Chicken Fried Steak

Introduction

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern comfort food that combines tender beef with a crispy, golden crust. This classic dish is perfect for those craving a hearty meal with a satisfying crunch. Paired with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans, Chicken Fried Steak is a true American favorite that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

1. Season the steaks: Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow dish, add 2 cups of flour. In another dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
3. Coat the steaks: Dredge each seasoned steak in the flour, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Dip the steak into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then return it to the flour, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat with all steaks.

Step 2: Fry the Steaks

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
2. Fry the steaks: Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Drain the steaks: Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Remove excess oil: Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, keeping the flavorful bits in the pan.
2. Make a roux: Add 1/4 cup of flour to the remaining oil in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until the flour turns golden brown.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Pour the gravy over the chicken fried steak and serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Cube steak: This cut of beef is tenderized mechanically, which makes it perfect for frying. If you can’t find cube steak, you can use round steak and tenderize it yourself.
• Double-dredging: Ensure a crispy coating by dredging the steak in flour, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally back in the flour.
• Keep the oil temperature steady: Maintaining the oil at 350°F ensures the steak fries evenly without absorbing too much oil.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak is a comfort food staple that never disappoints. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with a Southern classic, this recipe delivers on both flavor and texture. With crispy edges and tender meat, topped with rich gravy, Chicken Fried Steak is sure to become a regular feature on your meal rotation. Enjoy this timeless dish that brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen!

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Fried Steak

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Classic Sides: Chicken Fried Steak is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side of buttery biscuits. These sides complement the rich, savory flavors of the steak and gravy, creating a balanced meal.
2. Top with Gravy: For the ultimate Southern experience, generously ladle the homemade gravy over both the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or fresh parsley for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Serve Fresh: Chicken Fried Steak is best served hot and fresh out of the pan for maximum crispiness. Be sure to serve it immediately after making the gravy to enjoy it at its peak.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the chicken fried steak to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, chicken fried steak can be frozen. Place the cooled steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The steaks can be frozen for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating:

• Oven Method: To reheat refrigerated or frozen chicken fried steak, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the steak on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispy coating.
• Skillet Method: Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. This method restores some of the original crispiness.
• Microwave: While the microwave is the quickest option, it can make the coating soggy. If using this method, only heat the steak briefly and expect less crunch.

Gravy Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Gravy can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious Chicken Fried Steak both fresh and as leftovers without compromising on taste or texture!

1. What cut of meat is best for Chicken Fried Steak?

The traditional cut of meat used for Chicken Fried Steak is cube steak, which is tenderized round steak. If you can’t find cube steak, you can use round steak and tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet. The goal is to achieve a tender piece of meat with a soft texture that fries well.

2. Can I bake Chicken Fried Steak instead of frying it?

While frying is the classic method for making Chicken Fried Steak, you can bake it for a healthier version. To bake, place the breaded steaks on a greased baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

3. How can I make the breading stay on the steak?

To prevent the breading from falling off, make sure to pat the steaks dry before dredging them in flour. After coating in the flour and buttermilk mixture, press the breading firmly onto the steak. Let the coated steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying to allow the breading to adhere better.

4. Can I make Chicken Fried Steak gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Chicken Fried Steak by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that works well for breading and frying. Additionally, check that any other ingredients, such as seasonings, are gluten-free.