Yes, re-cooking a tough beef fried steak in a pressure cooker can be an effective way to soften it and make it more tender. The pressure cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Here's how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- Tough beef fried steak
- Beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper (or your preferred seasonings)
Instructions:
Cut the Steak: If the beef fried steak is large or thick, consider cutting it into smaller pieces. This will help it cook more evenly and speed up the tenderization process.
Season the Steak: Sprinkle some salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings on both sides of the steak for added flavor.
Add Liquid: Pour about 1 to 1.5 cups of beef broth or water into the pressure cooker. The liquid is essential for creating steam and building pressure.
Pressure Cook: Place the seasoned beef fried steak into the pressure cooker. Close the lid securely and set the pressure cooker to cook at high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak and your pressure cooker's specifications.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure according to your pressure cooker's instructions. You can either do a natural release (letting the pressure come down on its own) or a quick release (using the pressure release valve).
Check for Doneness: Open the pressure cooker and check the steak's doneness. It should be tender and easy to cut. If it's not as tender as you'd like, you can re-seal the pressure cooker and cook it for a few more minutes.
Serve: Once the steak is tender to your liking, remove it from the pressure cooker and serve it with your favorite sides and sauces.
Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time required to tenderize tough meat, making it a convenient option. However, be sure not to overcook the steak, as it can become mushy if cooked for too long. Monitor the cooking time carefully, and adjust it based on the steak's size and toughness.
As a bonus tip, you can also add onions, garlic, or other aromatics to the pressure cooker along with the liquid to enhance the steak's flavor during the cooking process. Enjoy your delicious and tender beef fried steak!