Asian Inspired Cube Steak (Printable)
Tender cube steak in a soy-ginger-sesame marinade, pan-seared with crisp stir-fried vegetables.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 cube steaks, about 1.1 lb total
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
06 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp honey
08 - 1 tsp cornstarch
→ Vegetables
09 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 - 1 cup sugar snap peas
11 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
12 - 2 green onions, chopped
→ Garnish
13 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
14 - Fresh cilantro, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
02 - Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes. Reserve the remaining marinade for the stir-fry.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of oil. Sear the marinated cube steaks for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
05 - Return the seared steaks to the skillet and pour in the reserved marinade. Toss everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, coats the steaks and vegetables with a glossy finish, and everything is heated through.
06 - Transfer to serving plates immediately. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- The soy ginger marinade does double duty as both a soak for the meat and a glossy finishing sauce, so nothing goes to waste.
- Cube steak is budget friendly and cooks in minutes, making this feel like a feast without the effort or the price tag.
02 -
- If you skip the cornstarch in the marinade the sauce will remain thin and pool at the bottom of the plate instead of hugging the meat and vegetables.
- Resist the urge to move the steaks constantly while searing because letting them sit undisturbed is what builds that irresistible caramelized crust.
03 -
- Pat the cube steaks dry with a paper towel before adding them to the pan because excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Have every ingredient prepped and within arm reach before you turn on the heat, since this recipe moves fast once the cooking starts.