What is Cube Steak and How Can I Cook It?

Have you ever used cube steak in your cooking? Though it might resemble ground beef, this particular cut offers a distinct texture and flavor.

Cube steak is an affordable, pre-tenderized meat option that’s perfect for quick meals. It’s versatile, whether you’re making country-fried steak, beef patties, slow-cooker dishes, or burgers. With a few tips, you can keep it tender and delicious in all your favorite recipes.

What is Cube Steak?

Cube steak, also known as “cubed steak” or “minute steak,” is an inexpensive, tender cut commonly used in fast meals, soups, and stews. You can also find it featured in restaurant dishes like country-fried or chicken-fried steak.

Cube steak typically comes from the top or bottom round of beef and is mechanically tenderized, with a machine that creates small punctures to break down tough fibers. This results in a steak with a unique cube pattern, giving it a similar appearance to ground meat.

Cube steak is an affordable yet flavorful option for meals. Since it’s pre-tenderized, it’s an excellent choice for quick and easy dinners. However, be sure to cook it properly to maintain its tenderness and avoid making it too tough.

Cube Steak vs. Swiss Steak

Is Swiss steak the same as cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut that’s been tenderized using a mechanical process known as “swissing,” where a machine known as a meat cuber presses into the meat to break down tough fibers. This technique creates the signature cube-shaped indentations on both sides of the steak.

The steak produced is known as cube steak or swiss steak. While the name might suggest a connection to Switzerland, it actually originates from the “swissing” process used to tenderize the meat.

How to Tenderize Cube Steak

To keep cube steaks tender while cooking, follow these simple methods:

Sautéing

Ensure your cube steaks have enough space in a lightly oiled pan to remain tender during cooking. This technique is ideal for recipes like smothered steaks with onions and peppers.

Pan Frying

Pan frying is commonly used for making country-fried steaks. The meat is cooked in hot oil, turning the breading golden and crispy after a few minutes on each side.

Braising

Braising is a slow-cooking method that begins by searing the meat, followed by a simmering phase. This technique helps keep the meat tender, much like preparing a classic pot roast.

Find the recipe: The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak

What Can You Make with Cube Steak?

• Topped with Gravy: A popular way to cook cube steak is topped with a rich gravy. A flavorful brown sauce with mushrooms or a creamy milk-based gravy are featured in many recipes for cube steak.
• Country Fried Steaks: Cubed steak is the star of country fried steaks which includes a crispy bread coating for the meat and a white gravy. You can find combinations for these steaks served with fluffy mashed potatoes in recipes and it is a restaurant staple found around the country.
• Burgers: You can find burger recipes that swap out the usual ground meat for cubed steak, but be careful not to overcook this version of burgers. You can make burgers from cube steak instead of ground beef or opt for already-formed patties.

Where to Purchase Cube Steak

Cube steak is available at your local butcher shop or in the meat aisle of most grocery stores.

Cube steaks can be frozen for later use, making them a convenient option for future meals. However, the packaging from the store isn’t ideal for freezing, so it’s best to transfer the meat. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a resealable, labeled freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.