15 Keto Cube Steak Recipes That’ll Make You Forget Carbs
If you’re tired of the same old keto dinner routine, cube steak is about to become your new best friend. This budget-friendly cut transforms into tender, flavorful meals that’ll have your family asking for seconds—and they won’t even miss the carbs.
The Science Behind Keto and Cube Steak
According to the Journal of Nutritional Science, “Low-carbohydrate diets consistently show superior results for weight loss and metabolic health when adequate protein intake is maintained.” Cube steak delivers exactly what your keto lifestyle needs: high-quality protein with zero carbs.
| Nutritional Benefits | Per 4oz Serving | Keto Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 28g | Maintains muscle mass |
| Carbs | 0g | Perfect for ketosis |
| Fat | 8g | Supports fat burning |
| Calories | 180 | Satisfying & filling |
What Makes Cube Steak Perfect for Keto
Cube steak isn’t just keto-friendly—it’s keto perfect. This mechanically tenderized beef gives you restaurant-quality results at home without breaking your carb budget. The beauty lies in its versatility and quick cooking time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Pro-Tip: Always let your cube steak come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents that dreaded rubber texture.
15 Mouthwatering Keto Cube Steak Recipes
1. Classic Keto Country Fried Steak
Transform the Southern classic into a keto masterpiece with this almond flour coating.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions:
- Mix almond flour, Parmesan, and all spices in a shallow dish.
- Dip each steak in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 145°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garlic Butter Herb Cube Steak
Simple elegance meets keto perfection in this aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steaks 3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- Add remaining butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
- Return steaks to pan and baste with herb butter for 1-2 minutes.
Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the resting period—it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your steak moist and flavorful.
3. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Cube Steak
Because everything’s better with bacon and cheese, right?
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (sugar-free)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy, remove and set aside.
- Cook steaks in bacon fat, 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove steaks and add cream and ranch to pan.
- Simmer until thickened, add cheese and bacon.
- Pour sauce over steaks and garnish with green onions.
4. Mushroom Swiss Cube Steak
Earthy mushrooms and creamy Swiss create the ultimate comfort food combo.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
- Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter until golden.
- Remove vegetables and cook steaks in same pan.
- Add broth and cream, simmer until reduced.
- Top steaks with mushroom mixture and cheese.
- Cover until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
5. Cajun Spiced Cube Steak
Bring the heat with this bold, Louisiana-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Rub steaks with Cajun seasoning, let sit 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steaks 3 minutes per side, remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return steaks to pan and cook 2 more minutes.
Pro-Tip: Make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
6. Italian Herb Cube Steak with Mozzarella
Transport your taste buds to Italy with this herb-crusted delight.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix almond flour, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Coat steaks with mixture and cook in olive oil.
- Top with marinara and mozzarella.
- Cover and cook until cheese melts.
- Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
7. Asian-Style Ginger Soy Cube Steak
East meets keto in this umami-packed recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Marinate steaks in coconut aminos, vinegar, ginger, and garlic for 30 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side.
- Pour remaining marinade over steaks.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve.
8. Creamy Lemon Pepper Cube Steak
Bright, zesty flavors that’ll wake up your dinner routine.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Season steaks with lemon pepper.
- Cook in butter until golden brown.
- Remove steaks and add cream to pan.
- Stir in lemon juice and simmer until thickened.
- Return steaks to pan and garnish with parsley.
9. Tex-Mex Cube Steak Fajitas
Skip the tortillas but keep all the flavor in this keto-friendly twist.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks, sliced into strips
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Toss steak strips with fajita seasoning.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Cook steak strips 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add peppers and onions, cook 5 minutes more.
- Serve with keto-friendly toppings.
Pro-Tip: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a complete meal that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
10. Mediterranean Olive and Herb Cube Steak
Transport your dinner to the Mediterranean coast with this aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side.
- Top with olives, tomatoes, oregano, and feta.
- Cover and cook 2 minutes until cheese softens.
- Serve immediately with a side of Greek salad.
11. Smoky Paprika Cube Steak
Rich, smoky flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all spices in a small bowl.
- Rub spice mixture all over steaks.
- Let sit 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
12. Herb-Crusted Cube Steak with Cauliflower Mash
Comfort food at its finest—minus the carbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/2 cup pork rinds, crushed
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Mix crushed pork rinds with herbs.
- Press mixture onto steaks to coat.
- Cook steaks in a hot skillet until golden.
- Steam cauliflower until tender, then mash with butter and cream.
- Serve steaks over cauliflower mash.
13. Buffalo Cube Steak with Blue Cheese
For those who like it hot and tangy.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side.
- Mix hot sauce with butter and pour over steaks.
- Top with blue cheese and celery.
- Serve immediately while cheese is still melting.
14. Coconut Curry Cube Steak
Exotic flavors that’ll transport you to Southeast Asia.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet.
- Cook steaks 3 minutes per side, remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add curry powder and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in coconut milk and return steaks to pan.
- Simmer 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
Pro-Tip: Serve over shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles for an authentic curry experience without the carbs.
15. Balsamic Glazed Cube Steak
Sweet and tangy flavors that create the perfect balance.
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp erythritol
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove steaks and add balsamic vinegar to pan.
- Stir in erythritol and thyme, simmer until reduced.
- Whisk in butter and pour glaze over steaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep cube steak from getting tough? Don’t overcook it! Cube steak is already tenderized, so it cooks quickly. Aim for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat, and always let it rest after cooking.
Can I meal prep these cube steak recipes? Absolutely! Most of these recipes reheat beautifully. Cook your steaks, let them cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to store leftover cube steak? Wrap cooked steaks tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Are these recipes suitable for other cuts of beef? While these recipes are designed for cube steak, many work well with other thin cuts like minute steaks or even pounded chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make these recipes dairy-free? Replace butter with coconut oil or ghee, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. Most of these recipes adapt easily to dairy-free diets.
Conclusion
These 15 keto cube steak recipes prove that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. From classic comfort foods to exotic international flavors, cube steak adapts to any cuisine while keeping your carb count at zero.
The real magic happens when you realize that cube steak isn’t just a budget cut—it’s a gateway to creative, delicious meals that support your keto lifestyle. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile that’ll keep your meal plan exciting and your taste buds happy.
Remember, the key to successful keto cooking lies in embracing ingredients that naturally align with your macros. Cube steak gives you the protein foundation, while herbs, spices, and healthy fats create the flavor complexity that makes every meal memorable.
Pro-Tip: Try batch cooking 2-3 different cube steak recipes on Sunday for easy weeknight dinners. You’ll have variety throughout the week without the stress of daily meal prep.
