Minute steak is a thin, boneless cut of beef usually taken from the sirloin or round parts of the cow. It’s often tenderized to make it more enjoyable to eat. Minute steak is a popular choice because it’s affordable, cooks quickly, and has a decent flavor. Thanks to its low cost, it’s great for easy, budget-friendly meals like chicken fried steak.
Why is it Called a Minute Steak?
It’s called a minute steak because it cooks in about a minute. The steak cut is thin, usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick (about 0.6 to 1.3 cm), so it only takes about 30 to 60 seconds per side to cook, especially if you’re aiming for medium-rare. Quick to cook and quick on the plate – that’s where the name comes from.
What Are the Other Names for Minute Steak?
The most popular other names for the minute steak in the United States are sizzle steak, chip steak, and cube steak.
Is minute steak the same as cube steak?
Minute steak and cube steak are both thin, lean cuts of beef, but they’re not quite the same. Butchers always tenderize cube steak with a machine, which gives it those little cube-shaped marks. Minute steak, however, refers to a thin, quick-cooking beef cut; it may be tenderized, but this is not always the case.
Is Minute Steak a Good Steak?
That depends on what you’re after. Minute steak is a thin, affordable cut that cooks quickly, making it ideal for quick meals. It has a good beef flavor, but it’s not as tender or juicy as thicker steaks, such as ribeye or strip. The trick is in how you cook it. Since it’s so thin, it can go from done to overcooked in seconds, turning tough and chewy. A quick sear on high heat, just enough to brown the outside, keeps it tender and flavorful.
Minute steak is also super versatile. You can slice it up and add it to fajitas, sandwiches, stir-fry, or simply cook it chicken-fried style. So yeah, minute steak can be a good pick as long as you don’t overcook it.
Where to Buy Minute Steak?
You can find minute steak in most grocery stores, usually in the meat section, labeled just as “minute steak.” It’s typically a thin, lean cut from the sirloin or round primal. If you’re looking for a specific type or higher quality, a local butcher is your best bet. They can help you get exactly what you want. For larger orders, many online shops sell minute steak in bulk.
Minute steak is one of the cheaper cuts of beef. It’s thin, tough, and pretty lean, which makes it great for quick meals. Don’t let the toughness put you off; with the right cooking, minute steak turns out relatively tender and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a quick, budget-friendly meal.