Monday, November 27, 2006
Start with tenderized steaks
Tough meat may be inexpensive, but as its name suggests it doesn’t sound like an appealing steak. While cube steak usually comes from a tough cut of meat, the machine used to make the cube-shaped imprints tenderizes the meat. This steak can be cooked slowly to make a satisfying meal or quickly to make an easy entree.
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This main dish works equally well with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Swiss Steak
4 4-ounce beef cube steaks
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
In a large nonstick skillet, brown cube steaks on both sides in oil over medium-high heat; remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery and garlic until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bouillon. Return steaks to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until meat is tender, about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours.
Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into tomato mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
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Easy Oven Cube Steaks
4 8-ounce cube steaks
1 10.5-ounce can condensed French onion soup
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium heat, briefly brown the cube steaks. Arrange meat in a single layer in a 13x9-inch baking dish and pour the soup over the top. Bake in preheated oven until meat is tender, about 1 hour. Makes 4 servings.
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Steak Parmesan
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds cube steak
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
1 32-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dredge the meat in the crumbs. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the breaded meat in the oil; sauté until well browned on both sides, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain excess oil, and pour in the spaghetti sauce. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Makes 8 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
Cube steak should be cooked thoroughly, which usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes per side when pan-frying over medium to medium-high heat.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com