Asian Inspired Cube Steak (Print Version)
Tender cube steak in a savory soy-ginger marinade, seared with bell peppers and onions for a quick weeknight meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 cube steaks, approximately 1.1 lb total
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Vegetables
10 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
→ Other
13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
14 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, turning to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Sear the steaks for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
05 - Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Return the steaks to the pan and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, turning to coat evenly with the sauce.
06 - Transfer the steaks and vegetables to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed greens.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinade doubles as a finishing sauce, so nothing goes to waste and every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cube steak is budget friendly and the tenderizing is already done for you, making this one of the easiest weeknight dinners possible.
02 -
- Do not skip reserving the marinade before searing, because that liquid becomes your sauce and without it the dish will feel dry.
- Watch the heat carefully when searing because the honey in the marinade can go from beautifully caramelized to burnt very quickly.
03 -
- If you have time, let the steaks marinate for the full two hours in the refrigerator because the difference in flavor is remarkable.
- Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds before garnishing and you will be amazed at how much more fragrant they become.