How Long to Cook Cube Steak in the Instant Pot?
Cube steak cooked in the Instant Pot reaches peak tenderness in a relatively short amount of time. A general guideline for perfectly cooked cube steak is between 15-20 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release of 10 minutes.
Understanding Cube Steak and its Instant Pot Potential
Cube steak, despite its humble origins, is a versatile cut of beef perfect for quick and easy meals. Traditionally, it’s tenderized by pounding, giving it that signature “cubed” texture. The Instant Pot, with its pressurized cooking environment, further enhances this tenderization process, resulting in incredibly succulent meat in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This article explores the optimal Instant Pot cooking times for cube steak, ensuring consistently delicious results.
The Benefits of Cooking Cube Steak in an Instant Pot
Why choose the Instant Pot for your cube steak? The advantages are numerous:
- Speed: Significantly reduces cooking time compared to stovetop or oven methods.
- Tenderization: The pressure cooking process effectively tenderizes the meat, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating richer, more complex dishes.
- Ease of Use: Simple set-it-and-forget-it operation minimizes active cooking time.
- Versatility: Cube steak can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, from classic smothered steak to hearty stews.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Cooked Cube Steak
Here’s a simple guide to cooking cube steak in your Instant Pot:
- Prepare the Steak: Lightly season the cube steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Consider browning the steak in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function for enhanced flavor.
- Add Liquid: Pour 1 cup of beef broth, water, or a combination of both into the Instant Pot. This liquid is crucial for generating steam and pressure.
- Arrange the Steak: Place the cube steak in the Instant Pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak.
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Remove the steak from the Instant Pot and serve immediately. The cooking liquid can be used to create a delicious gravy.
Understanding Cooking Times and Thickness
The optimal cooking time for cube steak in the Instant Pot depends largely on the thickness of the cut. Use the following table as a general guideline:
| Steak Thickness | Cooking Time (High Pressure) | Natural Pressure Release |
|---|---|---|
| Thin (1/4 inch) | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Medium (1/2 inch) | 18 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Thick (3/4 inch) | 20 minutes | 10 minutes |
These times are guidelines, and your personal preferences for doneness may vary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Overcooking cube steak can result in a tough and dry texture. Adhere to the recommended cooking times and use a natural pressure release to avoid this.
- Insufficient Liquid: Not enough liquid can lead to burning and prevent the Instant Pot from reaching pressure. Ensure at least 1 cup of liquid is used.
- Skipping Browning: While optional, browning the steak beforehand significantly enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
- Ignoring Natural Pressure Release: A natural pressure release helps to further tenderize the steak and prevent it from becoming tough.
Enhancing Flavor with Add-ins
The Instant Pot makes it easy to infuse cube steak with incredible flavor. Consider adding these ingredients to your Instant Pot for an extra layer of deliciousness:
- Onions and Garlic: Sauté these aromatic vegetables before adding the steak for a flavorful base.
- Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms add an earthy richness to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce contribute acidity and depth.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#### Can I cook frozen cube steak in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen cube steak in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by approximately 5-10 minutes. Be sure the steak is separated enough to allow for even cooking. It’s always best to thaw it first for more predictable results.
#### How do I prevent cube steak from becoming tough in the Instant Pot?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Stick to the recommended cooking times and always utilize the natural pressure release. Also, the initial searing/browning helps to lock in moisture.
#### What is the best liquid to use for cooking cube steak in the Instant Pot?
Beef broth is generally preferred for its rich flavor, but water works just fine. You can also use a combination of beef broth and water. Adding a splash of red wine can also enhance the flavor.
#### Can I add potatoes and carrots to the Instant Pot while cooking cube steak?
Yes, you can add potatoes and carrots. Add them during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
#### How do I make gravy from the liquid remaining in the Instant Pot?
After removing the cube steak, turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You can also use a roux made of flour and butter for a classic gravy. Be sure to remove excess fat for a healthier gravy.
#### Should I quick release or natural release the pressure?
A natural pressure release is generally recommended for cube steak. This allows the steak to gradually finish cooking and helps to prevent it from becoming tough.
#### Can I use the Instant Pot to shred cube steak?
While cube steak isn’t typically shredded, you can slightly shred it after cooking if you desire, especially if you’ve cooked it in a flavorful broth to make a shredded beef and gravy sandwich.
#### What are some good side dishes to serve with Instant Pot cube steak?
Mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables (like broccoli or green beans), and a side salad are all excellent choices. Consider a side dish that complements the flavor profile of your sauce or gravy.
#### How long will leftover cooked cube steak last in the refrigerator?
Leftover cooked cube steak will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
#### Can I freeze cooked cube steak?
Yes, cooked cube steak freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
#### Is it necessary to brown the cube steak before pressure cooking it?
No, it’s not necessary. However, browning the cube steak before pressure cooking adds a deeper, richer flavor to the final dish. It’s a highly recommended step for improved taste.
#### What if my cube steak is still tough after cooking for the recommended time?
If your cube steak is still tough, it may need to be cooked longer. Add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time at high pressure followed by a natural pressure release. Remember that the initial quality of the beef also influences the final tenderness.