How to Cook Schneider’s Beef Steakettes Perfectly Every Time

Schneider’s beef steakettes are a beloved Canadian frozen food staple. These thin, breaded frozen beef patties are quick and easy to cook. But to make them juicy and flavorful instead of dry and bland, you need to know the tricks!

In this article, I’ll explain step-by-step how to cook Schneider’s beef steakettes so they turn out tender and delicious.

Intro to Schneider’s Beef Steakettes

First, let’s cover the basics. Schneider’s steakettes are precooked, frozen breaded beef patties made by Maple Leaf Foods. They are conveniently portioned and ready to heat and eat.

Each steakette patty is:

• About 1/4 inch thick and 3-4 inches wide

• Made from a blend of beef and wheat fillers to bind

• Lightly breaded with a crispy panko-style coating

• Fully cooked then flash frozen to seal in flavor

• Packaged frozen in boxes of various quantities

This prep work is done for you so steakettes are speedy to finish cooking at home. But proper heating is vital!

Common Cooking Mistakes

It’s easy to over or undercook steakettes, resulting in a low-quality meal. Some typical errors include:

• Overcrowding the pan – Too many patties lowers the pan temperature and steams instead of sears.

• Cooking at the wrong temperature – Too high and the breading burns before the inside cooks. Too low doesn’t crisp the coating.

• Incorrect cook time – Too little time leaves raw centers. Too long dries out the beef.

• Skipping the defrost – Trying to cook them frozen makes the coating fall off.

• Pressing down while cooking – Flattens out the juicy texture.

With the right technique, you can avoid these pitfalls! Now let’s get into how to cook Schneider’s steakettes perfectly.

How to Cook Schneider’s Beef Steakettes

Follow these simple steps for tender, juicy steakettes with a crispy breaded crust every time:

1. Defrost and Pat Dry

• Defrost steakettes overnight in the fridge or for a few minutes in the microwave. Cooking from frozen damages the breading.

• Once thawed, pat the steakettes dry with paper towels. This helps the coating crisp up nicely.

2. Preheat and Grease the Pan

• Use a large skillet or frying pan and preheat to medium heat.

• Add a drizzle of oil or dollop of butter to lightly grease the pan surface.

3. Brown the Steakette Patties

• Add just enough patties to fit in a single layer without crowding. Work in batches to avoid steaming.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. Press down very gently to ensure even contact with the pan.

• The coating should turn crispy and browned while the inside heats through.

4. Check Internal Temperature

• Verify the center reached 165°F for food safety using a meat thermometer.

• If needed, lower heat slightly and cook a minute or two longer.

5. Drain on Paper Towels

• Drain steakettes briefly on a paper towel lined plate to soak up any excess grease.

And that’s it! Repeat with additional batches until all steakettes are hot and crispy. Now onto the fun ways to serve them…

Serving Suggestions

Schneider’s steakettes go great with all kinds of sauces, toppings, and sides:

• Steak sauce, ketchup, or gravy for dipping

• Melted cheese slices for cheesy steakette sandwiches

• Lettuce, tomato, onion for quick lunch plates

• French fries, tater tots, or potato wedges

• Sauteed mushrooms, peppers, or onions as toppings

Get creative with your own favorite flavors too! Just remember to start by perfectly cooking those steakettes.

Freezing Leftovers

Schneider’s steakettes freeze exceptionally well for easy reheating later:

• Let fully cool before freezing to maximize storage time.

• Place cooled leftovers in a single layer in a freezer bag or sealed container.

• Remove as many air pockets as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Reheat straight from frozen using the same stovetop method.

With the proper technique, you can enjoy steakettes any night of the week. Now that you know how to avoid under or overcooking, try Schneider’s quality beef patties and serve them up just how your family likes them. Enjoy!