Chicken Fried Steak, a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, brings the comfort of home-cooked meals to the forefront with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. This dish features a breaded and fried steak, typically smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Originating as a way to transform tough cuts of meat into delectable fare, Chicken Fried Steak has evolved into a sought-after comfort food, celebrated in diners and kitchens across the South and beyond. Dive into this classic recipe to experience the warmth and satisfaction that only true Southern cooking can provide.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Steak:
- Hearty and Satisfying: Fills you up with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
- Perfectly Crispy: A golden, crunchy coating encases the tender steak, creating an irresistible contrast.
- Creamy Gravy: The creamy, savory gravy is the perfect complement to the crispy steak.
- Versatile: Ideal for a filling breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Fried Steak:
- Steak: Cube steak is commonly used for its tenderness and quick cooking time.
- Breading: A combination of flour, eggs, and seasonings ensures a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper add depth to the breading.
- Milk: Used in both the egg wash and the gravy for its richness and creaminess.
- Oil for Frying: A high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil is best for frying.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Steak: Tenderize the cube steak with a meat mallet, then season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge: Set up a breading station with separate dishes for the flour mixture, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and seasoned flour. Dredge each steak in flour, dip in the egg wash, then coat in the seasoned flour.
- Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy: Discard excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Place the fried steaks on plates and generously spoon the gravy over each. Serve immediately.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat the steak in the oven to maintain crispiness and warm the gravy on the stove.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons pan drippings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
- Tenderize the Steaks: If the cube steaks aren’t already tenderized, use a meat mallet to pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures even cooking.
- Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the Steaks: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and 1/4 cup milk. Dip each steak first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and back in the flour mixture again, making sure each steak is well-coated.
Cook the Steak:
- Fry the Steaks: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks in batches, if necessary, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make the Gravy:
- Prepare the Roux: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the pan drippings. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is golden brown.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Plate the Chicken Fried Steaks: Serve the steaks immediately, topped with the gravy. Mashed potatoes and green beans make traditional and tasty sides.
