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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Coating Process: Meticulously dredge each meat slice through flour, creating a comprehensive, even coating that will enhance browning and develop a crisp exterior.
- Tenderizing Technique: Gently pound meat with a tenderizer until reaching a quarter-inch thickness, breaking down muscle fibers to guarantee maximum tenderness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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