5 Delicious Recipes Using Beef Cubes

Beef cubes refer to small pieces of beef that are cut into cube shapes. People often use versatile recipes using beef cubes. In stews and soups, beef cubes add flavour and texture. The long cooking time allows the beef cubes to become tender and infuse the broth with their rich flavour. In stir-fries, beef cubes cook quickly and absorb the flavours of the sauces and spices they are cooked with.

Let’s now explore some mouthwatering recipes that make the most of beef cubes, along with good tips on how to perfect your recipes.

What Cut is Best for Beef Cubes?

When it comes to making beef cubes, choosing the right cut of beef is crucial. Tough cuts that contain a lot of connective tissue are ideal, as they become more tender and flavourful when slow-cooked, braised, or stewed.

Beef chuck is a popular choice for making beef cubes. It comes from the cow’s shoulder and contains plenty of connective tissue. Chuck roast, chuck steak, shoulder steak, flat iron steak, and short ribs are all examples of cuts that come from the beef chuck.

Chuck roast is a boneless cut that’s perfect for slow-cooking methods like pot roast or beef stew, while chuck steak and shoulder steak are great for grilling or pan-searing. Flat iron steak is a leaner cut that can be sliced thinly and included in stir-fries or salads, while short ribs are delicious when slow-cooked in a liquid until they are falling off the bone. Short ribs are a popular ingredient in many types of cuisine, including American, Korean, and European dishes.

Another excellent choice for making beef cubes is round roast, which comes from the animal’s hindquarter. While it can be tough to chew if not cooked properly, searing it on all sides and slow-cooking it at a low temperature in the oven can help ensure tenderness. Allowing the roast to rest before slicing it against the grain can also improve its texture.

Finally, brisket is another option that has a lot of fat running through it, giving it a rich flavour.

In general, any tougher cut of beef can be used to make beef cubes as long as it’s cooked low and slow to break down the tough fibres and create a tender and flavourful final product.

Are Beef Cubes Healthy?

Beef cubes can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when you consume them in moderation and prepare them using healthy cooking methods. Beef is a good source of iron, protein and other essential nutrients. However, it’s recommended to choose lean cuts of beef and avoid consuming too much saturated fat. Furthermore, how you prepare the beef cubes also plays a role in their healthiness. Grilling or roasting the beef cubes instead of frying them in oil is generally a healthier option.

Delicious Recipes Using Beef Cubes

The possibilities for recipes using beef cubes are endless and boundless. Here are a few recipe ideas you can try:

1. Beef and Vegetable Soup
2. Beef Tacos
3. Beef Cubes and Broccoli Stir-Fry
4. Korean-Style Beef Cubes
5. Beef Cubes with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Let’s explore how to make these delicious dishes.

Beef and Vegetable Soup with Beef Cubes

This beef and vegetable soup recipe using beef cubes is both delicious and easy to make! The beef adds a rich, meaty flavour to the soup, while the combination of vegetables makes it nutritious and filling. 

Here’s the best beef and vegetable soup recipe using beef cubes:

Ingredients:

• 450g beef cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 peeled and sliced carrots
• 2 sliced celery stalks
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 3/4 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef cubes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the beef cubes from the pot and set aside.
5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, then cook for 5 minutes until softened.
6. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot, then bring to a simmer.
7. Return the beef cubes to the pot and let the soup simmer until the beef is tender.
8. Add the chopped kale to the mixture and stir well. Allow it to cook for around 5 to 10 minutes until it wilts and becomes softer.
9. Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Beef Tacos

Beef tacos are a popular Mexican dish consisting of juicy beef cubes served on either soft or hard tortilla shells. They are often topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, or sour cream. They are perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner or a casual party.

Here is a beef tacos recipe using beef cubes:

Ingredients:

• 450g beef cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Soft tortilla shells
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef cubes and cook them for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
3. Add the diced onions and garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
4. Add the chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt, then stir to coat the beef and onions.
5. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to cook for 20 minutes until the beef becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
7. To serve, warm up the soft tortilla shells and add one scoop of the beef mixture to each one.
8. Top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice, then serve immediately.

Beef Cubes and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef cubes and broccoli stir-fry is a classic Chinese dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. It’s a quick, easy, and flavourful dish that can be served with rice or noodles.

Here’s a simple recipe for making beef cubes and broccoli stir-fry:

Ingredients:

• 450g beef cubes
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornflour, and chicken broth in a bowl, and mix well.
2. In a pan, heat up the vegetable oil over high heat, then add the sauce mixture.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
4. Add the beef cubes to the mixture and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until browned on all sides.
5. Add the broccoli florets and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce mixture. Continue to stir the mixture until the sauce has a thick and heavy texture.
7. Remove from the heat and serve hot.

Korean-Style Beef Cubes

Korean-style beef cubes are a very popular dish both in Korea and internationally. They are known as “bulgogi” in Korean cuisine, which means “fire meat” in English. The dish has gained popularity due to its delicious taste, tender texture, and adaptability as both a main course or filling for sandwiches and wraps.

Here’s a simple Korean-style beef cubes recipe:

Ingredients:

• 450g beef cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized food container, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them well in the marinade.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes -it is better to leave it for 24 hours- to allow the flavours to meld together.
4. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
5. Add the marinated beef cubes to the pan and cook for 3 minutes per side or until they are browned and cooked through.
6. Place the cubes on the serving dish.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, and serve hot.

Beef Cubes with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Beef cubes with creamy mushroom sauce are definitely a tasty and easy-to-make dish! The combination of tender beef cubes and creamy mushroom sauce is rich and satisfying, making it a great comfort food option. Plus, this recipe is relatively simple and perfect for any gathering.

Here’s a simple recipe for making beef cubes with creamy mushroom sauce:

Ingredients:

• 450g beef cubes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Mashed potatoes for serving

Instructions:

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. 
4. Remove the beef cubes from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Return the beef cubes to the pan with the vegetables and add the beef broth. 
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter until melted and well combined.
9. Remove the beef cubes with creamy mushroom sauce from the heat and serve over cooked mashed potatoes.

Good Tips for Cooking Recipes Using Beef Cubes

Here are some good tips for making beef cubes and recipes using beef cubes:

1. Choose the proper cut: Choosing a leaner beef cut like sirloin or tenderloin results in beef cubes that contain less fat and are, therefore, healthier. Plus, these cuts tend to be more tender than other cuts.
2. Cut the beef into uniform pieces: Ensure that the beef is cut into pieces of similar size so that they cook evenly. Larger beef cubes (around 1-2 inches) are more appropriate for stews or soups that require longer cooking times. Smaller beef cubes (around 1/2 inch) are typically used for stir-fries that require short cooking times.
3. Marinate the meat: Marinating the beef cubes before cooking can help enhance the flavour and tenderness. You can use any marinade you prefer, but don’t leave acidic marinades on the meat for too long, as they can break it down.
4. Brown the beef: Before adding the beef cubes to your recipe, brown them in a hot pan with some oil to give them a nice crust and add flavour.
5. Use low and slow-cooking methods: Beef cubes can benefit from slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing. These methods allow the beef to become tender and flavourful over time.
6. Don’t overcook the beef: Be careful not to overcook the beef cubes, as this can result in tough, dry meat. 
7. Let the beef rest: Let the beef cubes rest after cooking for a few minutes before serving. This will let the juices distribute evenly throughout the meat and result in a tastier dish.

Get Creative with Beef Cubes Recipes

Recipes using beef cubes are incredibly satisfying and delicious. Besides the endless options for cooking with beef cubes, following the tips helps achieve the best results. Don’t hesitate to experiment with new flavours, ingredients, and techniques; the possibilities are endless!

If you need further inspiration, you can check our list of amazing Egyptian beef recipes and a wide range of other recipes on our website.

Share with our social media