Cooking cube steak in the oven can be a bit tricky, as it's a lean cut of meat and can easily dry out if not properly prepared. Here's a simple method to cook cube steak in the oven without drying it out:
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Salt and pepper (or your preferred seasoning)
- All-purpose flour
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil works well)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the cube steak: Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning. You can be generous with the seasoning, but don't overdo it.
Dredge the cube steak in flour: Lightly dredge the seasoned cube steak in all-purpose flour. This will help create a nice crust and seal in the juices during cooking.
Heat oil in a skillet: In a heavy oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great), heat some cooking oil over medium-high heat. Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet as you'll be transferring it to the oven later.
Brown the cube steak: Carefully place the dredged cube steak in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until it develops a golden-brown crust. Browning the steak will add flavor and help to lock in the juices.
Transfer to the oven: Once both sides are browned, transfer the skillet with the cube steak to the preheated oven.
Bake the cube steak: Bake the cube steak in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred doneness. Keep in mind that cube steak is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness to prevent it from becoming too tough.
Rest before serving: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the cube steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and ensures a juicier result.
Optional tip: You can also add some sliced onions, mushrooms, or a bit of beef broth to the skillet during the baking process to create a flavorful sauce to serve alongside the cube steak.
Remember that oven temperatures and cooking times can vary, so keep a close eye on the cube steak to avoid overcooking and drying it out. Enjoy your delicious cube steak without worrying about it being dry!