fried cubed steak recipe

fried cubed steak recipe

The Best fried cubed steak recipe

Fried cubed steak is a classic American comfort food dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. I have fond memories of my mother making it for me and my siblings when we were young, and it always brought a smile to our faces.

The dish is simple to make, yet packed with flavor and texture. It’s made by breading and frying small cubes of beef steak, which are then served hot and often accompanied by mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a side salad.

The key to making great fried cubed steak is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh beef and a light, airy breading that doesn’t overpower the meat. My mother always swore by using beef tenderloin or sirloin tips for this recipe, as they are tender and full of flavor.

She would pound the meat thin to make it easier to cut into small cubes, and then season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices she liked. After dredging the meat in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, she would fry it in a hot skillet with plenty of oil until it was golden brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.

This recipe has been passed down through our family for years, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

The aroma of fried cubed steak cooking in the kitchen is one of the most comforting smells I know. It’s a smell that instantly transports me back to my childhood home and the happy memories I made there with my family.

Southern Fried Cubed Steak

Southern Fried Cubed Steak

4.9 from 1296 votes

Cubed steak is tenderized and coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then fried until golden and crispy. This classic Southern dish is served with creamy country gravy for a comforting meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Steak

4 cubed steaks (about 4 oz each)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1If the cubed steaks are not already tenderized, place each steak between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres.
3In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
4In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until well combined.
5Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F).
6While the oil heats, dredge each steak first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
7Carefully place two steaks in the hot oil without overcrowding.
8Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through.
9The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
10Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining steaks.
11After frying, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, leaving the browned bits.
12Reduce heat to medium, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbling and lightly browned.
13Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
14Continue whisking until the gravy thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 5 minutes.
15Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16Serve the fried cubed steaks immediately with the warm country gravy poured over the top.
17This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or cast iron pan
Meat mallet or rolling pin (if needed)
Shallow bowls for dredging
Tongs
Paper towels
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, let the coated steaks rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. You can also use buttermilk instead of milk in the egg wash for a tangier flavor.

Watch Video Of How Southern Fried Cubed Steak Works

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Easter or Thanksgiving.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies on a weeknight or dress it up with roasted vegetables and a side salad for a special occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fried Cubed Steak

Q: What type of meat should I use for fried cubed steak?

For this recipe, you can use any type of beef steak you like. My mother always used beef tenderloin or sirloin tips because they are tender and full of flavor.

Q: Can I make fried cubed steak in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meat ahead of time by cutting it into small cubes and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off the meat during frying?

To prevent the breading from falling off the meat during frying, make sure to coat the meat evenly with flour before dredging it in eggs and breadcrumbs.

Q: Can I use frozen breaded cubed steak instead of making my own?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using frozen breaded cubed steak for this recipe. The quality of store-bought breaded steak can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of breading used.

Q: How long can I store leftover fried cubed steak in the refrigerator?

You can store leftover fried cubed steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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