Pan-Seared Cube Steak: Quick And Easy

Pan-searing is the best and easiest way to cook a cube steak. This technique involves cooking the surface of the meat undisturbed in a hot pan until a crisp, golden-brown, and flavoursome crust forms. Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually top sirloin or top round, that has been mechanically tenderised or tenderised with heavy pounding. It is generally tough, so tenderising helps cut the fibres that make the meat difficult to chew.

To pan-sear a cube steak, first pat the meat dry with paper towels. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Next, heat a heavy pan over a medium-high heat and add oil. Carefully place the steak in the pan and leave it undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a brown crust. Flip the steak when it releases easily and the bottom is deep brown, then cook for another few minutes.

How to prepare your steak for pan searing

How to Prepare Your Steak for Pan-Searing

Selecting Your Steak

Cube steak is a cut of beef, usually top sirloin or top round, that has been mechanically tenderized or tenderized with heavy pounding using a standard meat tenderizer. You can also buy regular round steak and pound it yourself using the pointy, spiked side of a mallet.

Trimming the Fat

Before you start cooking, trim your cube steak of all fat and cut it into small (approximately 2-inch) pieces.

Marinating the Steak

Some recipes suggest marinating your steak in a simple mixture of orange juice, cider vinegar, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. The acid in the orange juice and cider vinegar will help to tenderize the meat, while the olive oil will prevent the steaks from sticking, and the Worcestershire sauce will add flavour.

Dredging the Steak

If you want a crispy coating on your steak, you can dredge it in flour before cooking. Mix together flour, seasoned salt, and pepper on a plate or in a large plastic bag. Then, coat each piece of steak with the flour mixture, pressing to coat with as much flour as possible.

Preparing the Steak for Cooking

Before you cook your steak, pat it dry with paper towels. This will help you get a perfect sear and reduce oil splatter.

How to heat your pan for pan searing

How to Heat Your Pan for Pan-Searing

Choosing the Right Pan

Cast iron pans are the best option for pan-searing. They retain heat well, won't melt, scorch or warp, and are relatively cheap. Other kinds of dense, all-metal pans can also be used. It is important to avoid non-stick pans, as the high heat will damage the coating. Choose a pan that is just big enough for your steak, to avoid the steak juices spilling into the unused space and burning.

Preparing the Pan

Before heating the pan, coat the steak with a generous amount of oil. This will help conduct heat to the surface of the steak for efficient searing. Olive oil has a popular flavour, but clearer oils have higher smoke points, which are cleaner and less noxious.

To heat the pan, place it on the stove on high heat. You'll know the pan is hot enough when drops of water sprinkled on the surface evaporate almost instantly, or "dance" across the surface. A cast-iron skillet's black "seasoning" may begin to smoke a little. The higher the temperature, the more distinct, crunchy, and blackened the crust will be, but this will also create more smoke, so ensure you have good ventilation.

Adding the Steak

Use a pair of tongs to lay the steak in the pan. You should hear a sizzling sound, which indicates that the steak is searing. If one side of the steak has more fat, lay the fatty side down first, as the fat will quickly render and form a delicious crust.

Cooking the Steak

It should take around 2-4 minutes for each side of the steak to cook. Only flip the steak once, as each time you flip it, you "reset" the process of heat penetrating the interior of the meat, and you may drain off the juices, resulting in a steak with a tough exterior and overcooked interior.

How long to cook your cube steak for

Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderised through mechanical means or heavy pounding with a meat tenderiser. It is usually cut from the top sirloin or top round.

The best ways to cook cube steak are pan broiling or using moist heat, to avoid drying the meat out.

To pan-sear a cube steak, first preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and spray with a small amount of cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking to the pan. Season the meat to your preference. Place the cube steak in the skillet, ensuring that they are not stacked or crowded in the pan to guarantee even cooking.

For a medium steak, cook uncovered for two minutes on each side. For a well-done steak, cook for another minute on each side. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that steaks are cooked until they reach a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking multiple steaks, it is best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each steak should be cooked for around three minutes on each side.

If you are adding a gravy to your steak, remove the steaks from the pan before making the gravy, to prevent the crust on the steaks from becoming soggy.

How to serve your cube steak

Cube steak is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Sandwich

For a hearty and indulgent option, serve your cube steak as a sandwich. Place the steak between two slices of white bread, preferably soft and mushy, and spread with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Sprinkle with black pepper to taste. This classic combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With a Potato Side Dish

Cube steak pairs well with potatoes, so consider serving it with a side of mashed potatoes, Crash Hot Potatoes, or Potatoes au Gratin. If you're looking for something lighter, roasted baby red potatoes or a potato salad would also complement the steak nicely.

With a Green Salad

If you want a healthier option, serve your cube steak with a big green salad. You can add a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, Brussel sprouts, or corn on the cob, to create a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

With Gravy

For a heartwarming and comforting dish, serve your cube steak with a generous helping of gravy. This can be served alongside your choice of potatoes or even poured over the steak itself.

With a Side of Vegetables

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, pair your cube steak with a side of vegetables. Some options include roasted asparagus, Brussel sprouts, or creamed spinach. You can also add some mushrooms to the dish for extra flavour.

With a Classic Steak Side

There are also some classic sides that go well with steak, such as a chimichurri sauce or a red wine sauce. These sauces add a burst of flavour to your dish and can be easily made at home or store-bought.

Remember, when serving cube steak, it's important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak. Enjoy experimenting with different serving options and finding your favourites!

How to store leftover cube steak

Cube steak is a versatile and tasty dish, but what do you do with leftovers? Well, the good news is that if you've cooked a little too much, you can store your leftover cube steak in the refrigerator or freezer for another day.

Firstly, allow the steak to cool down. Then, wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place them in an airtight container. You can store the steaks in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, it's best to freeze them.

When it comes to reheating your cube steak, it's best to avoid drying it out. You can use a skillet to reheat the steak, but be careful not to overheat it. Heat some olive oil in the skillet, and then add the steak, flipping it every minute until it's cooked to your liking. Alternatively, you can reheat the steak in the oven, covered in foil, at a low temperature.

Frequently asked questions