If you’re new to cooking, minute steak is a great choice to start with. It’s a thin cut of meat, making it quick and easy to cook. Not to mention, it’s also a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll go over some simple steps to help you cook a delicious minute steak that will impress your friends and family. From seasoning to resting, we’ve got you covered.
What is Minute Steak?
If you’re new to cooking or simply haven’t come across it before, you may be wondering just what minute steak is. Essentially, this cut of beef is a thinner piece of sirloin that has been pounded to a uniform thickness, making it quicker to cook than other cuts. It’s a staple of many households and can be found in most supermarkets, often pre-packaged and ready to go.
What sets it apart from other cuts of beef?
Minute steak may look similar to other cuts, but its preparation makes it distinct. As mentioned, it is a pounded piece of sirloin that is cut thin, usually to within 1/4 inch. This results in a tender and easy-to-cook piece of meat that is perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. Its affordable price and versatility mean that it’s a popular choice for people who want to make a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
What Do I Need to Cook Minute Steak?
Before you start cooking your minute steak, make sure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Kitchen Tools
These are the basic tools you’ll need to cook your minute steak:
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A meat thermometer
- A skillet or frying pan
- A pair of tongs
- A spatula
Meat Selection
When selecting your minute steak, choose a high-quality, lean cut of beef. Good options include sirloin, flank, or round steak. Meat that is about 1 inch thick will cook the quickest.
Seasonings
It’s up to you whether or not you want to season your minute steak. Here are some ideas:
- Salt and pepper
- Steaksauce
- Olive Oil and Herbs
By following these simple guidelines, you can prepare an excellent succulent minute steak every time!
How Do I Prepare Minute Steak?
Minute steak, often referred to as cube steak, is the perfect choice for a quick and easy meal. Although it is a popular cut of meat, it requires preparation before you cook it. This section will guide you through the steps on the proper way of preparing your minute steak.
Defrosting Minute Steak
Choosing a frozen minute steak can save you both time and money, but you will need to ensure that you defrost it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Simply avoid defrosting your meat in the microwave. Instead, opt for one of these methods:
- Defrost in the fridge overnight- Place your minute steak in a plastic bag and defrost it in your refrigerator overnight. This method ensures that the steak retains its texture and flavor while defrosting slowly.
- Cold water bath- If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost your minute steak in a cold water bath. Place the steak in a sealable plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Change the water every 10 minutes to ensure that the temperature stays cold.
- The defrost button- If all else fails, you can use your microwave’s defrost button. But be careful – you’ll want to use this method only as a last resort. Because microwaves defrost your meat too quickly, the process can sometimes cause your meat to cook unevenly and lose its texture.
Seasoning Minute Steak
Now that you’ve defrosted your minute steak, it’s time to move on to seasoning. You want your minute steak to be flavorful, juicy, and tender. Here are a few pointers:
- Season your meat just before cooking- If you’re using salt, apply it half an hour before you’re ready to cook your meat. If you’re using an acidic marinade, apply it an hour before cooking.
- Pound with a meat tenderizer- You can use a meat tenderizer to pound the steak, making it more tender and thinning it out to cook it quickly and evenly.
- Use the right cookware- Where possible, use a cast-iron skillet. It provides a good sear, which will give your meat a crisp crust while leaving the inside juicy and tender.
What Cooking Techniques Can I Use?
Minute steak is a thin cut of beef that cooks quickly, making it a versatile meat for a variety of dishes. Here are some cooking techniques to try for your next minute steak meal:
Pan-Searing
Pan-searing involves cooking the steak on high heat in a heavy-bottomed skillet until it’s browned on both sides. This method produces a juicy, flavorful steak. To achieve the best results, season the steak with salt and pepper prior to cooking. Once the steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Grilling
Grilling is a popular cooking technique for minute steak, as it gives the meat a smoky flavor. To grill it, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the steak on the grill for a few minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. Once the steak is finished, let it rest before slicing.
Broiling
Broiling is another option for cooking minute steak, and it’s especially convenient if you don’t have access to a grill. Set your broiler to high and place the steak on a broiling pan about 4 inches from the heat source. The steak will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Sous Vide
Sous vide is a cooking technique that involves vacuum-sealing the meat and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath. This method produces perfectly cooked steak every time, but it does require some specialized equipment. For a basic sous vide minute steak, season the steak and vacuum-seal it in a plastic bag. Cook the steak in the water bath according to the desired temperature and finish by searing it in a hot skillet to get a crispy exterior.
How Do I Determine Doneness?
Learning how to determine the doneness of your minute steak is essential to ensure that it is perfectly cooked to your liking. Overcooking or undercooking it can ruin your dish. Here’s how to check for doneness:
1. Use a Meat Thermometer
The most reliable way to determine the doneness of your minute steak is by using a meat thermometer. This handy tool will give you an accurate reading of the internal temperature of your steak.
- For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 120°F to 125°F.
- For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F to 135°F.
- For medium, the temperature should be 140°F to 145°F.
- For well-done, the temperature should be 160°F to 165°F.
2. Press the Meat with Your Fingers
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also use the touch test. Press the center of your minute steak with your fingers and compare the firmness to the following:
- Rare: feels soft and squishy, with little resistance.
- Medium-rare: feels slightly firmer, with a slight bounce back.
- Medium: feels firm and has a good amount of resistance.
- Well-done: feels very firm and has no give.
3. Check the Color of the Juices
Another way to determine the doneness of your minute steak is by checking the color of the juices that come out of it when you cut into it.
- Rare: the juices are red or dark pink
- Medium-rare: the juices are pink
- Medium: the juices are light pink
- Well-done: the juices are clear
4. Go by Cooking Time
If all else fails, you can also use cooking time as an estimate for doneness. Depending on the thickness of your minute steak, cook it for approximately:
- Rare: 1 minute per side
- Medium-rare: 2 minutes per side
- Medium: 3 minutes per side
- Well-done: 4-5 minutes per side
Remember that the above cooking times are estimates only, as they depend on the thickness of your steak, as well as the heat of your stove or grill.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
Minute steak is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed in various ways and paired with different side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving suggestions to help elevate your minute steak to the next level:
1. Classic Steakhouse Sides
For a classic steakhouse experience, serve your minute steak with traditional sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a Caesar salad. These sides are easy to make and complement the flavor of the steak perfectly.
2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving your minute steak with a Mediterranean couscous salad. This refreshing salad is made with Israeli couscous, roasted bell peppers, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to add some variety to your meal.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is the perfect side dish for any steak, including minute steak. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs well with the savory flavor of the steak. Drizzle with some olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple, yet delicious side.
4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, and when cut into fries and baked until crispy, they make the perfect side dish for minute steak. They’re easy to make and a healthier alternative to traditional French fries.
5. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish that can also be served with minute steak. The creamy sauce pairs well with the tender meat, and the spinach adds some much-needed nutrition to the meal. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you’re not a fan of them.
6. Mushroom Risotto
If you’re feeling fancy, serve your minute steak with mushroom risotto. This creamy rice dish is made with sautéed mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. It takes a bit of effort to make but is well worth it for a special occasion.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to read this beginner’s guide on cooking minute steak. We hope you found it helpful and informative. With the right tools and techniques, cooking a delicious and juicy minute steak is easier than you might think.
Be sure to come back and visit us again for more guides and tips on cooking delicious meals at home.
Cooking Minute Steak: A Beginner's Guide
Ingredients
- 2 minute steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Season the steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the steaks to the hot skillet. Cook for 1 minute on each side for medium-rare, or 2 minutes on each side for medium. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet during the last 30 seconds of cooking and use it to baste the steaks. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve the steaks with your favorite sides and enjoy!
