The minute steak is a thin cut of red meat that can be prepared in a very short period of time. Often, minute steak is composed of thin slices of round steak or sirloin, although just about any boneless beef can be used to create minute steak. Because minute steaks can be prepared so quickly, they have become a staple in many homes where the time to prepare a home cooked meal is limited.

Part of the preparation process for minute steak involves thoroughly scoring or pounding the surface of the meat. The process of using a kitchen mallet to pound the meat will result in a texture that is tender and can easily be cut with a fork. Scoring and pounding also will help the juices contained in the meat to release more easily during the cooking time, which will result in the minute steak remaining relatively moist and supple when it arrives at the dinner table.

Generally, minute steak is pan fried. After pounding the steak and infusing it with salt and pepper, the minute steak is placed in a pre-heated frying pan and allowed to sear for a moment or two. The minute steak is then turned, allowing the opposite side to sear as well. Some people prefer to add a dash of soy sauce at this stage, enhancing the flavor of the steak.

This simple pounded beef is named for the fact that it only takes a moment or two to prepare the meat, making minute steak an ideal choice for meals when there is not a lot of time to prepare. Most supermarkets offer minute steak in packages of two or more pieces that can easily be frozen and thawed for use. Because of the thin texture of minute steak, it is possible to thaw frozen steaks quickly using a microwave oven. An additional benefit is that minute steak tends to be an inexpensive cut of meat, making it an ideal source of protein for just about every food budget.