Crispy Cube Steak with Onion Gravy Recipe
This delicious cube steak recipe features tenderized beef steaks dredged in a savory garlic-flavored flour coating, pan-fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a rich onion gravy made from caramelized onions, butter, onion soup mix, and beef broth. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Coating
- 2 lb. cube steak (about 4 pieces)
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
For Cooking
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into 1/2” rings
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 (1-oz.) packet onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Steaks: Season the cube steaks evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large shallow plate, combine the all-purpose flour and garlic powder. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly, and set aside the remaining flour mixture for later use.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until each side becomes deeply golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
- Cook the Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the same pan. Stir and scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Cook the onions until they soften and turn a golden color, about 10 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Add the butter to the caramelized onions and melt it in. Sprinkle in the onion soup mix and 1 tablespoon of the reserved flour mixture. Stir constantly to prevent burning, cooking the mixture until it bubbles and begins to turn a golden brown, approximately 10 more minutes.
- Thicken the Gravy: Gradually pour in the beef broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer lightly until the gravy thickens.
- Combine Steaks and Gravy: Return the fried steaks to the skillet, coating them well with the thickened onion gravy. Let the steaks warm through in the gravy for a few minutes.
- Serve: Plate the steaks smothered generously with the onion gravy and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, cover the steaks and let them rest in the gravy for 10 minutes before serving.
- Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control saltiness, but regular broth can be used if preferred.
- You can substitute the onion soup mix with a homemade blend of onion powder, dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, and herbs if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Be careful not to burn the flour-onion mixture while making the gravy base, as it can turn bitter.
Keywords: cube steak, smothered steak, onion gravy, pan-fried steak, comfort food, easy steak recipe
