Juicy Mexican Cubed Steaks for a Flavor Fiesta
Are you looking for a recipe that will add some spice and excitement to your dinner menu? Look no further than this Mexican Cubed Steak recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress.
The combination of bold flavors like chili lime and fresh herbs, paired with tender cube steak, creates a fiesta of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. Cubed steak is an affordable cut of beef that cooks quickly and is perfect for a weeknight meal or for serving guests at your next dinner party.
This recipe can be cooked on the grill or in a skillet, giving you the flexibility to prepare it indoors or out. Plus, it can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or paired with sides like rice or potatoes.
So, whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, quick to prepare or looking to impress guests, this Mexican Cubed Steak recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s time to add a little fiesta flair to your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love Mexican-inspired flavors and hearty meat dishes, then you won’t be able to resist the mouthwatering appeal of these Mexican Cubed Steaks. This recipe is perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike – it’s a foolproof way to create a seriously delicious dish in no time at all.
What sets this steak recipe apart is its unique combination of bold spices and tangy citrus that showcases the best of Mexican cuisine. The chili-lime seasoning blend adds a kick of heat and liveliness to the juicy cube steaks, while the heavenly aroma of fresh cilantro and parsley infuses them with an exotic herbaceousness.
But there’s more to love about this recipe than just its flavor profile. Cubed steaks are one of the most versatile cuts – not only do they cook quickly, but they also can be utilized in a variety of dishes such as steak casserole, fiesta skillet cubed steaks, country fried steaks, smothered cube steaks, and so much more!
Whether you’re short on time or looking for a budget-friendly meal option, this easy and delicious recipe will satisfy your taste buds without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s perfect for those summer grilling sessions or cozy winter nights in front of the fire with its rich flavors that complement any season.
So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try – take your taste buds on a journey south of the border with every bite of these succulent Mexican Cubed Steaks!
Ingredient List
The key to any great dish is the quality of ingredients that are used. Here are the ingredients that you will need for this Mexican Cubed Steak Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks: They have excellent tenderness and are easy to grill, fry or bake.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential to make the meat tender and juicy when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning: The flavor of chili and lime enhances the taste of meat and adds a refreshing zing to it.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: It imparts a tangy taste and tenderizes the meat, making it more succulent. Keep some extra wedges for garnish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: I recommend using sea salt for its coarse texture and authentic taste.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: This aromatic spice heightens the flavor.
You can also add fresh cilantro or parsley for an additional burst of flavor. These ingredients can be readily found at your local grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s jump right into the recipe! Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Mexican Cubed Steak for your family and friends.
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients required, which include:
- 4 cube steaks
- Salt and ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 chili lime cube (or a mix of fresh cilantro, parsley, and lime juice)
- Season the cube steaks with enough salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat up medium-high heat on a large skillet.
- Once hot, add in the vegetable oil.
- Add in the cube steaks and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes to brown on one side.
- Flip the steak over and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add flavor to the steak
- Now add the onion slices around the steak and let it cook together for about 2 minutes
- Take the chili lime cube or mix of cilantro, parsley, and lime juice and rub that onto each side of steak.
Step 3: Finish cooking
- Cook until steaks have reached their desired doneness level.
- If you like yours well done, cover with lid and let it cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can transfer steaks to a pressure cooker or slow cooker along with tomato sauce or onion gravy recipe for more varieties.
Voila! Your Mexican Cubed Steaks are ready to be served!
Note: For grilled cube steak or fried steak, season as above in Step 1. Fried Steak would use Country Fried Steaks recipe while Grilled Cube Steaks would use Fiesta Skillet Cubed Steak recipe. Or if you prefer a hearty meal combine it with mashed potatoes Smothered Cube Steak or with vegetables as seen in Steak & Potatoes type dishes.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, it’s always good to have some flexibility and room for creativity. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this Mexican Cubed Steak recipe:
1. Meat options: While this recipe calls for cube steak, you can also use other cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin steak. You can also try using pork or chicken instead of beef.
2. Lime juice: If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice as a substitute. Or, you can skip the citrus altogether and use vinegar instead.
3. Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh cilantro or parsley on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones, so use them sparingly.
4. Heat level: If you want to make this dish spicier, add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the mix. Or, if you prefer milder flavors, skip the chili-lime seasoning and just season with salt and pepper.
5. Cooking method: This recipe is great for grilling or pan-frying cubed steaks, but if you want to switch things up, try cooking them in a pressure cooker or slow cooker for tender, flavorful results.
No matter how you choose to customize it, this Mexican Cubed Steak recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and hearty texture.
Serving and Pairing
Mexican Cubed Steaks are a deliciously hearty meal that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. For a classic Tex-Mex touch, serve your steaks with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced jalapenos. To up the ante on bold flavors, try topping your dish with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.
If you’re looking for a more substantial side to accompany your steaks, why not try whipping up some creamy mashed potatoes or savory roasted vegetables? Black beans and rice are also always a winning combination with this Mexican-inspired dish.
For the perfect beverage pairing, we recommend serving your cubed steaks alongside a cold and refreshing Paloma cocktail. The tangy citrus notes in the drink compliment the flavors in the steak wonderfully, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Whichever way you choose to serve and pair your Mexican Cubed Steaks, we guarantee that this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving for hearty, savory comfort food.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Mexican Cubed Steaks recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing and reheating. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want to prepare the dish in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy flavorful and tender cube steaks with ease.
When making this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions up to Step 4 (the final cooking step) and then cool the steak to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the cubed steaks along with any juices into an airtight container or a zip-top bag, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked steaks for up to 2 months. If you’re freezing them, be sure to separate individual portions using wax paper or plastic wrap.
When ready to reheat, you can use three different methods: microwave, oven, or skillet. For the microwave method, place the cubed steak in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high until the steaks are heated through (approximately 1-2 minutes per steak). For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cubed steaks in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For the skillet method, heat a touch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the leftover cubed steaks until golden brown all around and warmed throughout.
No matter which reheating method you choose, be careful not to overcook your steak as this could cause it to dry out. And don’t forget to garnish your reheated cubed steaks with fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when cooking Mexican Cubed Steaks, follow these simple tips and tricks:
Firstly, make sure that your heat source is adequate. Whether you’re grilling or using a skillet, it’s important to adjust the heat according to the recipe’s instructions. You don’t want to end up with steaks that are overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
Next, seasoning is key when it comes to cooking any type of steak. In addition to salt and black pepper, try adding chili powder or paprika for an extra kick of flavor. For a citrusy twist, consider marinating the cubed steaks in lime juice before cooking.
When cooking cubed steak in a skillet, use vegetable oil instead of olive oil because it has a higher smoke point. This will help prevent burning and keep the steak juicy.
For those who prefer their steak well done, try using a pressure cooker or slow cooker to break down the meat’s fibers without drying it out. Adding tomato sauce or onion gravy can also add richness and depth of flavor.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides and pairings. Mexican Cubed Steaks pair well with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even as the main ingredient in a hearty steak casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create delicious Mexican Cubed Steaks that are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
FAQ
Now that you know the ins and outs of this delicious Mexican Cubed Steaks recipe, let’s take a moment to address any concerns or questions you may have. Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about this dish:
How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough?
If you want to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture for your cube steak, here’s a helpful tip: brown the meat in hot oil for just a minute or two on each side, and then transfer it to a slow cooker. Allow it to cook on low heat for six to eight hours until it gets incredibly tender. This process will give you perfectly cooked cube steak that you can enjoy for any occasion.
Why do you soak cube steak in milk?
When it comes to marinating steak, it’s important to choose your liquids wisely. Acidic or enzymatic liquids like citrus juice or cola can actually make your steak tough or even mushy if left to soak for too long. However, milk’s mild acidity is gentle enough to effectively tenderize a steak without causing any harm to the proteins on its surface. So, if you’re looking to up your steak game, consider trying out a milk marinade!
Do you rinse cubed steak before cooking?
When it comes to preparing raw meat for cooking, it’s best to skip the washing step. The United States Department of Agriculture advises against washing meat before cooking as it may not effectively remove all harmful bacteria and can also spread bacteria to surrounding surfaces.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish, then this cubed steak recipe is definitely for you. With its blend of chili lime and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect flavorful addition to your weekly meal rotation. And with the added convenience of quick cooking times and multiple cooking methods, you can easily serve up a fiesta skillet cubed steak any night of the week.
Remember, if you want to impress your guests with your cooking skills, always choose the best-quality steaks you can find and follow the recipe instructions carefully – including all of our tips and recommendations. Try out different variations to keep things interesting, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings and sides.
But above all else, have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding – especially when you’re able to create delicious meals that your loved ones will appreciate. So put on some Latin music, grab some cold cervezas or margaritas, and let your inner chef shine with this mouth-watering Mexican cubed steaks recipe.
Mexican Cubed Steaks Recipe
Ingredients
- vegetable oil cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4 cubed steaks
- 1 (8 ounce) jar picante sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1/4 cup parsley
Instructions
- Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; add oil.
- Place over medium high heat until hot.
- Add steaks; cook 2 minutes on each side Combine picante sauce, lime juice, and pepper; pour over steaks.
- Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cilantro.
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
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Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.