Tender Cube Steak Recipes in Oven: Juicy & Flavorful Results

Cube steaks, known for their affordability and quick cooking time, can be surprisingly tender and flavorful when prepared correctly. This article explores delicious oven-baked cube steak recipes, focusing on techniques to ensure juicy results every time. We'll cover everything from simple seasoning to more complex marinades and flavorful additions.

Why Oven-Bake Cube Steaks?

While pan-frying is common, oven-baking offers several advantages:

• Even Cooking: The oven ensures consistent heat distribution, leading to a more uniformly cooked steak.
• Less Mess: No messy splatters on your stovetop!
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once in the oven, you have more time to prepare sides or attend to other tasks.
• Enhanced Flavor: Oven baking allows for deeper flavor penetration, particularly when using marinades.

Mastering the Perfect Oven-Baked Cube Steak

Before diving into specific recipes, let's cover some key techniques for tender and flavorful results:

1. Choosing the Right Cube Steak:

Opt for thinly cut cube steaks. Thicker cuts will require longer cooking times and may result in a tougher texture.

2. Tenderizing (Optional but Recommended):

While cube steaks are already tenderized, a quick pass with a meat mallet can further improve texture, especially for tougher cuts. Be gentle to avoid tearing the meat.

3. Marinades: The Flavor Boost:

Marinades are crucial for adding depth of flavor and keeping the meat moist. Experiment with different combinations, but here are some popular choices:

• Classic Garlic Herb Marinade: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Spicy Chipotle Marinade: Mix olive oil, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped), lime juice, cumin, and oregano.
• Sweet and Savory Balsamic Marinade: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil.

Marinating time: At least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration.

4. Oven Baking Techniques:

• Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for optimal results. Higher temperatures can lead to dryness.
• Baking Time: Cooking time depends on the thickness of your steaks and your oven. Start checking for doneness around 15-20 minutes, using a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Basting: Basting the steaks with pan juices or marinade halfway through cooking helps keep them moist.

Delicious Oven-Baked Cube Steak Recipes:

Recipe 1: Simple Garlic Herb Oven-Baked Cube Steaks

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cube steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate cube steaks for at least 30 minutes.
4. Place steaks on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Recipe 2: Creamy Mushroom and Onion Cube Steaks

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cube steaks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil until softened.
3. Place cube steaks on a baking sheet. Top with onion and mushroom mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and flour. Pour over steaks.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Stir in heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Serving:

Serve your oven-baked cube steaks with your favorite sides, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Rice
• Pasta

Remember, these recipes are just starting points. Feel free to experiment with different marinades, seasonings, and side dishes to create your own signature oven-baked cube steak masterpiece! Enjoy!