how to cook cube steak deer meat

3 min read 06-02-2025

Meta Description: Discover the secrets to perfectly cooking cube steak made from delicious venison! This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations for a mouthwatering meal. Learn how to tenderize, season, and cook your deer cube steak to juicy perfection. Don't miss out on this flavorful adventure!

Preparing Your Deer Meat Cube Steak

Cube steak, known for its thin, tenderized cuts, is a fantastic choice for venison. Its quick cooking time prevents the lean deer meat from becoming tough. But, even with pre-tenderized cuts, a few extra steps ensure optimal tenderness and flavor.

Choosing and Preparing the Meat

Source: Start with high-quality, fresh venison cube steak. A reputable butcher or local hunter is your best bet.
Thickness: Aim for uniformly thin steaks. If some areas are thicker, gently pound them to even thickness with a meat mallet. Be careful not to over-tenderize, which can make the meat mushy.
Trimming: Remove any excess silver skin or fat. While some fat adds flavor, excessive amounts can render the steak tough.

Tenderizing Techniques

Even pre-tenderized cube steaks benefit from additional tenderizing. Here are two popular methods:

Meat Mallet: Gently pound the steak to further break down the muscle fibers. Cover the meat with plastic wrap to prevent splattering. Work from the center outwards. Don't pound too hard; you just want to slightly thin the meat.
Marinade: Marinating in a mixture of acidic ingredients (like buttermilk, lemon juice, or vinegar) helps tenderize and adds flavor. A marinade with olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce makes a perfect pairing for venison. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to several hours in the refrigerator.

Cooking Your Deer Cube Steak: Methods & Techniques

There are several ways to cook venison cube steak to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Here are a few popular choices:

Pan-Seared Venison Cube Steak

This method is quick, easy, and delivers a delicious sear.

Season: Generously season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Experiment with other seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper for added zest.
Sear: Heat a tablespoon of oil (vegetable, canola, or even butter) in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
Finish in Oven (Optional): Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a more even cook, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.

Garlic Butter Cube Steak

This simple recipe elevates the flavor of the venison.

Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Cook Steak: Place seasoned cube steaks in the pan and cook to your desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Finish: Baste the steaks with garlic butter during cooking for extra richness and flavor.

Slow Cooker Venison Cube Steak

For an incredibly tender result, consider slow cooking.

Season and Brown (Optional): Season the cube steaks and optionally brown them in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker. This adds depth of flavor.
Slow Cook: Place the seasoned steaks in your slow cooker with your favorite sauce or marinade (BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or a simple gravy work well). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until incredibly tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious venison cube steak with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Some ideas include:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for steak.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips add color and flavor.
Gravy: Make a simple gravy from the pan drippings for extra richness.
Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know when my venison cube steak is done?

A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium, and 150-155°F (66-68°C) for well-done. Remember venison is best served slightly rare to medium-rare to retain its moisture.

Q: Can I freeze venison cube steak?

A: Yes, you can freeze venison cube steak. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some good marinades for venison cube steak?

A: Experiment with marinades containing acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk to tenderize the meat. You can also add herbs, spices, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to cooking perfect venison cube steak every time. Enjoy!