What does it mean to smother a steak?

"Smothering" a steak means braising it in a rich and flavorful gravy. The steak is typically seared first to develop a nice crust, then simmered in the gravy until incredibly tender. The gravy not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the steak moist and juicy during cooking. It's like giving the steak a warm, flavorful hug!

What is the 3 3 3 rule for steaks?

The 3 3 3 rule is a grilling technique, not relevant to smothered steak. It involves grilling a steak for 3 minutes per side, flipping it three times, for a total of 9 minutes. This method aims for a medium-rare steak, but since we're braising our steak in gravy, we don't need to worry about this rule.

How do you cook steak so it falls apart?

The key to a fall-apart tender steak is low and slow cooking. Braising, like we do with smothered steak, is a perfect method. The long simmering time in liquid breaks down the tough connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. For more cooking tips and techniques, check out The Kitchn's cooking lessons .

What cut of meat is gravy steak?

"Gravy steak" isn't a specific cut of meat. It's a term used for steaks that are well-suited for braising in gravy. These are often tougher, more affordable cuts like cube steak, round steak, or bottom round. The slow cooking in gravy transforms these cuts into tender, flavorful masterpieces. You might also enjoy our Chicken Poblano Soup recipe for another comforting meal.

30-Minute Smothered Steak: Easy & Delicious

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cube steak (or round steak, thinly sliced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. If using round steak, pound it to 1/4 inch thickness. Season steak with salt and pepper.

2. Sear steak in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook onions until softened.

4. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook until lightly browned.

5. Gradually whisk in beef broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.

6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to gravy. Simmer until thickened.

7. Return steak to skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in gravy. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until fork-tender.

8. Let rest before serving.

Author: Emily
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Keywords: smothered steak, cube steak, round steak, beef gravy, onion gravy, braised steak, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy recipe