- Seasoning Preparation: Mix the meat seasoning mix together and set it aside.
- To prepare for cooking the gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Pour in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 beef bouillon, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Set the mixture aside after whisking everything together.
- Wrap each cube steak with plastic wrap, then pound them thin, approximately ½-inch thick or so, use the rough end of a meat tenderizer to get this done. Even if the cube steak has previously been tenderized, this will make a significant impact on the consistency of the steak.
- Rub all the sides of the steak with the spice mix, then with flour.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook 2 steaks at once in the pan for 3 minutes on each side. (If necessary, add a touch more olive oil and adjust the heat as required for the steaks to cook properly). Afterward, rest the steaks on a plate.
- Leave the meat specks in the pan; this is referred to as “fond,” and it will give the gravy more flavor. If there are any black or burned areas, carefully wipe them out with a damp paper towel.
- Over medium heat, heat up 2 tablespoons of butter and ‘clean’ the pan’s bottom with a silicone spatula. Mix in the onions and toss them to combine. Sauté the onions for about 15 to 25 minutes in the skillet, or until they reach the desired consistency. A popular preference is for them to be soft and reduced, developing an almost caramelized quality. As they cook, make sure to stir them frequently.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the pan with a silicone spatula before adding the liquid gravy mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then decrease to low heat.
- Return the steaks to the pan, along with any juices, and pour some gravy on top of every steak piece. Cook the steaks, slightly covered, for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the meat is properly cooked to your satisfaction.
- Remove the steaks from heat. An option to try is to add 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the steaks for a smooth, velvety finish. Chefs utilize a technique called “monster au beurre” to accomplish this.
- Serve with any sides of your choosing, some suggestions include mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and green beans or roasted carrots.
This cube steak recipe promises extremely flavorful and satisfactory results and can be quite a crowd-pleaser. The entire cooking duration for the recipe is 45 minutes, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes.
If you’re interested in more recipe variations to explore for cube steak, then try out some ideas in this video recipe.