Here’s the biggest trap: fear of undercooking. Cube steak is lean, so cooking it too long on high heat makes it dry and tough. It’s not a fatty steak that gets better with a long grill session.
Cook it fast for a crispy crust, or cook it slow for a braised belly. But never, ever let it sit on a medium-high pan for ten minutes. That’s how you get shoe leather. And nobody likes shoe leather.
Just remember: cube steak is forgiving, but it has limits. Treat it with a little respect, and it’ll reward you.
