Ultimate Venison Cube Steak Recipe
When I think about comfort food, my mind always goes to country fried steak, the same thing I’m going to order at places like Cracker Barrel, Perkins, or Denny’s where this classic dish is usually served with creamy gravy and fluffy mashed potatoes. During my childhood, we featured beef as the main ingredient, but after years of hunting deer and elk, I’ve discovered something much tastier using venison cube steaks to recreate this family’s favorite meal at home. Trust me, this hearty and delicious venison cube steak recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation because venison is delicious and incredibly good for you.
Forget What You Knew About Venison—This Steak Changes Everything
It’s a very lean red meat with hardly any fat that our meat processor tenderizes so you can cut it with a butter knife. I had several packages of venison cube steaks left from last year and didn’t want to mix them with this year’s harvest, so I’ve been cooking this about once a week. Believe me, you’ll enjoy this month’s venison cube steak recipe even though it requires a little more attention than simply putting something in a crock pot and walking away. Meanwhile, I’m working on getting close to a recipe good enough to share, but you’ll have to settle for this. If this is settling, you won’t mind it one bit.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs venison bottom round steak (2-inch thick), trimmed of all silver skin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Secret Behind The Perfect Venison Cube Steak
The secret behind this amazing venison cube steak recipe starts with how you prepare the venison. Slicing your bottom round steak into thick pieces ensures everything cooks quickly and evenly without getting tough. First, you’ll want to set up a well seasoned dredging station that locks in all the moisture while adding that crave worthy crispy coating we all love.
The gravy is where this meal really shines because it’s incredibly rich and creamy, infused with all those flavorful brown bits that get left in your skillet after cooking. This isn’t just another quick weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone around the table and keeps them there asking for seconds because it’s more than good. It’s unforgettable.
Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure your oven is heating up to 250 degrees F so it’s ready when needed. Take one pie pan or a resealable bag and combine all the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda until well mixed. For the wet mixture, grab a separate pie pan and whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Once everything is prepared, set both containers aside where you can easily access them while cooking. This simple setup will help you move through the breading process quickly and efficiently. Just follow these steps and you will get your venison cube steak recipe.
Step 1: Slice It Right
Grab that venison cube steak and slice it into nice, thick strips. Keep it clean, keep it even this is your base, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Buttermilk Bath Time

Toss the strips into a bowl, pour in enough buttermilk to cover, and let that magic happen in the fridge. Let it soak for at least 4–6 hours, but if you can wait 12, even better. Before you’re ready to fry, crack in your beaten eggs and mix it all up.
Step 3: Coat It Like a Pro
In a shallow dish, mix up your flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda the works. Pull each strip from the buttermilk, coat it fully in the flour mix, and shake off the extra. You want it crispy, not cakey.

Step 4: Hot Oil, Let’s Fry

This is important step of Venison Cube Steak Recipe. Heat up your oil in a skillet medium-high is the sweet spot. Fry those strips for 3 to 5 minutes per side, till golden brown and cooked through (aim for 160°F inside). Flip once no need to overhandle.
Step 5: Keep It Warm, Bring the Sauce
Done frying? Keep ‘em warm in the oven. Want to take it next level? Make a quick cream gravy with butter, flour, and heavy cream in a pan. Drizzle it on top or serve on the side either way, it’s game on.

Serving & Storage
Serve your Venison Cube Steak Recipe while it’s hot with plenty of country gravy for dipping to get the full comfort food experience. Store any leftover steak and gravy in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh. It’s best if you reheat the Venison Cube Steak Recipe in the oven to maintain that crispy texture rather than using the microwave. Use the venison cube steak recipe within 3 days, or freeze any extra cooked steak portions for later meals.
Frying Tips
Be sure to use an oil suitable for frying, like peanut, canola, cottonseed, or vegetable, since they are all good options that handle high heat well. Make sure you get the oil hot enough, around 325°F-350°F, and maintain that temperature before adding your steak pieces. If the oil temperature is too low, the breading will absorb too much oil and be soggy, but if it’s too hot, it can burn the breading without fully cooking the inside of the meat.

Do not overcrowd your steak in the skillet because there should be space between each piece for even cooking. Fry each piece 3-5 minutes per side or until a golden brown color is reached, then carefully flip and cook the other side. I prefer to go off the color while I am frying rather than timing it exactly. Take the temperature of the steak if it needs a little longer cooking time, but if the breading is already crisp, you can remove it and bake it in the oven at 350F until an internal temperature of 160F is reached.
Top 10 FAQs
Can I use regular beef cube steak instead of venison?
Yes, beef cube steak works perfectly as a substitute. The cooking process and timing remain the same, though venison offers a leaner, more flavorful option.
How long should I soak venison in buttermilk?
Soak for at least 4-6 hours, but 12 hours is ideal. This tenderizes the meat and removes any gamey flavor while keeping it moist.
What oil temperature is best for frying cube steak?
Maintain oil temperature between 325°F-350°F. Too low makes soggy breading; too hot burns the coating before meat cooks through.
How do I know when the steak is fully cooked?
Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F and the coating is golden brown. This usually takes 3-5 minutes per side.
Can I bake instead of frying for a healthier option?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for crispier results, though it won’t be as crispy as fried.
Why is my breading falling off during cooking?
Ensure proper dredging: buttermilk, then seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Let coated steaks rest 5 minutes before frying to help coating adhere.
How do I store leftover fried cube steak?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in sealed containers. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness, not the microwave.
Can I freeze cooked venison cube steak?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in foil, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
What’s the best way to make the country gravy?
Use the same skillet with leftover brown bits. Make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly add cream while whisking to prevent lumps.
Do I need to pound the meat before cooking?
If your processor hasn’t tenderized it, lightly pound to ¼-inch thickness. Most venison cube steaks come pre-tenderized, so check first to avoid over-processing.
