What is Cube Steak?
Delicious venison cube steak is a tenderized cut, traditionally made from top or bottom round, prized for its rich flavor and fork-tender texture. Unlike beef cube steak, wild game venison offers a leaner, bolder taste that pairs perfectly with marinades and hearty seasonings. Its unique texture—created by mechanical tenderizing—makes it ideal for quick pan-frying, smothering in gravy, or crafting rustic comfort dishes. Whether chicken-fried or slow-braised, venison cube steak delivers a gourmet wild game experience with every bite.
Benefits of Using Venison
When it comes to choosing meat for your steak recipes, venison stands out as a delicious and healthy option. This lean red meat contains hardly any fat, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Our meat processor ensures that the venison is tenderized to perfection, so you can slice through it effortlessly with a butter knife, making it ideal for a comforting meal like our venison cube steak recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Venison Cube Steak
Essential Ingredients
1 cup beef broth – Deepens the savory depth of the dish.
1 ½ lbs. venison cube steak – Tenderized cuts for the perfect bite.
½ cup all-purpose flour – Creates a crispy, golden breading.
1 tsp salt – Enhances natural flavors.
1 tsp black pepper – Adds a mild, earthy spice.
3 tbsp olive oil (divided) – Used for frying and richness.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Enhancing the flavor of your venison cube steak can be easily achieved with optional seasonings. Consider incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to elevate the taste profile. These spices will not only complement the natural flavors of venison but also add a delightful kick to your dish, making it an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Perfect Seasoning for Venison
The key to a mouthwatering venison cube steak lies in the right seasoning, which is essential whether you’re frying or using a slow cooker. A blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper works beautifully to enhance the meat’s flavor, especially for fried cube steak. Properly seasoning your cubed venison before cooking ensures that every bite is infused with hearty, savory goodness, elevating your steak to new heights.
The Best Way to Cook Venison Cube Steak
How to Tenderize Venison Cubed Steak
Tenderizing the Cubed Steak is essential, particularly with lean cuts like venison. A Jaccard meat tenderizer is a great tool for this step, as it helps break down the muscle fibers, making the venison cube steak easier to chew and more enjoyable to eat. By using this technique, you ensure that each bite of your venison steak is juicy and tender. Properly tenderized cubed venison will absorb marinades and seasonings more effectively, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Marinating the Steak for Maximum Flavor
Soaking the venison in buttermilk beforehand helps to tenderize the meat and remove some of the gamey taste, resulting in a more palatable venison cube steak. Marinating not only infuses the steak with flavor but also contributes to a moist texture during cooking. You can enhance the marinade by adding spices such as garlic powder and onion soup mix, ensuring that your venison steak is flavorful from the inside out. Allowing the meat to marinate for several hours or overnight will yield the best results.
Choosing the Right Cooking Method (Fry vs Skillet vs Crockpot)
This recipe is primarily focused on frying the venison cube steak in a skillet or cast iron skillet. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the skillet for the best results; giving each piece enough space allows for even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all love. While frying is a popular method, slow cooking in a crockpot could also be explored for those who prefer a more hands-off approach, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, just like in traditional chicken fried steak recipes.
Cooking the Venison Cube Steak
Step-by-Step Guide to Frying Venison Steak
Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
Step 2: Carefully add the venison cube steaks to the hot oil—avoid crowding the pan.
Step 3: Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
Step 4: Flip the steaks and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (use a meat thermometer).
Step 6 (Optional): Baste the steaks with hot oil as they cook for extra flavor and a crispier crust.
Step 7: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
Slow Cooking in a Crockpot
While no specific instructions for slow cooking in a crockpot are provided, this method can be a great alternative for preparing venison cube steak. Simply place the tenderized steak into the crockpot with flavorful broth and seasonings, allowing it to simmer gently. The low and slow cooking process will produce a tender, flavorful venison recipe that can easily be served with mashed potatoes and topped with sauce , making it a comforting option for busy weeknights.
Skillet Cooking Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak
Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 325°F-350°F) before adding the steak. If the oil temperature is too low, the breading will absorb too much oil and become soggy, detracting from the desired crispy texture. For the best results, use a cast iron skillet, as it retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for an even sear on your venison cube steak. Remember to let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness of the dish.
How to Make Creamy Gravy for Venison Steak?
Basic Gravy Recipe for Cube Steak
To make a rich and creamy jus for your venison cube steak, begin by taking 2 tablespoons of oil and any drippings left in the frying pan after cooking your steak. Place these in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, allowing it to cook for a minute or two until it turns golden brown. Gradually add milk while continuously whisking, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. This gravy recipe is perfect for smothering your fried steak, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Onion Gravy Variations
While no specific onion gravy variations are detailed in the resources, one could easily elevate the basic jus by introducing caramelized onions. Cooking sliced onions in butter until golden brown before adding to your sauce can provide a sweet, savory depth that pairs beautifully with venison steak. Another option includes adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist that complements the venison flavor profile.
How to Smother Your Steak with Gravy
Once your creamy gravy is prepared, it’s time to assemble your plate. Ladle the luscious gravy generously over the fried venison steak just before serving. This method not only enhances the appearance of your dish but also ensures that each bite of the steak is enriched with the savory gravy, creating a delightful experience reminiscent of classic comfort food.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve with Fried Steak
For a satisfying meal, serve your fried venison cube steak hot with the country gravy on the side for dipping, reminiscent of classic steak and gravy dishes. Complement this hearty dish with side options such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted red potatoes, or a colorful mix of oven-roasted vegetables. Cheesy jalapeño grits casserole also makes a fantastic pairing, adding a spicy and creamy element to the overall meal, perfect alongside chicken fried steak.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Venison Steak
This versatile venison cube steak recipe can easily be adapted to work with other types of game meat, including beef cube steak, Axis, Nilgai, and Oryx. The same preparation techniques and seasoning can be applied, allowing you to explore the unique flavors of various meats while still delivering a comforting, hearty dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different meats, such as chicken fried steak, to discover your favorite version of this recipe.
Pairing Sides for a Complete Meal
To create a well-rounded meal, pair your venison cube steak with both a vegetable and a starch. This combination not only provides balance but also enhances the dining experience. Consider serving steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad as your vegetable, alongside a hearty portion of mashed potatoes or seasoned rice, to complement your fried cube steak. This strategy ensures that every meal is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, especially when paired with brown gravy.
Conclusion
Recap of the Venison Cube Steak Recipe
This recipe for flavorful and crispy fried venison cube steak strips served with cream gravy is a perfect example of hearty homestyle cooking. The combination of tender meat and rich, savory gravy makes this dish a true comfort food classic that can satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your table.
FAQs
1. How do you cook venison cube steak so it isn’t tough?
To keep venison cube steak tender, marinate it (in buttermilk or an acidic solution), pound it gently to break fibers, and cook it quickly over medium-high heat (sautéing or pan-frying). Avoid overcooking—medium-rare to medium is best.
2. How should venison steak be cooked?
Venison cube steak is best cooked fast at high heat (grilled, pan-seared, or fried) or slow-cooked (braised in stews). For tenderness, keep it medium-rare or use moist cooking methods like gravy-based smothering.
3. What to do with cubed venison steak?
Try these venison cube steak ideas:
Chicken-fried steak with gravy
Smothered in onions & mushrooms
Braised in slow cooker with broth
Cut into strips for stir-fries or fajitas
4. Why do you soak venison cube steak in milk?
Soaking venison cube steak in milk (or buttermilk) tenderizes it by breaking down proteins and reduces gaminess. The lactic acid softens fibers, while milk’s fat mellows the flavor.
5. How do you make venison meat cubes tender?
Marinate (try vinegar, wine, or yogurt-based mixes).
Pound with a meat mallet.
Slow-cook in liquids (soups, stews).
Velvet with baking soda (for stir-fries).
6. Why is my deer steak tough?
Deer meat is lean, so venison cube steak toughens if overcooked or not marinated. Older deer have tougher muscles—always tenderize with marinades, pounding, or slow cooking.
7. What do you soak deer steak in?
For venison cube steak, soak in:
Buttermilk (best for tenderness)
Saltwater brine (reduces dryness)
Acidic marinades (vinegar, citrus, or wine-based)
Delicious Venison Cube Steak Recipe with Creamy Gravy – Easy to Make!
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs. venison cube steak – Tenderized cuts for the perfect bite.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – Creates a crispy golden breading.
1 tsp salt – Enhances natural flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Adds a mild earthy spice.
3 tbsp olive oil (divided) – Used for frying and richness.
- 1 cup beef broth – Deepens the savory depth of the dish.
Instructions
tep 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Step 2: Carefully add the venison cube steaks to the hot oil—avoid crowding the pan.
Step 3: Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Step 4: Flip the steaks and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Check for doneness—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (use a meat thermometer).
- Step 6 (Optional): Baste the steaks with hot oil as they cook for extra flavor and a crispier crust.
Step 7: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 kcal | 15g | 32g | 2g | 0g | 0g |
Recipe Categorization
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American (Southern/Game Meat)
- Diet: High-Protein, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Keyword: Venison Cube Steak
- Skill Level: Easy
