Are you craving a flavorful, tender, and surprisingly quick weeknight dinner that's also gluten-free? Look no further! This gluten-free cube steak recipe delivers on all fronts. Forget tough, chewy meat – this recipe guarantees juicy, perfectly seasoned cube steak that's ready in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic example of how easy healthy meals can be, perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb gluten-free cube steak (ensure it's certified gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (or cornstarch for a truly simple option)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steak
Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels. This helps it brown properly. In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free flour blend (or cornstarch), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the cube steaks to the skillet. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust and locking in the juices.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cube steak is cooked through and tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the cube steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Pound it out: For even more tender cube steak, gently pound it to an even thickness before dredging in the flour mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Sear the steaks in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and result in steaming rather than searing.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
- Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream during the last few minutes of simmering.
Variations:
- Mushroom gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet during the simmering stage for a delicious mushroom gravy.
- Garlic butter: Use garlic-infused butter for extra flavor.
- Peppercorn sauce: Add a few cracked black peppercorns to the skillet during simmering for a peppery sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This gluten-free cube steak recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!