“Poor Man’s Steak” is a budget-friendly alternative to a traditional steak. It’s often made from inexpensive cuts of beef that are tenderized and cooked to create a flavorful, hearty meal. One popular version of this dish uses cube steak, which is affordable and flavorful when prepared correctly. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make your own Poor Man’s Steak:
Poor Man’s Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (or round steaks, if cube steak isn’t available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with a beef bouillon cube)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for finishing the gravy)
Instructions:
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Season the Steak:
- Season both sides of the cube steaks generously with salt and pepper. If you like, add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
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Dredge the Steak:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper (and optional garlic and onion powders).
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
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Cook the Steak:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the cube steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. The steak should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
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Make the Gravy (Optional):
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor to the gravy).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. If you’d like a thicker gravy, you can whisk in an extra tablespoon of flour, or make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water and adding it to the gravy.
- Stir in the butter to make the gravy creamy and smooth.
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Serve:
- Return the cooked cube steaks to the skillet with the gravy and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the steaks to soak up some of the gravy.
- Serve the steaks with the gravy spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Poor Man’s Steak with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
- A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad complements this dish nicely.
Tips:
- Tenderizing: Cube steak is already tenderized, but if you use a tougher cut like round steak, you can tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet before cooking.
- Flavoring the Gravy: For extra depth, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of mustard to the gravy.
- Leftovers: Leftover steak and gravy can be used for sandwiches or served over rice the next day.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a “steak” meal without breaking the bank. The combination of tender meat, savory gravy, and simple seasonings is satisfying and delicious! Enjoy!
