Best pan fried pork cube steak lightly breaded is here! Fork tender, super moist with tons of flavor. Just pound out thin so they cook quickly but stay so juicy with every bite. Best to make fresh vs. frozen cube steak which we have made other ways. This is how to cook it.
You may have had cubed pork steak at a restaurant but don’t know how to make it at home. We can help. With a little work, you can often make them thin enough that each bite is as soft as it can be. You will love how easy this chicken steak is to make if you liked our beef chicken steak. (affiliate links present).
Pork loin cubed steaks are an affordable and delicious cut of meat that can be prepared easily for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps of seasoning, dredging, pan-searing and simmering in gravy you’ll have fork-tender pork steaks the whole family will love.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook cubed steaks made from pork loin perfectly every time. From helpful tips for buying quality cubed steaks to simple cook methods, read on for my best advice on how to make the juiciest and most flavorful pork loin cubed steaks.
What are Pork Loin Cubed Steaks?
Pork loin cubed steaks are thin cuts of meat sliced from a pork loin roast and tenderized. The pork loin comes from the upper middle section of the pig
Cubing and tenderizing transforms a lean cut into an affordable and fast-cooking version perfect for quick weeknight meals Pork cubed steaks offer a lot of value and have a milder, slightly sweet pork flavor.
Don’t confuse pork loin cubes with beef cube steak which comes from the round. Pork cubes are a bit thicker, around 1-inch, and have light marbling for added moisture.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Cubed Steaks
There are many advantages to cooking with cubed steaks sliced from pork loin:
- Inexpensive – More budget-friendly than pork chops
- Tender – The cubing and tenderizing process breaks down tough muscle fibers
- Lean yet moist – Offer a good lean protein option with some fat for flavor
- Versatile – Take well to many seasonings and cooking methods
- Cook quickly – Perfect for busy weeknights! Fry, braise, bake or grill
With minimal prep, pork loin cubes deliver tasty, tender meat perfect for everything from breaded cutlets to smothered steaks.
Shopping for Quality Pork Loin Cubed Steaks
When purchasing cubed steaks, look for packages with the following qualities:
- Uniform 1-inch thick steaks
- Bright reddish-pink color throughout
- Moderate marbling and fat streaks
- Minimal liquid in packaging
- No funky odor
Well-marbled steaks will cook up more juicy and flavorful. The marbling also prevents them from drying out.
For best value, I recommend buying family packs of pork loin cubed steaks when on sale and freezing extras until ready to use.
Preparing Cubed Pork Steaks for Cooking
Before cooking your cubed pork steaks, follow these tips for prep:
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Trim excess fat & sinew – This prevents curling when cooking.
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Pound gently – Use a meat mallet to flatten and help them cook evenly.
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Season liberally – Coat both sides with salt, pepper and other dried herbs.
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Set aside to marinate – Letting them rest 10-30 mins allows seasoning to penetrate.
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Dredge lightly in flour – This helps promote browning when pan-frying.
Proper prep before cooking is essential for delicious flavor and tender texture.
Easy Methods for Cooking Pork Loin Cubed Steaks
The cooking method depends on your desired outcome. Here are some top techniques:
Pan-Fried
The classic method! Dredge in flour, pan fry in oil over high heat until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
Braised or Smothered
Pan sear the steaks, then braise in flavorful liquid like gravy, tomato sauce or soup until fork tender.
Baked
Coat steaks in sauce or seasoning rub, then bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until no longer pink inside.
Grilled
Get nice grill marks and smoky flavor by cooking over direct medium heat, flipping once, for 8-12 minutes total.
All these quick and easy methods result in irresistible pork loin cubed steaks!
Step-by-Step Pan Fried Pork Loin Cubed Steaks
Pan-frying is my favorite way to cook cubed steaks. Follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork loin cubed steaks
- 1 cup flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Pound steaks gently with a mallet until about 1⁄2 inch thick.
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Season thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge steaks lightly in flour on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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When oil is shimmering, cook steaks for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden.
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Flip steaks and cook 3-4 minutes more until browned and meat registers 145°F.
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Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
For easy cleanup, make a pan sauce from the flavorful drippings. Enjoy with mashed potatoes!
Tips for Juicy, Tender Pork Loin Cubed Steaks
For the best results when cooking pork loin cubes, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperature. Cook to 145°F.
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Avoid moving steaks too much during cooking to get a nice sear.
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Allow meat to rest before slicing for juicier steaks.
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Add liquid like broth or milk when braising to prevent drying out.
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Cook in batches to prevent steaming. Don’t crowd the pan.
With the right techniques, pork loin cubed steaks cook up incredibly moist and delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Pork Cube Steaks
Pork cube steaks pair well with a variety of traditional steakhouse sides:
- Mashed, baked or roasted potatoes
- Creamed spinach, roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions
- Fresh green salad
- Skillet cornbread or rolls
For delicious flavor, serve with gravy made from the skillet drippings. Steak sauce, chimichurri or garlicky herb butter also make tasty accompaniments.
Get Creative with Different Style Pork Cubed Steaks
The uses for pork loin cubed steaks are endless! Here are just a few fun ideas:
- Italian breaded cutlets with tomato sauce
- Asian ginger pork with stir fry veggies
- Smothered pork steaks in mushroom gravy
- Fajita-style with peppers and onions
- Pork schnitzel pan fried in butter
With an array of herbs, spices and sauces, you can give basic cubed pork steaks an exciting twist.
Answers to Common Pork Cubed Steak Questions
How do you tenderize cubed steaks? Pound gently with a meat mallet or pierce all over with a fork before cooking.
Should pork cubes be marinated? Yes, letting them sit after seasoning adds extra flavor and tenderness.
What’s the best oil for pan frying? I prefer olive oil, but vegetable, canola or avocado oil will also work well.
Is it okay to bake pork cubes? Absolutely! Baking is a quick and easy hands-off way to cook them.
What is the minimum safe internal temp? Cook pork steaks to at least 145°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Now that you know how to choose, prep and cook pork loin cubed steaks, you can enjoy this budget-friendly cut any night of the week. Just sear, season or smother for a satisfying homecooked meal in minutes.
How to Tenderize Steak
Put Venison Cube Steak or pork steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper if you haven’t already. Pound them with a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy skillet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Alternatively you can score the top vertically and horizontally with a sharp knife 1/2 of the way thru. This helps tenderize the meat.
Pork Cube Steak Recipe
We’ll talk about how to cook pan-fried pork steaks below. We’ve also talked about how to cook steak in the oven before. Technically, you could do it this way, but you would need to spray a lot of olive oil on the breading to keep it moist. OR leave that off and use those directions, just check internal temp. before removing.
If you do this instead of our Instant Pot Cube Steak and Gravy, the outside will get really crisp. Over medium-high heat, use a cast iron skillet or pan to get the perfect golden brown. Keep the middle so soft that you can cut it with a fork.
HOW TO COOK THE BEST CUBED PORK STEAK COOKING WITH JUDY CALDWELL
FAQ
How do you cook cube steak so it’s not tough?
How long should pork loin steaks be cooked for?
How do you cook pork loin steaks so they are not dry?
Should pork steaks be cooked fast or slow?
How to cook pork cube steak?
Another popular method for cooking pork cube steaks is pan-frying. Begin by seasoning the steaks with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan.
How do you cook a pork loin steak?
Melt a tablespoon in a pan on medium to high heat. I like to wait until the butter starts cooking and bubbling. This ensures that the pan is hot throughout. This pork loin steak recipe calls for butter, not cooking spray or oil.
How to cook pork loin cubed steak?
To ensure that pork loin cubed steak is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The steak should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Additionally, the meat should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
How do you season pork loin cubed steak?
Pork loin cubed steak can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, spices, and marinades depending on the desired flavor. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Marinating the meat for a few hours before cooking can also enhance its flavor and tenderness.