Cube steak is a popular and versatile cut of beef that can be prepared in various ways. One particularly delicious way to cook cube steak is to give it a Puerto Rican twist. The flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine are vibrant, rich, and full of spices that will transform a simple cube steak into a mouthwatering dish. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of cooking cube steak Puerto Rican style, and provide you with some tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and tender.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. To cook cube steak Puerto Rican style, you will need the following:
1. Cube steak (about 1-2 pounds)
2. Adobo seasoning
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Ground black pepper
6. Paprika
7. cumin
8. Olive oil
9. Sofrito sauce (optional)
10. Worcestershire sauce
11. Beef broth
12. Thinly sliced onions
13. Bell peppers (red and green)
Preparing the Cube Steak
In order to infuse the cube steak with Puerto Rican flavors, we need to marinate it properly. Start by seasoning both sides of the cube steak generously with adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Rub the spices into the meat, ensuring that it is well-coated. Cover the seasoned cube steak and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Searing the Cube Steak
Once the cube steak is properly marinated, it’s time to sear it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Lay the marinated cube steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it develops a golden-brown crust. Searing the cube steak not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a tender and succulent dish.
Adding Flavorful Components
After searing the cube steak, it’s time to add some flavorful components to the dish. Add thinly sliced onions and bell peppers (red and green) to the skillet. These vegetables not only add a touch of sweetness but also provide a beautiful pop of color to the dish. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until they become tender and slightly caramelized, usually for about 5 minutes.
Creating a Flavorful Sauce
To further enhance the flavors of the cube steak Puerto Rican style, it’s important to create a flavorful sauce. Add a few tablespoons of sofrito sauce to the skillet. Sofrito is a traditional Puerto Rican sauce made from a blend of onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, and other aromatic ingredients. It adds a burst of flavor to any dish and is a staple in Puerto Rican cooking. If you don’t have sofrito sauce, you can make a quick version by blending together onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cilantro.
Simmering and Braising the Cube Steak
Now that the cube steak is coated with the flavorful sauce, it’s time to add some liquid to the skillet. Pour in about 1/2 cup of beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These liquids will help to create a rich and savory gravy that the cube steak will cook in. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cube steak simmer and braise for about 1 hour, or until it becomes tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Serving and Garnishing
Once the cube steak is perfectly cooked and tender, it’s time to serve and garnish it. Transfer the cube steak to a serving platter and spoon some of the flavorful sauce, onions, and bell peppers over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, which will help to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also garnish the cube steak with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of freshness.
Tips for Cooking Cube Steak Puerto Rican Style
1. Allow the cube steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
2. Sear the cube steak before adding any liquid to the skillet. This will lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.
3. Be generous with the seasonings. Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, so don’t be afraid to season the cube steak generously.
4. If you can’t find sofrito sauce, try making it from scratch using onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cilantro. The homemade version will still add a burst of flavor to your dish.
5. Let the cube steak simmer and braise for at least 1 hour. This will ensure that it becomes tender and falls apart easily.
By following these simple steps and incorporating the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine, you can turn a humble cube steak into a delicious and flavorful dish. Cooking cube steak Puerto Rican style is a great way to add some variety and creativity to your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering twist on a classic dish.