Description

Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that brings together the comfort of a crispy, fried exterior with the tender, juicy interior of a well-prepared steak. Despite its name, chicken fried steak is made from beef, typically cube steak, that is breaded and fried much like fried chicken. The dish is traditionally served with a creamy, flavorful gravy that perfectly complements the savory steak. It's a hearty meal that's perfect for family dinners or when you need a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for gravy)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups whole milk (for gravy)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)

Preparation Method

1. Tenderize round steaks to 1/4 inch thickness or use cube steak without tenderizing.
2. Combine 2 cups flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish.
3. Whisk buttermilk and eggs together in another shallow dish.
4. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip in buttermilk mixture, then dredge again in flour.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Fry the breaded steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
7. In the same skillet, leave 2-3 tablespoons of oil, add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt.
8. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook until golden brown.
9. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and cook until gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season to taste.
10. Serve the chicken fried steak hot with gravy and classic sides.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a slight kick, or incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for a more aromatic dish. You can also add a little Parmesan cheese to the breading mix for a richer taste.

Conclusion:

This chicken fried steak with gravy is the epitome of comfort food. The crispy, flavorful crust combined with the tender steak inside and the rich, creamy gravy makes for an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of textures and flavors that make this Southern classic a timeless treat.