If you’re in the mood for classic Southern comfort food, try making old-fashioned fried pork cubed steak. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its crispy crust and tender meat, it’s sure to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to your table.
This guide will show you how to make fried pork cubed steak, from seasoning the meat to getting a crispy coating. You’ll learn simple techniques to create a tasty meal your family will remember.
Pork vs. Beef: Why Pork Cubed Steak?
Beef cubed steak is often easier to find at the butcher, but pork cubed steak is especially tender and flavorful. Beef cubed steak, usually made from round steak, can have tough tendons that stay chewy after cooking. (Value Cuts, n.d.)
Pork cubed steak is usually made from pork tenderloin, which is naturally tender and has less connective tissue. This gives it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. (Pork Tenderloin, 2025) Many people find they like its mild flavor and tenderness more than beef cubed steak.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe is simple and uses classic flavors so the pork stands out.
Ingredients:
- Lean pork cubed steaks
- 1 large egg
- All-purpose or self-rising flour
- Salt and black pepper
- Corn oil (for frying)
- Optional seasonings: steak and chop seasoning blend
Equipment:
- A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (carbon steel or cast iron works best)
- Two shallow dishes (for the egg wash and flour)
- Tongs
- A plate lined with paper towels
Making your cubed pork steak
Follow these six simple steps to create a delicious Southern-style meal in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Set up your breading station to keep things running smoothly. Use two shallow dishes: beat the egg in one, and put about two cups of flour in the other. This setup helps make the breading process quick and tidy.
Step 2: Season the pork
Seasoning well is key to a tasty dish. Begin by separating the pork cubed steak pieces, since they are often stacked in the package. This makes them easier to handle and helps them cook evenly with a crispier texture.
Lay out the pieces and season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite steak seasoning for more flavor. Seasoning the meat right before breading helps the flavor soak in.
Step 3: Bread the steak
Now it’s time to create that signature crispy crust. Working with one piece at a time, follow this sequence:
- Dip in egg: Submerge a piece of seasoned pork into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. The egg acts as a binder, helping the flour stick to the meat.
- Dredge in flour: Transfer the egg-coated piece to the dish of flour. Cover it completely, pressing down gently to make sure the flour adheres to all sides.
- Set the breaded piece on a clean plate or cutting board. Repeat until all the pork is coated. Breading everything before frying makes cooking easier.
Step 4: Heat the oil
Pour enough corn oil into your skillet to make a half-inch layer. Heat the skillet over medium-high. To check if the oil is ready, sprinkle in a little flour—if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go. Preheating the pan helps you get a crispy, non-greasy crust.
Step 5: Fry the pork
Carefully place the breaded pork pieces into the hot oil, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches might be necessary depending on the size of your skillet.
Fry the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once. Cooking time depends on how thick your steaks are. The crust should be deep golden brown and the pork cooked through. When done, use tongs to move the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain extra oil.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Your fried pork cubed steak is ready to serve. It goes well with sides like buttered corn on the cob, canned peas, or a fresh salad. For a real Southern meal, use the pan drippings to make gravy for the steak and mashed potatoes.
Store any leftovers in the fridge. They taste great the next day, either reheated in an air fryer or served cold on a biscuit for a quick breakfast.
Perfecting your technique
By following these steps, you can make a classic Southern meal that’s quick and tasty. Fried pork cubed steak shows how simple ingredients and good technique can make a satisfying dish. Next time you need an easy dinner idea, try this recipe and enjoy some Southern comfort at home.
