Grilling Cube Steak: Unlock the Secrets to Flavorful Meals

Photo by Thanathip Moolvong licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Grilling cube steaks offers an easy and delicious way to create flavorful meals that will delight your family and friends. These tenderized cuts of beef are flattened to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness. In this article, we will explore the art of grilling cube steak, revealing the secrets to achieve mouthwatering results.

Unleashing the Flavors: The Perfect Seasoning

Creating a perfectly seasoned grilled steak is key to unlocking a world of flavors. While salt and pepper can suffice, bold marinades and rubs can take your cube steaks to the next level. Here are some tantalizing ideas to get you started.

Classic Marinade

For a tangy and savory flavor, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. This classic marinade will infuse your cube steaks with irresistible taste.

BBQ Rub

If you prefer smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, try a BBQ rub. Blend together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin to create a bold taste sensation on your cube steaks.

Herb-Infused Marinade

Highlight the natural intense flavors of beef with a mild yet fragrant herb-infused marinade. Blend olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a mouthwatering combination.

Spicy Dry Rub

For those who crave a burst of flavor, mix smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This spicy dry rub will add an exciting kick to your cube steaks.

Allow your steaks to marinate or sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat. As you gain confidence, feel free to experiment and create your own signature seasoning that perfectly suits your taste buds.

Preparing the Grill: Mastering Each Type

The type of grill you use can significantly influence the cooking process and the final taste of your cube steaks. Follow these steps to prepare your grill for optimal results.

Gas Grill

1. Clean the grates by using a grill brush to remove any food debris or buildup.
2. Preheat the grill by turning on all burners to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and closing the lid. Allow the grill to preheat for approximately 10-15 minutes.
3. Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the grill grates with vegetable oil. Use a pair of tongs and a paper towel soaked in oil.

Charcoal Grill

1. Clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any food debris or buildup, similar to a gas grill.
2. Arrange charcoal briquettes in a pyramid shape and light them using a chimney starter or lighter fluid. Let the briquettes burn until covered in white ash.
3. Create heat zones by spreading the hot coals evenly across one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This setup provides direct heat for searing and indirect heat for finishing the cooking process.
4. Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the grill grates with vegetable oil.

Pellet Grill

1. Clean the grates using a grill brush to remove any food debris or buildup, just like with the other grills.
2. Fill the pellet hopper with your choice of wood pellets. For cube steaks, hickory or mesquite pellets can add a delicious smoky flavor.
3. Preheat the grill by turning it on and setting the temperature to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the grill grates with vegetable oil.

Grilled Cube Steak Recipe: Simple yet Flavorful

This straightforward grilled cube steak recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Perfect for those busy nights when time is scarce, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned steak cubes.

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Your choice of marinade or dry rub (see the “Unleashing the Flavors” section above)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing the grill grates

Instructions

1. Before you start grilling, ensure you have everything you need close at hand. You wouldn’t want to leave your cube steaks unattended.
2. Remove the cube steaks from the marinade or rub, making sure they are not cold or frozen if stored in the fridge.
3. Place the cube steaks on the preheated grill and cook for no more than 5 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare result.
4. Transfer the grilled cube steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
5. Slice the cube steaks against the grain (if they are larger cubes) and serve them with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. If the cuts are already small, you can plate them directly.

Conclusion: Embrace the Art of Grilling

Grilling cube steaks is not only easy but also offers a versatile cooking method that consistently produces juicy, tender, and flavorful steaks. By following the proper preparation steps, selecting the perfect seasoning, and mastering grilling techniques, you can impress everyone at the dinner table.

Feel free to experiment with different marinades, rubs, and side dishes as you discover your favorite combinations. Let the flavors mingle and make grilled cube steaks a regular part of your culinary rotation. Embrace the art of grilling and savor every delicious moment.

Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ