Tuscan BBQ Cube Steak with Velvety Balsamic Onion Sauce
Transform a budget-friendly beef cube steak into a gourmet delight with this Italian-inspired recipe. The marriage of savory beef with a rich, lustrous balsamic onion sauce creates a flavorful journey that is both satisfying and elegant. Accompanied by a crisp salad and creamy orzo, this dish promises a feast that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
6
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
beef cube steaks
4 (about 2 pounds total)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
pancetta or bacon
1 slice (chopped (optional))
medium onion
1/2 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
tomato sauce
8 ounces
Instructions
1
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom. Season 4 beef cube steaks with salt and fresh ground pepper.
2
Sear the steaks in the skillet, in batches if necessary, until a rich brown crust forms on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the steaks to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3
In the same skillet, add the pancetta or bacon, if using, and cook on medium-high heat until golden and crispy, around 5 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
4
Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and aromatic, roughly 5 minutes.
5
Incorporate balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle boil.
6
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
7
Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the velvety sauce over each piece, and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
8
Serve the cube steaks drizzled generously with the balsamic onion sauce. Pair with a fresh green salad and creamy orzo for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
18.7g
Fat
6g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan BBQ Cube Steak with Velvety Balsamic Onion Sauce?
It is an Italian-inspired dish that transforms budget-friendly beef cube steak into a gourmet meal featuring a rich, lustrous balsamic onion sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What cut of beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 beef cube steaks, totaling approximately 2 pounds.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18.7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil should be used to sear the steaks?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for searing the steaks.
How long should I sear the cube steaks on each side?
Sear the steaks for about 3 minutes per side until a rich brown crust forms.
Should I cook the steaks all at once?
It is recommended to sear the steaks in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
How do I keep the steaks warm after searing?
Transfer the seared steaks to a plate and cover them with foil to retain their heat.
Is pancetta or bacon mandatory for this recipe?
No, the chopped pancetta or bacon is optional, but it adds a savory, crispy element.
How long should the pancetta or bacon be cooked?
Cook the pancetta or bacon on medium-high heat for around 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
What should I do with excess fat after cooking the pancetta?
You should remove any excess fat from the skillet if necessary before proceeding to the next step.
What aromatics are used in the balsamic onion sauce?
The sauce uses 1/2 of a chopped medium onion and 1 finely chopped garlic clove.
How long should the onion and garlic be cooked?
Stir them occasionally for roughly 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
What ingredients make up the sauce base?
The sauce is composed of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much brown sugar is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to the skillet to enhance the savory flavor of the sauce.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of tomato sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer to thicken?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken.
How are the steaks finished in the skillet?
Return the steaks to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let them simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
The dish is best paired with a fresh green salad and creamy orzo.
Is this considered a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for a satisfying family meal.
What tags describe the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is described with tags such as savory, balsamic, and Italian.
How do I season the cube steaks?
Season the beef cube steaks with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste before searing.
What is the preparation for the garlic clove?
The garlic clove should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe, making it accessible for home cooks looking for a gourmet result.