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Grilled Cube Steaks With Red Onion Sauce

The aroma still takes me back: standing on the back porch as a kid, watching my grandpa man the grill. The sizzle of meat, the char from the flames, and that sweet, savory smell of onions slowly caramelizing… It wasn’t just dinner; it was a memory in the making. This Grilled Cube Steak with Red Onion Sauce rekindles those moments, bringing a touch of that simple, smoky magic to my own kitchen – a reminder that the best meals are often the ones shared with loved ones, seasoned with a dash of nostalgia.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes + Marinating Time
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes + Marinating Time
Servings: 2
Dietary Type: Varies based on stock used.

Ingredients

2 beef cube steaks
2 tablespoons bottled Italian dressing (homemade or lite Italian is fine, also)
1 tablespoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning

Sauce Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, very thinly sliced
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup Chardonnay wine
1 cup stock (veg or chicken or beef.. I used veg)
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Freezer zip bags
Grill
Large, heavy frying pan

Instructions

Begin by marinating the cube steaks. Place them in freezer zip bags along with the Italian dressing. Seal the bags, removing as much air as possible, and massage the dressing into the meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally all day for maximum tenderness.
When you’re ready to grill, remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Lightly coat both sides of each steak with the Montreal Steak Seasoning, ensuring an even distribution.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for creating those beautiful grill marks and searing in the juices.
Place the seasoned steaks on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember that cube steaks are thin and can cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, or 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
While the steaks are grilling, prepare the red onion sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the pan and cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. Cooking them slowly is key to bringing out their natural sweetness.
Stir in the dried basil and dried rosemary and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavor into the onions.
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the sugar to the pan. Let the onions caramelize slightly, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. The sugar will help them develop a rich, golden-brown color and a deeper flavor.
Add the flour to the caramelized onions and cook for a few minutes, stirring continuously. This will create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Gradually pour in the stock and Chardonnay wine, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the steak seasoning already contains salt, so taste before adding more.
Once the steaks are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To serve, place the grilled cube steaks on plates and generously spoon the red onion sauce over the top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Marinating is Key: Don’t skip the marinating step! The Italian dressing not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the cube steaks. The longer they marinate, the more tender they will become. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will make a difference.
Thinly Sliced Onions: Ensure that the red onions are very thinly sliced. This allows them to cook evenly and caramelize properly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices.
Deglazing the Pan: For even more flavor in the sauce, deglaze the pan after cooking the steaks. Add a splash of wine or stock to the hot pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, add this flavorful liquid to the red onion sauce.
Wine Selection: While Chardonnay is recommended, you can experiment with other dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Controlling Caramelization: Watch the onions closely during the caramelization process. If they start to burn, reduce the heat or add a splash of water to the pan.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Cube Steaks with Red Onion Sauce immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Steak fries, baked potato, steamed broccoli, corn, pasta salad or a tossed salad would be some great sides to serve with this dish.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steaks and sauce in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the steaks during reheating, as they can become tough.

The red onion sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	228.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	99 g	44%
Total Fat	11.1 g	17%
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	8%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	248.2 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	21.2 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	10.5 g	41%
Protein	1.4 g	2%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Ensure that your stock is also gluten-free.
Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or chicken broth. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the red onion sauce. Thyme, oregano, or marjoram would all be delicious additions.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the red onion sauce for a little heat.
Sweet Onion: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, substitute the red onion with a sweet onion like Vidalia.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for cube steaks, you could potentially use other thin cuts of steak like flank steak or skirt steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
A: You can make your own simple marinade using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs.

Q: How do I prevent the steaks from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the steaks on the grill.

Q: Can I make the red onion sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the red onion sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q: How do I know when the steaks are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 145°F (63°C); for medium, aim for 160°F (71°C); and for well-done, aim for 170°F (77°C).

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Cube Steak with Red Onion Sauce is a delicious and easy way to elevate a simple cut of meat. The combination of the flavorful marinade, the smoky grill marks, and the sweet and savory red onion sauce creates a truly memorable dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the recipe to your liking. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me, reminding you of cherished memories and creating new ones around the table. I encourage you to try it out, share your feedback, and maybe even pair it with a crisp glass of Chardonnay!

Grilled Cube Steaks With Red Onion Sauce Recipe