Description of this recipe: This recipe delivers tender, flavorful cube steaks smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast. The combination of simple spices, tenderized steak, and a luscious onion gravy creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This dish is a true celebration of home-style cooking, bringing together familiar ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll love this cube steak recipe with onion gravy because it transforms humble cube steak into a culinary delight. The tenderizing process ensures that the steak is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the onion gravy adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a budget-friendly cut of meat without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. The rich, savory gravy is perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, making it a complete and fulfilling meal. Plus, the recipe is relatively simple to follow, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced cooks alike. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. The aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is simply irresistible, promising a truly memorable dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch slices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for richer color)
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the cube steaks. Remove them from the refrigerator and place them on the counter to allow them to come to room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking and prevents the steaks from seizing up when they hit the hot pan. Allowing the meat to rest also aids in better absorption of the spices and flour mixture.
Step 2: While the steaks are resting, prepare the spice mixture. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed. This spice blend will provide a flavorful foundation for the cube steaks.
Step 3: Next, tenderize the cube steaks. Place the steaks on a cutting board and cover them with a sheet of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a wooden rolling pin, gently pound the steaks to about ¼-inch thickness. This process helps to break down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and palatable final product. Be careful not to over-pound the steaks, as this can cause them to become too thin and fall apart during cooking.
Step 4: Season the cube steaks. Sprinkle all sides of the pounded steaks evenly with the prepared spice mixture and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Ensure that the steaks are fully coated, as this will help to create a delicious crust when they are seared. The flour also acts as a thickening agent for the onion gravy.
Step 5: Sear the cube steaks. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up until it shimmers. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan. If your steaks are large, you may need to cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the steaks for approximately 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Set aside. They will continue to cook slightly as they rest.
Step 6: Prepare the onion gravy. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are softened and caramelized to your desired softness. Caramelizing the onions properly will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor to the gravy.
Step 7: Add the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the gravy.
Step 8: Thicken the gravy. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the flour is lightly browned. This step creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy and give it a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 9: Create the gravy. Gradually pour in the beef stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the beef bouillon cube and Worcestershire sauce. If you are using Kitchen Bouquet, add a pinch to enhance the color of the gravy. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
Step 10: Simmer the steaks in the gravy. Gently place the seared cube steaks back into the skillet with the onion gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the steaks simmer in the gravy for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become even more tender.
Step 11: Serve and enjoy. Serve the cube steaks with onion gravy hot, spooning the gravy generously over the steaks.
COOKING Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing that perfectly complements the rich, savory gravy.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or buttered noodles are a great alternative to mashed potatoes, providing a comforting and satisfying base for the dish.
- White rice: Fluffy white rice is another excellent option for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Green beans: A simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans adds a touch of freshness and color to the meal.
- Dinner rolls: Warm, crusty dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any remaining gravy.
Tips:
- For extra tender cube steaks, marinate them in buttermilk or a mixture of vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have beef stock on hand, you can substitute with chicken stock or vegetable stock.
- To add a bit of sweetness to the gravy, consider adding a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey.
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in cube steaks.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef stock until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the gravy is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time until it thickens.
- To prevent the steaks from sticking to the pan, make sure the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering before adding the steaks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steaks, as this will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent them from browning properly.
- If you’re using Kitchen Bouquet, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added visual appeal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Estimates, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 35-45 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion: This Cube Steak Recipe with Onion Gravy is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and attention, can create a truly extraordinary meal. The tenderized cube steaks, infused with savory spices and smothered in a rich, flavorful onion gravy, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and comforted. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak instead of cube steak?
A: While cube steak is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of steak, such as round steak or sirloin steak. However, keep in mind that these cuts may require longer cooking times to achieve the same level of tenderness as cube steak. It’s also important to tenderize these steaks thoroughly before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. The cube steaks and onion gravy can be prepared separately and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy and steaks in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little more beef stock to the gravy if it has thickened too much during storage.
Q3: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the cube steaks and onion gravy to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the steaks and gravy in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed above.
Q4: What if I don’t have Kitchen Bouquet? Is it essential?
A: Kitchen Bouquet is not essential for this recipe. It is primarily used to enhance the color of the gravy and add a subtle depth of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can simply omit it without significantly impacting the overall taste of the dish. Alternatively, you can try adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the gravy for a similar effect.
Q5: Can I add mushrooms to the onion gravy?
A: Absolutely! Adding sliced mushrooms to the onion gravy is a delicious way to enhance its flavor and texture. Simply sauté the mushrooms along with the onions until they are softened and slightly browned. Continue with the recipe as directed, adding the garlic and flour as usual. The mushrooms will add an earthy, umami flavor to the gravy that complements the cube steaks beautifully.
