Introduction
Cube steak is a popular cut of meat, but it can often be tough and difficult to chew. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re looking forward to a delicious meal. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to make cube steak tender and juicy. Tenderizing cube steak is important because it enhances the flavor of the meat and makes it more enjoyable to eat. In this article, we’ll explore various techniques and tips for making cube steak tender.
Marinating the Cube Steak
Marinating involves soaking the meat in a mixture of acid, oil, and seasonings. The acid helps break down the tissue in the meat, making it more tender. Some of the best acidic ingredients to use for marinades are vinegar, buttermilk, and lemon juice. When marinating cube steak, it’s important to let it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Thin Slicing Technique
Thin slicing is another great technique to tenderize cube steak. Thinly sliced meat is easier to cook and cuts down on cooking time. The best way to slice meat thinly is to first place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to make it firm enough to slice easily. Then, using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the meat thinly against the grain. This technique cuts through the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender cut of meat.
Meat Mallet Technique
Meat malleting is a technique that physically tenderizes the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet. This technique is best for cube steak that is thicker and has more muscle fibers. The mallet softens the muscle fibers, making it more tender and easier to chew. When using this technique, be sure to pound the meat evenly and avoid pounding it too much, as this can cause it to become too thin and dry out.
Salt Brine Technique
Salt brining is a technique that involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution. The saltwater helps break down the muscle fibers in the meat and improves its texture and flavor. To make a salt brine, mix water with kosher salt and other seasonings, such as garlic or bay leaves. Submerge the meat in the brine for at least a few hours or up to overnight. Rinse the meat thoroughly after removing it from the brine to remove any excess salt.
Slow Cooker Recipe
Slow cooking is an excellent way to make cube steak tender. Using a slow cooker allows the meat to cook at a low temperature for several hours, making it extremely tender and juicy. To slow cook cube steak, place the meat in the slow cooker with seasonings and liquids such as broth, wine, or tomato sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily falls apart.
Sous Vide Technique
Sous vide cooking is a French cooking technique that involves sealing the meat in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. This technique is perfect for cube steak because it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy cut of meat. To sous vide cube steak, set the temperature to 131°F and cook for 2-3 hours.
Acidic-Based Marinade
An acidic-based marinade is a great way to tenderize cube steak and add flavor to it. Some of the best acidic ingredients to use for marinades include vinegar, lemon juice, and buttermilk. When creating an acidic-based marinade, be sure to use enough acid to break down the meat fibers, but not too much as it can overpower the flavor of the meat. Let the meat marinate for several hours or overnight for best results.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make cube steak tender, including marinating, thin slicing, meat malleting, salt brining, slow cooking, sous vide cooking, and acidic-based marinades. Each technique has its benefits and should be chosen based on your preferences and the type of meat you are cooking. By using these tips and techniques, you can transform tough cube steak into a tender and delicious meal.