
Tips For Even Cooking
To achieve perfectly cooked cube steaks, it’s important to pay attention to even cooking. One essential tip is to ensure that your pan or skillet is evenly heated before adding the steak. This not only helps avoid burning but also promotes even browning of the meat.
Another tip for even cooking of cube steaks in a frying pan is avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cooking too many pieces at once may lead to uneven heating and impede proper searing, as well as prolonging cooking time.
By following these tips for even cooking, you’re sure to get deliciously tender, succulent cube steak every time!
Checking For Doneness
To check if the cube steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer and ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, or cut into the thickest part of the steak and look for clear juices.
Internal Temperature Guidelines
When cooking cube steak, it is crucial to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature to guarantee both flavor and safety. The following table provides different temperature guidelines for varying levels of doneness:
| Level of Doneness | Internal Temperature |
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium-Rare | 130-135°F |
| Medium | 135-145°F |
| Medium-Well | 145-155°F |
| Well-Done | 155-165°F |
Keep these temperature guidelines in mind when cooking cube steaks, and use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings. It’s important to remember that the internal temperature of cube steaks should reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.
Cutting Into The Steak
To check if the cube steak is done to your liking, you can cut into it. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 145°F. If you prefer a more well-done steak, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Another way to check for doneness without cutting into the steak is by looking at the juice color. When cooked correctly, clear juices will be released when pressed lightly with a fork or spatula.
After you know how long to cook cube steak in frying pan, remember that each side of the steak should be cooked individually for 4-5 minutes on medium heat to achieve an even cook throughout.
Looking For Clear Juices
As you cook your cube steak, keep an eye out for the juices that seep out of the meat. While some people may assume that red or pink juices indicate a rare or medium-rare steak, this is not always the best indicator of doneness.
Instead, look for clear juices to know when your steak is fully cooked through. When the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, it will release clear juices rather than bloody ones.
This indicates that all harmful bacteria have been destroyed and that your cube steak is safe to eat.
Different Recipes For Cooking Cube Steak In A Frying Pan
Get creative with your cube steak by trying out different seasoning and cooking styles. Pan-fried cube steaks with simple pan sauce recipe involves using Worcestershire sauce to make a delicious, savory sauce that complements the beef’s natural flavor.
Seared cube steaks recipe requires high heat, achieving a flavorful golden crust while keeping the center juicy.
Pan-Fried Cube Steaks With Simple Pan Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create juicy and flavorful cube steaks, try this simple pan-fried recipe with a delicious sauce. Follow these steps:
- Heat up a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season your cube steaks with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
- Once the pan is hot, add some cooking fat such as vegetable oil or butter to the bottom of the pan. Make sure it’s hot but not smoking before adding your steaks.
- Place your cube steaks in the pan and cook on each side for 3 – 4 minutes until browned and crispy.
- To make a simple pan sauce, remove the cooked cube steaks from the pan and set aside.
- Add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced onions to the same pan along with some Worcestershire sauce and beef broth.
- Cook for 2 – 3 minutes while stirring occasionally until the liquid has reduced slightly and thickened into a sauce.
- Spoon the sauce over your cooked cube steaks, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Using these simple steps to make this delicious dish will result in perfectly cooked cube steak that packs a flavor punch with minimal effort!
Seared Cube Steaks Recipe
Seared cube steaks are a delicious and easy way to prepare this cut of meat. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat a cast – iron skillet over high heat on the stovetop.
- Rub both sides of each cube steak with your favorite seasoning blend, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Once the fat is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned cube steaks to the skillet.
- Sear the steaks for 3 – 4 minutes per side until they are browned and crusty on the outside.
- Flip them once using tongs or a spatula, being careful not to pierce the surface of the meat and release its juices.
- For medium-rare cubes steaks (145°F internal temperature), cook for an additional 2-3 minutes after flipping.
- Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Remember, cooking time may vary depending on your preference of doneness and pan heating capacity.
Note About How Long to Cook Cube Steak in Frying Pan
For a deep golden brown color, cube steaks should be fried for 3-4 minutes per side while ensuring that they’re cooked through by reaching an internal temperature of at least 145°F when fully cooked. Each steak can be cooked individually for 4-5 minutes on each side for different doneness levels.
Avoid piercing the meat with utensils while flipping them over in order not to lose valuable juices inside that would have otherwise contributed to flavor development throughout cooking process.
How To Cook Cube Steak Without Breading
Cube steak can be cooked without breading using different methods that are just as tasty and flavorful. Here are some ways to cook cube steak without breading:
- Pan-Seared Cube Steak: Preheat a frying pan over high heat, season the steak with salt and pepper, and add it to the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Grilled Cube Steak: Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat them to high heat. Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue grilling for an additional 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Slow-Cooked Cube Steak: Place seasoned cube steaks in a slow cooker with sliced onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
Cooking cube steak without breading allows you to enjoy the full flavor of the meat while keeping it tender and juicy.
Other Ways To Cook Cube Steak
– Oven-Baked Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
– Grilled Method: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush cube steaks with oil and season them as desired.
– Slow-Cooker Method: Coat cube steak with flour, place it in a slow cooker, add beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cook it on low heat for about 8 hours or high heat for about 4 hours.
Oven-Baked Method
To switch up your cooking technique and to know how long to cook cube steak in frying pan, try using the oven-baked method for cube steaks. Here are the steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning of your choice.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter.
- Once hot, sear the cube steaks on both sides for 2 – 3 minutes until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8 – 10 minutes until cooked through to your desired doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 145°F (63°C).
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
This method not only allows you to cook multiple steaks at once, but it also ensures even cooking without worrying about flipping them in a pan repeatedly. Plus, baking in an oven can help lock in flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Grilled Method
Grilling is a great way to cook cube steak for a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. Here are some tips for grilling cube steak:
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Lightly oil and season both sides of the cube steak.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4 – 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Use tongs to flip the steaks instead of a fork to prevent juices from escaping.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into it to allow juices to redistribute.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the cube steaks in your favorite marinade for at least an hour before grilling.
Remember that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cube steak and how hot your grill gets. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption. Enjoy your perfectly grilled cube steaks!
Slow-Cooker Method
Slow-cooking cube steak is a great option for those who want to prepare a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Here are the steps:
- Start by seasoning the cube steak with your preferred spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder or onion powder.
- Heat up a skillet over medium – high heat and add some oil.
- Brown the cube steaks in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side. This helps give them a nice sear and seal in the juices.
- Transfer the browned steaks to a slow cooker and add any desired vegetables or broth for added flavor.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your preference and the thickness of the steak.
- Check the internal temperature of each steak using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F before serving.
Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also helps make cube steaks more tender. With these simple steps, you can easily create a flavorful and juicy meal that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions about how long to cook cube steak in frying pan:
1. How long should I cook cube steak in a frying pan?
Cooking times for cube steak will vary depending on thickness and desired level of doneness, but a general guideline is to sear each side for 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
2. Should I marinate my cube steak before cooking it?
Marinating your cube steak can help add flavor and tenderize the meat, especially if using a tougher cut like round or flank. Marinate for at least 30 minutes up to several hours before cooking, depending on the recipe.
3. What kind of oil should I use when cooking cube steak in a frying pan?
For best results, use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or grapeseed oil that won’t burn or smoke under high heat. Avoid using butter which has a low smoke point and may cause splattering.
4. Can I finish cooking my cube steak in the oven after searing it?
Yes, you can transfer your seared cube steaks to an oven-safe dish and bake them at 350°F for an additional 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through if desired. Be sure to check internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving!
Conclusion
In conclusion, how long to cook cube steak in frying pan can be tricky but is a quick and easy way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. With the right preparations and techniques, you can create delicious seared steaks that are tender and juicy.
Recap Of Cooking Cube Steak In A Frying Pan
Cooking cube steak in a frying pan is an easy and popular way to create a quick, flavorful meal. To begin, tenderize the meat and season it with your favorite spices. Heat up your frying pan or skillet on medium-high heat and add some oil or butter.
Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place the steaks into the pan, making sure they are evenly spaced apart.
If you prefer your cube steaks cooked differently than others in your household, cook them individually for 4-5 minutes per side to achieve different levels of doneness.
Be sure not to overcrowd the pan during cooking as this can affect even cooking results. Cooking covered for about ten minutes on medium-low heat can also make the meat extra tender while ensuring that all sides cook through thoroughly.
Final Tips For Perfectly Cooked Cube Steak
To ensure your cube steak comes out perfectly cooked every time, there are a few final tips to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you let the steaks come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
This ensures even cooking throughout the meat. Secondly, avoid overcrowding the frying pan as it can lead to steaming instead of searing and browning.
Lastly, after cooking, allow the cube steak to rest for five minutes before cutting into it. This helps retain their juices and avoids losing moisture as soon as they’re cut open.