Cube Steak

Cube steak is a thin, tenderized beef steak marked with a grid of small indentations. Its lean, firm texture cooks quickly and takes well to breading; it sizzles in a hot skillet and can become fork-tender when simmered. Common uses include chicken-fried steak, country-fried steak, and quick pan searing.

Created by running tougher round cuts through a mechanical cuber, the style gained popularity in mid-20th-century American butcher shops and diners. It remains a staple in Southern U.S. cooking for dishes like chicken-fried steak and Swiss steak and is widely sold pre-tenderized in supermarkets.