How To Make Cube Steak Recipes In Under 30 Minutes

Are you looking for quick, budget-friendly dinner options that don’t sacrifice flavor? Cube steak recipes are the answer to your weeknight meal dilemmas. These affordable cuts of beef can be transformed into delicious, restaurant-quality dishes in just 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy households. Cube steak, which is essentially round steak or top sirloin that has been pounded with a meat mallet to tenderize it, creates the foundation for numerous comfort food classics that are surprisingly simple to prepare3. The unique texture and versatility of cube steak make it an excellent canvas for various flavors and cooking techniques.

Introduction

Did you know that 58% of food produced for North Americans is lost or wasted6? Yet, with economical proteins like cube steak, you can create satisfying meals while stretching your grocery budget. Cube steak recipes have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, offering the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Despite its fading popularity among newer generations who gravitate toward premium cuts like ribeye and filet mignon5, cube steak delivers exceptional value and taste when prepared correctly.

Cube steak derives its name from the distinctive cube-shaped indentations created by the mechanical tenderization process. This pre-tenderizing makes it ideal for quick-cooking methods, allowing you to have dinner on the table in record time. Whether you’re craving classic chicken fried steak with gravy or a simple pan-seared version with onions, these recipes will satisfy your comfort food cravings without the extended cooking time.

Ingredients List

Creating delicious cube steak recipes requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for classic preparations:

For Chicken Fried Cube Steak:

1 pound cube steak (typically 2 large pieces)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (like Lawry’s)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying1

For Cube Steak with Onion Gravy:

1 pound cube steak
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups chicken or beef broth2

The beauty of cube steak recipes lies in their adaptability. Don’t have seasoning salt? Regular salt works fine. Out of paprika? Your steak will still taste delicious without it. The tender, pre-tenderized texture of cube steak absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish even with minimal seasoning.

Timing

One of the most appealing aspects of cube steak recipes is their efficiency. Most cube steak dishes can be prepared in 20-30 minutes total, which is approximately 40% faster than traditional steak preparations1 2. Here’s the typical timing breakdown:

Preparation time: 5-10 minutes (setting up ingredients, breading the meat)
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes (including resting time)
Total time: 20-30 minutes from start to finish

The quick cooking time makes cube steak recipes ideal for weeknight dinners when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Even the Instant Pot version only requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to attend to other tasks while dinner cooks3.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steak

Begin by patting your cube steaks dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning and helps the breading adhere better. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. If your cube steaks are very large, consider cutting them into more manageable portions1.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

For chicken fried cube steak, create a breading station with two shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the egg and milk. In the second dish, combine the flour, seasoning salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour1.

Step 3: Bread the Cube Steak

Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it once more in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. This double-coating technique creates the perfect crispy exterior that seals in moisture1 5.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. The proper oil temperature is crucial—too cool and your cube steak will absorb excess oil; too hot and the coating will burn before the meat cooks through1.

Step 5: Cook the Cube Steak

Carefully place the breaded cube steaks in the hot oil. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the edges become golden brown. Flip only once and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium doneness1.

Step 6: Prepare the Gravy

While the cube steaks rest, prepare your gravy in the same pan to utilize all the flavorful bits left behind. For a classic milk gravy, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan drippings, whisking constantly. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper, and serve generously over your cube steaks1.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of cube steak can help you incorporate it into a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per 3 oz (84g) serving of plain cube steak:

Calories: 120
Protein: 18g (62% of calories)
Fat: 5g (38% of calories)
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 45mg4

Cube steak is an excellent source of protein, providing approximately 32% of your daily protein requirements per 3 oz serving. The nutritional values will change based on your preparation method, with breaded and fried versions naturally containing more calories and fat than simple pan-seared preparations.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re watching your caloric intake or have specific dietary requirements, cube steak recipes can be easily modified:

Air Fryer Method: Instead of pan-frying, use an air fryer to achieve a crispy coating with significantly less oil. Spray the breaded cube steak lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free 1:1 flour in both the breading and gravy. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are also gluten-free for a completely gluten-free meal2.
Lower-Sodium Version: Reduce the amount of seasoning salt and opt for herb-based seasonings instead. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can add tremendous flavor without the sodium.
Dairy-Free Variation: Use plant-based milk for the egg wash and gravy. Almond milk works well for the breading, while a thicker option like cashew or oat milk creates a creamier gravy.
Low-Carb Approach: Skip the flour breading entirely and simply season the cube steak with herbs and spices before pan-searing. Serve with a mushroom sauce made with beef broth thickened with a small amount of cornstarch or xanthan gum instead of flour.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cube steak recipes with these complementary side dishes and presentation ideas:

Classic Southern: Serve chicken fried cube steak with creamy mashed potatoes, the traditional gravy poured generously over both, and a side of fresh green beans or collard greens for a complete meal that offers textural contrast.
Weeknight Comfort: Pair simply seasoned cube steak with buttered egg noodles and a quick side salad for a balanced dinner that comes together in minutes.
Breakfast-for-Dinner: Top your cube steak with a fried egg and serve alongside crispy hash browns for a hearty breakfast-inspired evening meal.
Open-Faced Sandwich: Place your cube steak on a slice of toasted sourdough bread, top with gravy and caramelized onions for an elevated open-faced sandwich experience.
Farm-to-Table: During summer months, serve cube steak alongside fresh corn on the cob and a tomato-cucumber salad for a seasonal meal that celebrates fresh produce.

Garnish your plate with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced home cooks can encounter challenges when preparing cube steak recipes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Neglecting the Breading: One of the biggest mistakes is cooking cube steak without coating it in flour or breadcrumbs. This protective layer helps seal in moisture and prevents the meat from becoming tough and dry5.
Minimal Seasoning: Don’t be shy with seasonings! Cube steak benefits from generous seasoning to enhance its relatively mild flavor. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika create a foundation, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends5.
Overrelying on Gravy: While gravy is delicious with cube steak, using it solely to mask flaws in your cooking technique isn’t ideal. Focus on cooking the steak properly first, with gravy as an enhancement rather than a cover-up5.
Neglecting the Gravy: Conversely, skipping gravy entirely misses an opportunity to add moisture and flavor. A well-made gravy complements the cube steak perfectly and is worth the extra few minutes of preparation5.
Overcooking: Cube steak is thin and pre-tenderized, meaning it cooks quickly. Overcooking leads to tough, dry meat. Aim for medium doneness (145°F) for the best texture and juiciness5.
Single Flip Method: Allow the steak to develop a good crust on one side before flipping, and flip only once during cooking. Constant flipping prevents proper browning and can lead to a soggy coating1.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures your cube steak remains fresh and delicious, whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers:

Short-Term Storage (1-3 days): Lightly sprinkle salt all over fresh cube steak and keep it uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator. This dry-brining method not only preserves the meat but also enhances its flavor and helps it develop a better crust when cooked6.
Medium-Term Storage (1 week to 1 month): Wrap uncooked cube steak tightly in wax-lined butcher paper, label clearly with the date, and store in the freezer. Ensure the paper is wrapped tightly around the meat to prevent freezer burn6.
Longer Storage: For storage beyond a month, consider vacuum sealing your cube steak before freezing, which can maintain quality for up to 12 months6.
Leftover Storage: Refrigerate cooked cube steak recipes within two hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Reheating Tips: To prevent leftover cube steak from becoming tough, reheat gently. For breaded versions, reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through to maintain the crispy coating. For non-breaded versions, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Cube steak recipes offer the perfect solution for time-pressed home cooks seeking affordable yet satisfying meals. With their quick cooking time, versatility, and comforting flavors, these tenderized beef dishes deserve a regular spot in your meal rotation. By following these step-by-step instructions and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll consistently achieve tender, flavorful results that belie the dish’s budget-friendly status and minimal time investment.

Have you tried making any of these cube steak recipes? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Share your own tips, variations, or questions with our community. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more quick, economical, and delicious recipes that make weeknight cooking a breeze.

FAQs

What exactly is cube steak?

Cube steak is not actually cubed meat, but rather a cut of beef (usually round steak or top sirloin) that has been mechanically tenderized with a meat mallet, creating distinctive cube-shaped indentations on the surface. This process helps break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender final product3 5.

Can I make cube steak recipes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread cube steaks and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before cooking. For cooked cube steak, it reheats well, though the breading may not remain as crispy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Is cube steak the same as Salisbury steak?

No, they’re different. Cube steak is a whole piece of mechanically tenderized beef, while Salisbury steak is made from ground beef formed into a patty. However, both are often served with gravy and make excellent comfort food options.

How can I ensure my cube steak doesn’t turn out tough?

The key is not overcooking it. Cube steak is thin and cooks quickly. Additionally, using a flour coating helps seal in moisture, and serving it with gravy adds juiciness5.

What’s the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, chicken fried steak is coated in egg and flour similar to fried chicken and served with cream gravy, while country fried steak may have a simpler breading and is typically served with brown gravy1.

Can I use cube steak in other recipes besides traditional fried preparations?

Absolutely! Cube steak works well in quick stir-fries, as the base for Italian dishes like cube steak parmesan, in sandwiches, or simply seasoned and quickly pan-seared for a low-carb option3.

Are there any Instant Pot cube steak recipes?

Yes, cube steak works wonderfully in an Instant Pot, particularly for recipes with gravy. The pressure cooking environment helps maintain moisture and further tenderizes the meat, resulting in extremely tender cube steak with minimal effort3.