Preparing venison cube steak properly is key to achieving a tender, flavorful dish. Let’s explore the process of making cube steak, tips for tenderizing it, and how to choose the best seasonings and marinades.
2.1 What is Cube Steak and How is It Made?
Cube steak, whether made from venison or beef, is a cut of meat that’s been tenderized using a mechanical method. It’s often taken from tougher cuts of the animal, such as the round or chuck. The tenderizing process involves using a meat mallet or a special machine to pound the meat, creating small indentations that break down the muscle fibers and connective tissue. This process is what gives cube steak its unique texture and makes it easier to chew.
What sets venison cube steak apart from other cuts is its lean nature. Unlike some beef cuts, venison has much less fat, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. The venison cube steak process helps to maintain its tenderness while keeping the meat lean and juicy.
2.2 Tips for Tenderizing Venison Cube Steak
To get the most out of your venison cube steak, tenderizing is essential. Here are some helpful methods to ensure that your steak turns out as tender as possible:
- Marinating: Soaking the venison cube steak in a flavorful marinade for several hours or overnight can help break down the muscle fibers and improve tenderness. Use acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine to help with the tenderization process. Adding spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme will infuse the meat with delicious flavors.
- Pounding: If you don’t have time for marinating, gently pounding the meat with a meat mallet can help soften it. Just make sure to pound evenly to avoid tearing the meat.
- Slow-Cooking: Another great method is slow-cooking. When cooked at a low temperature for an extended period, venison cube steak becomes incredibly tender. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to break down without drying out, making it ideal for stews or crockpot dishes.
2.3 Choosing the Right Seasonings and Marinades
When preparing venison cube steak, the right seasoning and marinade can make all the difference. Since venison is a lean meat, it has a mild flavor that pairs well with various herbs and spices. For a simple yet flavorful approach, you can go with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
If you’re looking to add more depth, try using rosemary, thyme, or sage. For marinades, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil work wonders. If you want a tangy twist, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be added. The key is to balance the acidity with earthy flavors to complement the venison’s natural taste.
3: Top Venison Cube Steak Recipes
Venison cube steak is a versatile cut that works perfectly in a wide range of dishes. From classic comfort foods to exciting new takes on traditional recipes, venison cube steak recipes can satisfy any craving. Here are some of the best ways to cook this delicious and lean meat.
3.1 Classic Venison Cube Steak with Gravy
This traditional recipe is a favorite for a reason. The rich gravy perfectly complements the lean and tender venison cube steak. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 venison cube steaks
- 1 cup beef broth (or venison broth, if available)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the venison cube steaks with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Brown the steaks on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Return the steaks to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the steaks are tender and the gravy thickens.
- Serve the steaks smothered in the delicious gravy, with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables on the side.
This simple yet flavorful dish is a great introduction to venison cube steak recipes and sure to be a hit at dinner.
3.2 Venison Cube Steak Stir-Fry
For a quick and healthy meal, this venison cube steak stir-fry is an excellent choice. Packed with vibrant vegetables and savory flavors, it’s a fast dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 2 venison cube steaks, sliced thinly
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the venison strips and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add the garlic, bell pepper, onion, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot over rice for a quick and delicious meal.
This stir-fry is a great way to enjoy the lean venison meat in a fast, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
3.3 Venison Cube Steak with Garlic Butter Sauce
For a rich, savory dish that’s packed with flavor, this venison cube steak recipe with garlic butter sauce is a must-try. The garlic butter sauce adds a deliciously creamy touch to the already tender steak.
Ingredients:
- 4 venison cube steaks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the venison cube steaks with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the tender venison for an indulgent yet simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
3.4 Slow-Cooked Venison Cube Steak in Crockpot
Slow-cooking venison cube steak in a crockpot results in an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish. This recipe is perfect for a no-fuss meal that’s ready when you are.
Ingredients:
- 4 venison cube steaks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the venison cube steaks into the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix the onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the steaks in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steaks are fork-tender.
- Serve the steaks with the savory broth, and enjoy with your favorite sides.
This slow-cooked dish makes use of the lean venison and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a hearty, comforting meal.
3.5 Venison Cube Steak with Mushrooms and Onions
If you love savory mushrooms and onions, this recipe is for you. The earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms pairs perfectly with the venison cube steak, creating a deliciously comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 venison cube steaks
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the venison cube steaks with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and onions, sautéing until softened and browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the mushroom and onion mixture over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the steaks are cooked through and tender.
- Serve hot with the mushroom-onion sauce on top.
The rich, savory sauce created by the mushrooms and onions complements the tender venison cube steak for a truly satisfying meal.
3.6 Venison Cube Steak Tacos
For a fun and flavorful twist, these venison cube steak tacos are sure to please. The steak is perfectly seasoned and works wonderfully as a filling for soft tortillas.
Ingredients:
- 2 venison cube steaks, cooked and shredded
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- Salsa and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the venison cube steaks and shred the meat using two forks.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a generous portion of shredded venison in each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream for an added burst of flavor.
These venison tacos offer a fun, flavorful way to enjoy venison, and they’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends.
4: Cooking Techniques for Perfect Venison Cube Steak
Cooking venison cube steak to perfection requires the right technique to ensure tenderness and flavor. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking, mastering the methods will elevate your dish. Let’s explore the best ways to cook this lean and flavorful cut.
4.1 Grilling Venison Cube Steak
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook venison cube steak, imparting a smoky flavor and juicy texture. To achieve the perfect grilled venison, follow these tips:
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the steaks on it. This helps achieve a good sear on the outside.
- Season Well: Before grilling, season the steaks with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary works wonders.
- Grill for the Right Time: Since venison cube steak is lean, it cooks quickly. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, for a tender result. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the meat.
- Rest the Meat: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Grilling venison cube steak is perfect for a flavorful outdoor meal, giving you a tender steak with a beautiful charred crust.
4.2 Pan-Frying Venison Cube Steak
Pan-frying is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cook venison cube steak. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Season Generously: Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and any desired spices or herbs before placing them in the pan.
- Fry to Perfection: Place the steaks in the hot pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. For a medium-rare steak, this will give you a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the steaks in batches if needed.
Pan-frying is quick and allows for great flavor development on the outside of the venison cube steak, ensuring a tender inside.
4.3 Baking Venison Cube Steak in the Oven
Baking venison cube steak in the oven is an excellent choice when you want to cook the steaks gently and evenly. Follow these tips for juicy results:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Season and Prepare: Season the steaks and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. You can add a little broth or olive oil to the dish to prevent drying out.
- Bake: Bake the steaks for about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. For a tender result, avoid overcooking, and check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Steaks: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.