Description

Country Fried Steak, also known as Chicken Fried Steak, is a Southern comfort food classic that's both indulgent and hearty. This dish is known for its crispy, seasoned coating and rich, creamy gravy that brings everything together. Cube steaks, which are tenderized cuts of beef, are coated in seasoned flour and fried to a golden perfection. The gravy, made from the pan drippings, adds a luscious layer of flavor, transforming a simple piece of meat into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether it's served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttery biscuits, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to make your family happy, this is it—just ask my husband, who requests it weekly!

Ingredients

• For the Steak:
• 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 pound each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Gravy:
• 1/4 cup pan drippings (leftover oil from frying)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cube Steaks
Pat cube steaks dry with paper towels. Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk eggs and milk together in another shallow dish.

Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
Coat each steak in the flour mixture, dip in the egg wash, then coat again in the flour mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Cube Steaks
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Gravy
Drain excess oil, leaving about 1/4 cup in the skillet. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour gravy over the fried steaks and serve with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips and Conclusion

Cube Steaks: Make sure to use cube steaks, which are already tenderized cuts of beef. If you don’t have cube steak, you can tenderize round steak yourself by pounding it with a meat mallet.

Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the meat is cooked through; if it’s too cold, the coating will absorb excess oil, becoming soggy instead of crispy. Maintaining a medium heat is key to golden-brown perfection.

Gravy Consistency: If your gravy ends up too thick, simply add a splash more milk and whisk until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a couple more minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens.

Make-Ahead Tip: If you want to save time, you can dredge the cube steaks in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to an hour before frying. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before frying so they cook evenly.

Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can let the dredged cube steaks rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before frying. This helps the flour adhere better and creates a crunchier crust.
There’s a reason why Country Fried Steak with gravy is a Southern staple—it’s simply delicious! The combination of tender cube steaks coated in a crispy, seasoned crust and topped with rich, creamy gravy is truly irresistible. This dish is perfect for family dinners, comfort meals, or anytime you're craving something hearty and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic recipe is guaranteed to be a hit every time!