Cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy

Introduction:

Cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cube steaks with a rich and savory gravy infused with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a balance of robust flavors that is sure to please the whole family. In this article, we’ll explore the appeal of cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy, share a mouthwatering recipe for you to try at home, and provide tips for enhancing the dish’s flavor and presentation.

Ingredients:

For the cube steaks:

• 4 cube steaks (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the balsamic onion gravy:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cube steaks:

• Season both sides of the cube steaks with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the cube steaks in the flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the cube steaks:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the cube steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked to your desired doneness.
• Remove the cube steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the balsamic onion gravy:

• In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are soft and caramelized.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly.
• Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
• Continue to cook the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

• Return the cooked cube steaks to the skillet with the balsamic onion gravy, spooning the gravy over the steaks to coat.
• Allow the cube steaks to simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to heat through.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
• Serve the cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

5. Enjoy!

• Savor the delicious flavors of tender cube steaks smothered in a rich and savory balsamic onion gravy. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

Serving Tips:

1. Plate with Care: When serving cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy, carefully transfer the steaks to individual serving plates using tongs or a spatula, ensuring that each plate receives an equal amount of gravy and caramelized onions for maximum flavor.
2. Garnish for Appeal: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the plated steaks just before serving to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
3. Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
4. Offer Condiments: Consider offering condiments such as extra balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce on the side for diners to customize the flavor of their steak and gravy according to their preferences.
5. Serve Immediately: Cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy are best served hot and fresh from the skillet to preserve their tender texture and rich flavor, so aim to serve them immediately after cooking for the best dining experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have any leftover cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy, promptly transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
2. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, on medium power until warmed to your liking.
3. Use Within a Few Days: Enjoy leftover cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy within 3-4 days of refrigeration for optimal freshness and flavor. Discard any leftovers that have been stored for longer than this period to ensure food safety.
4. Avoid Freezing: Due to the delicate nature of the gravy and the potential for the texture of the steak to change upon freezing and thawing, it is not recommended to freeze cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy for long-term storage.
5. Consider Meal Prep: If you anticipate having leftovers, you can prepare individual meal portions of cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. Just be sure to label and date the containers for easy identification.

FAQs:

1. What are cube steaks, and how are they different from other cuts of beef? Cube steaks are thinly sliced cuts of beef, usually taken from the top round or top sirloin. They are tenderized by pounding with a meat tenderizer, giving them a distinctive texture that sets them apart from other cuts. Cube steaks are often used in dishes like chicken-fried steak or Swiss steak.
2. Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for the gravy? While balsamic vinegar adds a unique flavor profile to the gravy, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if preferred. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of vinegar used.
3. How do I know when cube steaks are cooked to perfection? Cube steaks are best cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness to ensure they remain tender and juicy. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for around 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
4. Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the balsamic onion gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat the gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving with freshly cooked cube steaks.
5. What can I do if the gravy is too thick or too thin? If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by gradually adding more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a slurry of equal parts flour and water and adding it to the gravy while simmering, stirring constantly until thickened.

Conclusion:

Cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy offer a deliciously comforting and satisfying dining experience that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender cube steaks, rich balsamic onion gravy, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight at home or served as the star of a special dinner party, cube steaks with balsamic onion gravy are sure to impress. Try out this mouthwatering recipe and treat yourself to a taste of savory elegance!