What Is Minute Steak?

A minute steak is a thinly cut piece of beef designed to cook very quickly. It is sometimes called frying steak, because it is usually cooked fast in a hot frying pan.

The name gives the game away. Minute steak is not a big, thick steak for slow, careful cooking. It is a quick-cook steak, usually cut to around 1cm thick or less, so it can be cooked in just a minute or two on each side.

It is a great option for busy families, quick dinners, steak sandwiches, stir-fries and anyone who wants proper beef flavour without spending ages at the hob.

What cut is minute steak?

Minute steak can be cut from a few different beef muscles, including rump, sirloin, flank or other lean frying cuts.

Here at True Bites, we usually cut our minute steaks from the rump. We like the depth of flavour you get from good rump steak, and because the steaks are cut thin, we do not think you need to go for anything more extravagant.

That also helps us keep the price sensible, giving customers a good-value steak that is quick to cook and easy to use.

Why is it called minute steak?

It is called minute steak because it cooks quickly.

A thin minute steak only needs a short time in a hot pan. Depending on thickness and how you like your steak cooked, it can be ready in around 1 minute each side.

The important thing is not to treat it like a thick steak. If you cook minute steak for too long, it can become dry or tough. Hot pan, quick cook, job done.

Is minute steak the same as frying steak?

Minute steak and frying steak are very similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably.

Both usually refer to thin-cut beef steaks that are meant to be cooked quickly in a frying pan. The exact cut can vary depending on the butcher, but the idea is the same: thin beef steak, fast cooking.

If you are buying from a butcher, it is always worth checking what cut the steak has come from. Rump minute steak will eat differently from flank or sirloin, but all should be thin enough to cook quickly.

What is minute steak good for?

Minute steak is a very useful cut to have in the fridge or freezer because it is quick, simple and versatile.

It works well for:

• Steak sandwiches
• Quick steak and chips
• Stir-fries
• Steak wraps
• Minute steak with onions
• Quick steak salads
• Breakfast steak and eggs
• Simple midweek meals

Because it cooks so quickly, minute steak is ideal when you want something more interesting than a plain sandwich or quick tea, but do not want to spend much time cooking.

How to cook minute steak

Minute steak should be cooked quickly in a hot pan.

1. Remove the steak from the packaging and rest at room temperature for around 10 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat dry with kitchen paper.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.
4. Heat a frying pan until very hot.
5. Add the steak to the pan and cook for around 1 minute each side.
6. Cook for slightly less if you prefer it rare, or slightly longer if needed.
7. Rest briefly before serving or slicing.

Because minute steak is thin, it is easy to overcook. Keep it quick and do not keep moving it around the pan.

Can you use minute steak for sandwiches?

Yes, minute steak is excellent for steak sandwiches.

Cook it quickly, rest it briefly, then slice it across the grain if needed. Serve in crusty bread, a roll, ciabatta, baguette or wrap with onions, mustard, horseradish, cheese, salad, mushrooms or your favourite sauce.

If steak sandwiches are your thing, you may also like our guide on how to cook sandwich steak.

Is minute steak tender?

Minute steak can be tender, but it depends on the cut and how you cook it.

Because it is sliced thinly, it is easier to bite through than a thick steak from the same muscle. However, if you overcook it, it can become dry or chewy.

The key is hot and fast cooking. Do not stew it in the pan, and do not cook it for longer than needed.

Minute steak vs normal steak

The main difference between minute steak and a normal steak is thickness and cooking time.

A normal steak, such as sirloin, ribeye, rump or fillet, is usually thicker and cooked more carefully to your preferred level of doneness. Minute steak is thinner and designed for speed.

If you want a proper steak night, choose a thicker steak. If you want a fast beef meal, sandwich or quick pan-fry, minute steak is a great option.

For more general steak advice, read our guide on how to cook steak in a pan.

FAQs

What is minute steak?

Minute steak is a thinly cut piece of beef designed to cook quickly, usually in a frying pan. It is often around 1cm thick or less.

Why is it called minute steak?

It is called minute steak because it cooks very quickly. A thin minute steak can often be cooked in around 1 minute on each side.

What cut of beef is minute steak?

Minute steak can be cut from several beef cuts, including rump, sirloin, flank or other frying steak cuts. At True Bites, we usually cut ours from rump.

How do you cook minute steak?

Cook minute steak quickly in a very hot frying pan for around 1 minute each side, depending on thickness and how you like it cooked.

Is minute steak good for sandwiches?

Yes, minute steak is ideal for steak sandwiches because it cooks quickly and is easy to slice or serve in a roll, baguette or wrap.

Can you slow cook minute steak?

Minute steak is not designed for slow cooking. It is thin and best cooked quickly. For slow cooking, choose cuts like chuck, shin, brisket or short ribs instead.