Name: Asian Inspired Cube Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 to 2.5 lbs tenderized cube steak; 1 medium sweet onion, sliced; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons bead molasses; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire powder; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 can Campbell’s French onion soup

If you love the bold, savory flavors of Asian cuisine but crave the comfort of a classic home-cooked meal, this Asian Inspired Cube Steak is about to become your go-to dinner. Tender, juicy cube steak meets a perfectly balanced sauce that’s a little sweet, a little tangy, and packed with umami flavor. Imagine that first bite: the meat melting in your mouth, the sweet onions adding depth, and the sauce tying everything together in perfect harmony.

This dish is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s quick enough to make after a busy day, yet impressive enough to serve when guests drop by. Trust me—you’re going to love the combination of tender steak, fragrant spices, and a sauce that’s begging to be sopped up with steamed rice or noodles.

Recipe Origin

Cube steak has been a beloved cut in American kitchens for decades, often breaded and fried or slow-cooked in gravy. This version takes a culinary detour, drawing inspiration from Asian flavors—soy sauce, rice vinegar, five spice, and a hint of molasses combine to give this dish a unique sweet-and-savory punch. The result is comfort food with a twist: familiar, approachable, and irresistibly flavorful.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
Small whisk for combining sauce ingredients

Why You’ll Love Asian Inspired Cube Steak

Tender and Juicy

The magic of cube steak is in its tenderness, and the marinade plus the slow simmer in the sauce takes it to the next level.

Flavor-Packed

A perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy elements makes every bite exciting.

Quick and Easy

This dish is simple to prepare but feels like it belongs in a restaurant.

Crowd-Pleasing

Adults and kids alike will love it. Serve it over rice or noodles for an all-in-one meal.

Versatile

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to bulk it up and add freshness.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Tenderize the steak if it’s not pre-cubed—it ensures the meat stays soft.
Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
Simmer gently to allow the sauce to thicken without overcooking the steak.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to balance sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients in Asian Inspired Cube Steak

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Cube Steak

Tenderized Cube Steak: The star of the dish—soft, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the bold flavors of the sauce.

Onion

Sweet Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth, creating a rich flavor base.

Spices

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Build savory complexity.
Black Pepper & White Pepper: Offer warmth and subtle heat.
Chinese Five Spice: Brings fragrant notes of star anise, cloves, and cinnamon for an authentic Asian touch.

Sauce Ingredients

Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness that balances sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Deep umami flavor and saltiness.
Bead Molasses: Adds richness and subtle caramel notes.
Worcestershire Powder: Enhances the savory depth.
Honey: Sweetens and balances the acidity of vinegar and soy.
Campbell’s French Onion Soup: Adds body, onions, and a touch of richness for a hearty sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Steak

Season the cube steak with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, and Chinese five spice. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the spices.

Sauté the Onions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil if needed, then sauté the sliced sweet onion until translucent and fragrant. This forms the flavor base for your sauce.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, molasses, Worcestershire powder, honey, and French onion soup. Pour the sauce over the onions in the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Steak

Add the seasoned cube steak to the skillet, making sure it’s coated in the sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the steak with a generous spoonful of onions and sauce over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: ~350–400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Asian Inspired Cube Steak

Over Rice: Jasmine or steamed white rice soaks up the flavorful sauce.
With Noodles: Serve with rice noodles or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
With Vegetables: Add sautéed or steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
As a Sandwich: Slice steak and serve in a hoagie roll for an Asian-inspired sandwich twist.
Family-Style: Serve in a large skillet at the table for a casual, communal meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Marinate Ahead: Prepare and season the steak 30–60 minutes in advance.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freeze: Cube steak and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for a vegetable-packed version.
Substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness.
Use hoisin sauce for an extra layer of Asian flavor.
Spice it up with a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips

Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Don’t overcook the cube steak—it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Adjust seasoning to taste after simmering to balance sweet and tangy notes.
Keep the sauce thick enough to coat the steak but not too heavy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular steak instead of cube steak?
A1: Yes, tender cuts like sirloin work best, but cube steak is ideal for tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this dish spicier?
A2: Absolutely—add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to taste.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, marinate and prepare the sauce in advance. Combine and cook the steak right before serving.

Q4: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A4: Yes, but taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Q5: Can I serve this without rice?
A5: Yes, it’s also delicious with noodles, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Q6: How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
A6: Cook gently over medium-low heat and avoid overcooking.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Q8: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A8: Yes, 1–2 minced cloves work well. Adjust to taste.

Q9: Can I store leftovers with the sauce?
A9: Yes, keep steak and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q10: Can I add extra flavor with herbs?
A10: Sliced green onions or fresh cilantro make a great garnish and add freshness.

Conclusion

This Asian Inspired Cube Steak is the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavors. Tender, juicy meat bathed in a sweet, tangy, and umami-packed sauce will quickly make it a favorite on your weeknight rotation. Serve it with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies, and watch it disappear at the dinner table. It’s easy, flavorful, and downright satisfying—a recipe that proves home-cooked meals can be both simple and spectacular.

Watch how to make this tender and flavorful steak with Asian spices