Imagine a tender, perfectly seasoned steak that falls apart with just a fork touch, packed with rich, bold flavors that transport you straight to a gourmet restaurant - all prepared in less than an hour with minimal effort. This Instant Pot Peppered Cube Steak is your ticket to an incredibly delicious meal that will have your family begging for seconds, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cube steaks
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure better seasoning adherence and browning.
- Generously season both sides of the cube steaks with black pepper and salt, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to help it stick.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers and becomes slightly rippling.
- Carefully place the seasoned cube steaks into the hot oil. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Remove the seared steaks from the Instant Pot and set aside on a clean plate.
- Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the seared cube steaks to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing", and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 20-25 minutes depending on steak thickness.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Remove the steaks from the Instant Pot and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Reduce the remaining liquid to create a quick gravy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select fresh, high-quality cube steaks with minimal excess fat for the best texture and flavor.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Always thoroughly dry your steaks before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Skimp on Seasoning: Press the salt and pepper firmly into the meat to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Temperature Matters: Let your steaks sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Rest Your Meat: Always allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Gravy Hack: If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the remaining liquid after cooking.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the seasoning mix for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
