Alton Brown’s Cube Steak Recipe: Homestyle Dinner Magic

Alton Brown’s cube steak whispers culinary magic, transforming a forgotten cut into a symphony of succulence.

This unsung hero of beef demands respect from home cooks seeking exceptional flavor.

Tough muscle becomes tender poetry through strategic seasoning and patient cooking techniques.

Southern kitchens have long cherished these humble cuts, turning simple ingredients into comfort on a plate.

Slow simmering unlocks hidden depths, coaxing out rich, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Every slice promises a journey from ordinary to extraordinary, revealing the potential of this budget-friendly protein.

Grab your skillet and prepare to elevate dinner from mundane to magnificent.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 4

Alton Brown’s Cube Steak Ingredient Rundown

• Cube Steak: Select well-marbled, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Choose coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced seasoning depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached flour with consistent fine texture for smooth, even coating.
• Meat Tenderizer: Use metal or wooden tenderizer with sharp points to break down muscle fibers effectively.

• Chicken Broth, Thyme: Select low-sodium broth for controlled seasoning and fresh thyme for vibrant herbal undertones.
• Vegetable Oil, Bacon Grease: Opt for high smoke-point oil or rendered bacon fat for rich, golden browning.

Tools for Searing the Steak Right

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and even heat distribution.
• Shallow dish: Wide, flat container for flour coating meat evenly.
• Meat tenderizer: Handheld tool with sharp points or flat surface to break down tough muscle fibers.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending broth and seasonings.
• Cooking tongs: Helpful for safely flipping and moving steaks in hot oil.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice meat against the grain precisely.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for meat preparation.
• Measuring cups: For accurate broth measurement.
• Plate: Temporary holding spot for browned steaks.

How to Cook Cube Steak with a Twist

• Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a gentle 300°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for transforming tough meat into a mouthwatering meal.

• Season And Slice Meat

Sprinkle salt and pepper over cube steak, then slice against the grain into delicate pieces that will melt in your mouth.

• Create Crispy Coating

Dust each meat slice generously with flour, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in all the delicious flavors.

• Tenderize And Prep

Flatten steaks using a meat tenderizer, making them thin and ready to absorb the rich cooking liquid. Give them another quick flour bath for extra crispiness.

• Start The Sizzle

Pour a thin layer of oil into a Dutch oven, heating until it dances and shimmers with anticipation of the soon-to-be-amazing dish.

• Brown To Perfection

Slide steaks into the hot oil, letting each side turn a stunning golden brown. Work in batches to keep everything crisp and beautiful.

• Build The Flavor Base

Whisk chicken broth and thyme into the pan, creating a luxurious liquid that will transform the meat into a tender, succulent masterpiece.

• Slow Cook To Tenderness

Nestle the browned steaks into the flavorful liquid, cover the Dutch oven, and let the oven work its magic for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat practically falls apart with a gentle touch.

Tips for Tenderizing and Sauce Options

• Boost Meat Tenderness: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound steaks gently, breaking down tough muscle fibers and ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customize Flour Mix: Experiment with adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the flour coating for extra flavor depth and aromatic complexity.
• Control Browning Quality: Maintain medium-high heat when searing steaks to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the meat or creating bitter flavors.
• Enhance Liquid Depth: Swap chicken broth with beef stock or add a splash of red wine to intensify the sauce's richness and create more complex taste profiles.

Pairing Ideas for Cube Steak

• Savor with Hearty Sides: Pair the tender cube steak with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich meat.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts on the side to balance the protein and make a satisfying, nutritious dinner that everyone will love.
• Comfort Food Companions: Serve with warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits to help soak up every last drop of the flavorful cooking liquid and create a truly comforting meal experience.

How to Store Leftover Steak

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover cube steaks in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious taste and texture.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual servings in microwave at 50% power, adding 2 tablespoons of broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat in 30-second intervals until steaks reach internal temperature of 165°F.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap cooled steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen portions remain delectable for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide cooled steaks into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach prevents repeated thawing and ensures maximum flavor retention when enjoying leftovers.

Epic Alton Brown Cube Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s cube steak recipe delivers a classic Southern comfort dish with tender meat and crispy coating. Southern kitchens will appreciate this simple yet satisfying meal you can master in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or bacon drippings
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Preparation: Generously season meat with salt and pepper, then slice against the grain into precise 1/2-inch thick portions, ensuring uniform texture and flavor.
2. Coating Process: Meticulously dredge each meat slice through flour, creating a comprehensive, even coating that will enhance browning and develop a crisp exterior.
3. Tenderizing Technique: Gently pound meat with a tenderizer until reaching a quarter-inch thickness, breaking down muscle fibers to guarantee maximum tenderness.
4. Searing Stage: Heat oil in a Dutch oven until shimmering, then strategically place steaks to achieve a golden-brown crust, working in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure optimal caramelization.
5. Liquid Infusion: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and fresh thyme, whisking vigorously to incorporate the rich, caramelized fond from the bottom of the pot, creating a deeply flavored braising liquid.
6. Slow Cooking Method: Return steaks to the aromatic liquid, fully submerging them, then cover and transfer to a 300°F oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the meat to become extraordinarily tender and develop complex, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Notes

• Grain Awareness: Always slice meat against the grain to break down tough muscle fibers and ensure maximum tenderness.
• Flour Coating Technique: Dredge meat thoroughly in flour, shaking off excess to create a light, even crust that helps seal in moisture and develop rich flavor.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat when searing to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the meat’s surface.
• Liquid Braising Secret: Use chicken broth and herbs to create a flavorful braising liquid that tenderizes and infuses the cube steak with additional depth of taste.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1064 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg