Cubed steak, also known as minute steak or Swiss steak, is an affordable cut of beef that can be transformed into a tender and flavorful meal with the right cooking techniques. This article explores various keto-friendly cubed steak recipes, focusing on methods that ensure the meat is tender, delicious, and low in carbs. Whether you prefer a slow cooker, Instant Pot, air fryer, or traditional stove-top method, there's a recipe here to suit your needs.
What is Cubed Steak?
Cubed steak usually comes from the top round or top sirloin, which are tougher cuts of meat. To make it more tender, the steak is mechanically tenderized using a cubing machine or a meat mallet. This process leaves cube-shaped indentations on the surface, hence the name "cubed steak."
Why Cubed Steak is Great for Keto
Cubed steak is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet. By using keto-friendly ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a satisfying and healthy meal that fits your dietary requirements.
General Tips for Cooking Cubed Steak
- Tenderize the Steak: Even if you buy pre-cubed steak, pounding it with a meat tenderizer at home to about 1/2 inch thickness can significantly improve its texture.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the steak before slow cooking adds a rich, browned flavor to the dish.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cubed steak benefits from long, slow cooking to break down the tough fibers and make it tender.
Keto Cubed Steak Recipes
1. Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Smothered Cube Steak
This recipe is not only gluten-free but also paleo and Whole30 friendly. It avoids butter, flour, and cream of mushroom soup, relying instead on ghee and tapioca flour for a healthy and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Ghee (or vegan butter)
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Beef broth (gluten-free and sugar-free if paleo/Whole30)
- Tapioca flour
- Olive oil
- Salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder
Instructions:
- Tenderize the Steak: Place saran wrap over each cube steak and use a meat tenderizer to pound them thin, to about 1/2 an inch.
- Season the Steak: Combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of each steak.
- Sear the Steak: Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks, 2 at a time, for about 3 minutes per side until nice and browned. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms: Melt 2 tbsp of ghee in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes until caramelized. Add mushrooms and minced garlic during the last 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
- Make the Gravy: Slowly pour in the beef broth while scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add Dijon mustard, coconut aminos, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the Gravy: Combine tapioca flour and water in a separate bowl and stir well until smooth. Pour the slurry into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking, then reduce the heat and let it thicken for a few minutes while continuing to stir.
- Combine and Serve: Serve the steaks topped with the gravy along with mashed potatoes or a green vegetable. For a keto-friendly side, consider dairy-free mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.
2. Crock Pot Keto Cube Steak
This recipe is incredibly satisfying, hearty, and easy to make, perfect for a comforting down-home style meal.
Read also: Keto Hamburger Steak with Creamy Gravy
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Olive oil
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Beef broth
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gravy: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, heavy cream, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the Steak: Season cube steaks with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over high heat. Sear the cube steaks on both sides.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Add the seared steaks, mushrooms, and onions into the crockpot.
- Pour Gravy Over: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot and mix until combined.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of mashed cauliflower for a keto-friendly option.
3. Instant Pot Low Carb Cube Steak and Gravy
This recipe is a fast and easy way to make tender cube steak with a delicious mushroom gravy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Canola oil
- Onion
- Canned cream of mushroom soup (low carb)
- Beef broth
- Gravy powder (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté Onions: Place canola oil in the Instant Pot and press the sauté button. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Brown the Steak: Salt and pepper your cube steaks. Add the cube steak to the Instant Pot, 2 or three at a time, and fry until brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Gravy: In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and gravy powder (if using) until well mixed.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the gravy mixture over the cube steaks and onions in the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set to 'manual' high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release pressure and remove the lid.
- Serve: Serve hot with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
4. Keto Chicken Fried Steak
This recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown crust without the carbs, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Almond flour
- Eggs
- Ground pork rinds
- Butter (or ghee/coconut oil for dairy-free)
- Heavy cream (or dairy-free substitute)
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Arrowroot powder (for thickening gravy)
Instructions:
- Prepare Coating: In three shallow bowls, place almond flour in one, whisked eggs with water in the second, and ground pork rinds in the third.
- Coat the Steak: Dip the cubed steak in almond flour, then egg, and finally coat with ground pork rinds on both sides.
- Fry the Steak: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 cube steaks to the skillet and fry over medium heat on both sides for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Make the Gravy: Remove the steak from the skillet. Whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens. For a thicker gravy, whisk in 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken fried steak with the creamy gravy. Consider making a keto chaffle sandwich for a fun twist.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Air Fryer Cubed Steak: Coat the steaks with seasoning and air fry at 400°F (preheat for 4 minutes) for 5-6 minutes until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 140°F. Make the gravy separately and serve over the steaks.
- Thickening Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, add 1 tbsp of arrowroot or tapioca starch mixed with 3 tbsp water to the simmering gravy.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to your cubed steak recipes for added nutrients and flavor.
- Using Different Flours: If you're not strictly keto, you can use coconut flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of almond flour for the coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Cauliflower: A classic keto-friendly side dish that pairs perfectly with cubed steak and gravy.
- Cauliflower Rice: A versatile and low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish that complements the richness of the steak.
- Low-Carb Biscuits: A great addition to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cube steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked cubed steak is not recommended, as the steak may become tough.
Read also: The Healthy Way to Eat Steak
Read also: Easy Keto Casserole Recipe