How to Make Cubed Steak Tender: Tips and Tricks

Are you tired of tough and chewy cubed steaks? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many home cooks struggle to make this cut of beef tender, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform tough cubes into juicy and flavorful steaks that are sure to please.

First, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. Look for cubed steaks that are already tenderized or come from a cut like round steak that has less connective tissue. Secondly, marinating the steak can help break down the fibers and add flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs can work wonders. Another important step is to cook the steak at a low temperature over a longer period of time to allow the meat to break down and become tender. With these techniques and a little patience, you’ll have tender and delicious cubed steaks in no time!

Section: Tips on How to Make Cubed Steak Tender

1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat

If you want to enjoy a tender and juicy cubed steak, the type of steak you select is critical. Sirloin, chuck, or round steak are the best choices for cubed steak. These cuts of beef contain the ideal amount of connective tissue that breaks down and tenderizes when cooked low and slow. Avoid tougher cuts of meat like flank steak, skirt steak, or shoulder steak, as these require a different cooking method.

2. Tenderize the Meat

Before cooking, it’s crucial to tenderize the meat to break down the connective tissue and make the steak tenderer. You can use a meat tenderizer to poke holes all over the meat’s surface. This method helps to break up the muscle fibers, making the steak softer by allowing the marinade to penetrate deep into the steak.

3. Marinate the Steak

Marinating the cubed steak before cooking can help to make it tender and flavorsome. A marinade can consist of acidic substances like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine, which can break down the meat’s fibers. You can also add salty or sweet ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and herbs to the marinade to improve its flavor.

4. Don’t Overcook the Steak

Overcooked steak can become dry, tough, and stringy. Thus, cooking the cubed steak using a high heat method doesn’t guarantee a juicy and tender steak. Instead, you should use a low and slow cooking approach that softens the meat and retains its flavor and tenderness. Undercooking the meat also makes it chewy, and therefore, ensure that it cooks through evenly.

5. Use Moist Heat Cooking Techniques

Moist heat techniques provide adequate heat and moisture to break down the meat’s fibers and give you a juicy and tender steak. You can use a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or oven with a covered pot to make tender and flavorful cubed steak. These methods preserve moisture and prevent the steak from drying out.

6. Rest the Steak Post Cooking

After cooking the cubed steak, let it rest for five to ten minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the meat fibers to reabsorb the juices that escaped during cooking and redistributes them evenly throughout the steak. This results in a juicy and tender steak.

7. Slice the Meat Across the Grain

Your steak’s positioning on the cutting board is critical in determining its tenderness. To get the best results, cut the ribbons of meat across the grain. This cutting method shortens the meat fibers and results in a more tender steak. Cutting with the grain creates tough, stringy fibers that are difficult to break down in a single bite.

8. Choose the Right Cooking Oil

The cooking oil you use when preparing cubed steak can impact its tenderness level. Consider using oils with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils have a neutral flavor that won’t alter the taste of your steak. Additionally, such oils won’t leave behind a heavy or greasy aftertaste that can ruin your meat.

9. The Importance of Resting and Slicing

Never skip the resting and slicing process. They are essential for making cubed steak tender, and you don’t want to ruin your hard work. Following the right techniques for resting and slicing your cubed steak will enhance the meat’s flavor and tenderness and make it a mouth-watering treat.

10. Serve the Steak with a Tenderizing Sauce

Finally, you can serve your cubed steak with a variety of tenderizing sauces, such as chimichurri or salsa verde. These acidic sauces can add flavor to your steak, tenderize the meat, and make your experience so much more enjoyable. You can also drizzle a light sauce using cream, butter, or cheese to keep the steak moist and juicy as you serve it.

Preparing Cubed Steak for Tenderizing

Cubed steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding and scoring with a meat tenderizer. However, even though it has been tenderized, cubed steak can still be tough if not prepared and cooked properly. In this section, we will look at how to prepare cubed steak for tenderizing.

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

The first step to making tender cubed steak is choosing the right cut of meat. The best cut of meat for cubed steak is the top round or top sirloin. These cuts of meat have little marbling and are lean, making them perfect for tenderizing.

Thaw and Marinate the Steak

Before you tenderize the cubed steak, make sure it is fully thawed. Thawing the meat at room temperature for a couple of hours is recommended. Once the cubed steak is thawed, it is essential to marinate it. Marinates contain acids that help break down the meat’s fibers, making it more tender. You can prepare a simple marinade with olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and other spices.

Pound the Cubed Steak

After the steak has been thawed and marinated, it is time to begin the tenderizing process. Pounding the cubed steak with a meat tenderizer helps break down the steak’s connective tissue and makes it more tender. Be sure to turn the steak over frequently and pound both sides. You can also use a fork to score the steak, making it more tender.

Season the Cubed Steak

Once your cubed steak has been tenderized, it is time to season it. Be sure to season both sides well with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice, such as garlic or onion powder.

Flour and Bread the Cubed Steak

Coating the cubed steak with flour and breadcrumbs will help it retain moisture during cooking. You can also use cornmeal or cracker crumbs.

Fry the Cubed Steak

To cook the cubed steak, you can either fry it in oil or butter. Make sure the oil or butter is hot before adding the steak to the pan. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until golden brown.

Braise or Bake the Cubed Steak

Another way to cook cubed steak is by braising or baking it in the oven. Braising involves cooking the steak in liquid over low heat until it is tender. You can use beef broth, red wine, or tomato sauce as the liquid. Baking the steak involves covering it with foil and cooking it in the oven at low temperatures.

Rest the Cubed Steak

After cooking, allow the cubed steak to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat and make it more tender.

Serve with Gravy or Sauce

Cubed steak is best served with gravy or sauce. You can make a simple gravy using the drippings from the cubed steak or use a store-bought sauce.

Storage

Leftover cubed steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is best to reheat the steak in the oven or microwave, adding a small amount of water to prevent it from drying out.

The Best Ways to Make Cubed Steak Tender

Cubed steak is a cut of meat that is derived from various parts of the cow. It is budget-friendly, easy to cook, and versatile in flavor. However, its tough texture can make it challenging to cook correctly. In this section, you will learn the best ways to make cubed steak tender, juicy, and flavorful.

1. Marinating Cubed Steak

Marinating is one of the best ways to make cubed steak tender. A good marinade can break down the tough fibers in the meat and impart flavor. To make a marinade, combine your favorite herbs, spices, and acid. Some good choices include balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and onion powder. Place the cubed steak in the marinade and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The longer you marinate, the better the meat will taste.

2. Slow Cooking Cubed Steak

Slow cooking is another great way to make cubed steak tender. By cooking it on low heat for several hours, you allow the meat to break down and become more tender. You can use a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or even an Instant Pot for this method. Add onions, carrots, and potatoes for a complete meal.

3. Using a Meat Mallet

Using a meat mallet is a physical way to break down the tough fibers in cubed steak. Place the steak on a cutting board and use the flat side of the mallet to pound it gently. Be careful not to overdo it and create holes in the meat. Season the steak and cook it as desired.

4. Cooking Cubed Steak with Acid

Acid can help to break down the protein in cubed steak, thereby making it more tender. Lemon juice, vinegar, or wine are great acid options. Use a few tablespoons of the acid in the cooking liquid and cook the steak on low heat for several hours for maximum tenderness.

5. Brining Cubed Steak

Brining is similar to marinating but involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution. The salt helps to break down the protein and tenderize the meat. To make a brine, mix water and salt in a ratio of 1 cup of salt per 1 gallon of water. Soak the cubed steak in the brine for 30 minutes before cooking.

In conclusion, there are multiple methods for making cubed steak tender. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but all can yield delicious results. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. With the right technique, cubed steak can be transformed into a tender and flavorful meal.

Happy Cooking with Tender Cubed Steaks!

Now you know how to make a dish that will knock everyone’s socks off. Tender, juicy meat that falls apart in your mouth – what could be better? Thank you for reading this article and I hope you found these tips and tricks useful. Bookmark this page and come back any time you need a refresher. Until then, happy cooking!