18 Crispy Fried Cube Steak Recipes with Bold Flavors

Carmen Eldridge

April 5, 2025

Get ready to sink your teeth into the crispiest, most flavorful fried cube steaks you’ve ever had! Cube steak, also known as cube roll or top round steak, is a cut of beef that’s perfect for breading and frying. When done right, it can be absolutely divine – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold flavors.

In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering fried cube steak recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. From classic country-style to international twists, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in this versatile cut of beef. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these crispy fried cube steaks are sure to become a new favorite.

Southern Fried Cube Steak with Gravy

Southern Fried Cube Steak with Gravy
Get ready for a comforting Southern classic that’s sure to please! This recipe for Southern Fried Cube Steak with Gravy is a staple of comfort food, and it’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (1-2 inches thick)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Gravy:
+ 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
+ 2 cups beef broth
+ 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip cube steak in buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry cube steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
7. For gravy, melt butter or heat oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
8. Whisk together beef broth and flour to make a slurry.
9. Add slurry to saucepan and whisk until smooth.
10. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Garlic Butter Fried Cube Steak

Garlic Butter Fried Cube Steak
This classic comfort food recipe is a staple of many households. With its rich garlic butter flavor and crispy crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (thinly sliced top round or top sirloin)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Add the cube steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and place on a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the garlic butter mixture to the skillet.
6. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and the flavors to combine.
7. Serve the cube steak with the garlic butter spooned over the top. If desired, add Worcestershire sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Spicy Cajun Fried Cube Steak

Spicy Cajun Fried Cube Steak
Get ready for a bold and spicy twist on classic cube steak! This recipe combines the tenderizing power of buttermilk with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, then adds a crispy fried exterior.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce.
2. Add the cube steak to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the cube steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Dredge the cube steak in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Fry the cube steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Cooking Time: About 12-15 minutes total.

Golden Buttermilk Fried Cube Steak

Golden Buttermilk Fried Cube Steak
Golden Buttermilk Fried Cube Steak Recipe

Savor the tender and juicy cube steak smothered in a rich golden buttermilk crust, perfect for a satisfying dinner or brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (about 1 inch thick)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the cube steak to the buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the cube steak from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Fry the cube steak for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Smoky Paprika Fried Cube Steak

Smoky Paprika Fried Cube Steak
Cube steak, a staple of many a diner menu, gets a bold makeover with the addition of smoky paprika. This flavor-packed recipe adds depth and complexity to this comfort food classic.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge the cube steak in the spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the coated cube steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Classic Country Fried Cube Steak

Classic Country Fried Cube Steak
This beloved Southern dish is a staple of comfort food, with crispy fried breading enveloping tender cube steak. Serve it up with some creamy mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip cube steak into buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes.

Parmesan-Crusted Fried Cube Steak

Parmesan-Crusted Fried Cube Steak
A flavorful twist on classic cube steak, this recipe adds a crunchy Parmesan crust and savory pan-fry for a satisfying dinner or lunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (such as top round or bottom round)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the cube steak into desired portions.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Dip each piece of steak in the beaten egg, then coat in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total

Herb-Marinated Fried Cube Steak

Herb-Marinated Fried Cube Steak
Elevate your cube steak game with this flavorful and juicy recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb cube steak (beef or pork)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cube steak to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge the steak in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of oil. Cook the cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.
7. Transfer the steak to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes total

Onion and Mushroom Fried Cube Steak

Onion and Mushroom Fried Cube Steak
This recipe combines the richness of cube steak with the depth of caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms, all wrapped up in a crispy fried package. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and swirl to melt.
3. Add onion and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 10 minutes).
4. Dredge cube steak in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Add the floured steak to the skillet; cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Peppercorn Crusted Fried Cube Steak

Peppercorn Crusted Fried Cube Steak
A classic comfort food with a flavorful twist, this recipe adds a savory peppercorn crust to the tender and juicy cube steak. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak
– 2 tbsp black peppercorns
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the peppercorns into a fine powder.
3. Mix the ground peppercorns with salt.
4. Dip each cube steak piece in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Dip the floured steak in the beaten egg, then coat in the peppercorn mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the coated cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon Pepper Fried Cube Steak

Lemon Pepper Fried Cube Steak
Elevate your steak game with this bright and citrusy take on a classic dish.

Ingredients:

– 4 cube steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together lemon pepper seasoning and lemon juice.
3. Add cube steaks to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear cube steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Bacon-Wrapped Fried Cube Steak

Bacon-Wrapped Fried Cube Steak
A classic comfort food twist on traditional cube steak, this recipe adds a smoky, savory element with crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cut the cube steak into desired size pieces and season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
3. Wrap each piece of steak with 1-2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Add olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped cube steak pieces in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes

Sweet and Spicy Fried Cube Steak

Sweet and Spicy Fried Cube Steak
A flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, this sweet and spicy fried cube steak recipe combines the tenderizing power of buttermilk with the bold flavors of brown sugar and hot sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, brown sugar, and hot sauce.
2. Add the cube steak to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge the steak in flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Fry the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Beer-Battered Fried Cube Steak

Beer-Battered Fried Cube Steak
A twist on the classic pub favorite, this recipe adds a hoppy spin to the beer-battering process. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these cube steaks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak (about 1-2 inches)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup beer (any style, but lighter beers work better)
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour beer into another shallow dish.
3. Dip each cube steak piece into the beer, coating completely, then roll in flour mixture to coat.
4. Dredge floured cube steaks in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry cube steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Cooking Time: About 8-10 minutes total.

Jalapeño-Stuffed Fried Cube Steak

Jalapeño-Stuffed Fried Cube Steak
This recipe takes the traditional cube steak to the next level by stuffing it with spicy jalapeños and frying it to crispy perfection. The result is a flavorful and bold dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak
– 4-6 jalapeño peppers, sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F.
2. Season the cube steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Stuff each cube steak piece with sliced jalapeños.
4. Dredge the stuffed cube steaks in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Fry the cube steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the cube steaks on paper towels and serve hot.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Maple-Glazed Fried Cube Steak

Maple-Glazed Fried Cube Steak
A sweet and savory twist on a classic comfort food, this maple-glazed fried cube steak is a perfect combination of tender beef and sticky glaze. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Season the cube steak with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the steak in the maple glaze, coating evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the glazed steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes

Asian-Inspired Fried Cube Steak with Soy Glaze

Asian-Inspired Fried Cube Steak with Soy Glaze
Elevate your cube steak game with this sweet and savory fusion of Asian flavors.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cube steak (such as top round or ribeye)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dredge the cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
5. Brush the glaze onto the fried cube steak during the last minute of cooking.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

BBQ Fried Cube Steak with Coleslaw

BBQ Fried Cube Steak with Coleslaw
Get ready to savor the classic combination of tender cube steak and creamy coleslaw, all wrapped up in a sweet and tangy BBQ flavor.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb cube steak
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrots, and onions)

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip cube steak in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cube steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of frying.
6. Serve hot with coleslaw on the side.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of fried cube steak! This article brings together 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase bold flavors and textures. From classic country-style to spicy Cajun-inspired, these dishes will satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a twist. Try Southern Fried Cube Steak with Gravy, Garlic Butter Fried Cube Steak, or Smoky Paprika Fried Cube Steak – the options are endless! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and spicy or herby and savory, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, get frying, and enjoy the crispy, delicious ride!

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