Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried cube steak piled high on toasted brioche buns with tangy horseradish aioli, crispy fried onion straws, dill pickles, and shredded iceberg lettuce. A heartier, more satisfying alternative to the classic fast-food burger. This american-inspired cube steak ready in about 50 minutes brings together cube steak, brioche buns, all-purpose flour for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 670 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 670 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make horseradish aioli: whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and refrigerate.
  2. Step 2: Set up dredging station: combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish. Whisk egg into buttermilk in a second dish.
  3. Step 3: Season cube steak pieces with salt and pepper. Dip in buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour.
  4. Step 4: Separate onion rings. Dip rings in remaining buttermilk, toss in remaining seasoned flour to coat.
  5. Step 5: Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep skillet. Heat to 365°F.
  6. Step 6: Fry onion straws in batches 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
  7. Step 7: In the same oil, fry breaded cube steak pieces 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Step 8: Toast brioche buns cut-side down in a dry skillet until golden.
  9. Step 9: Spread horseradish aioli on both cut sides of each bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, fried cube steak, dill pickles, and a generous handful of onion straws. Close and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws?

Refrigerate any leftover crispy cube steak sandwiches with horseradish aioli and fried onion straws in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Cube Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Aioli and Fried Onion Straws?

American cube steak like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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