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What is Cube Steak?

Also known as minute steak, cube steak is an inexpensive, flavorful cut of beef that’s pre-tenderized by a process of pounding and cutting. It comes from the top or bottom round, a tough portion near the rump of the cow usually used as stew meat. But cube steak has been pounded with a textured mallet or tenderized mechanically, a process that breaks down the muscle fibers, making it tender enough to pan-fry on the stove. You can, of course, use cube steak exactly as you would use stew beef, slowly simmering it to tenderness, but you’ll get the most value and convenience by searing it like a steak. An extra bonus with cube steak? Its textured “cubed” surface means nooks and crannies that hold anything you coat it with—seasonings, breading or marinades—particularly well, giving you super-tasty results.

How Do You Cook Cube Steak?

Think of cube steak like the chicken or pork cutlet of the steak family: A cut that does best when cooked quickly over high heat. Cube steak has very little marbling (internal fat), so it can dry out easily, becoming tough and losing flavor. Remember its alternate name “minute steak” and aim to cook it just a minute or two (or maximum three) on each side. The simplest way to cook it? Season it with salt and pepper, dust it with flour and sear it in a very hot pan with a little oil until it’s just browned on both sides.

Cube steak is also famously breaded or battered and pan-fried for the comfort-food favorites chicken-fried steak or country-fried steak. Saucy accompaniments like brown or white gravy, mushrooms and caramelized onions are traditionally paired with cube steak to complement its firm texture. The steak is also perfect for searing and using in dishes like tacos, steak and eggs, sandwiches and more. You can grill it, too; just be careful to keep it from overcooking and drying out.