Recipes, Seafood

Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/3 pound each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup milk.
  2. Coat the Steaks: Dip each steak first in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep them warm.
  4. Make the Gravy: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the reserved frying oil and flour to the skillet. Whisk until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook and stir continuously until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Place the fried steaks on plates and pour the warm gravy over the top. Serve immediately, accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your delicious Southern-style chicken fried steak with creamy country gravy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Servings: 4 servings

Here are some helpful tips to make your Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy even more delightful:

  1. Choose Quality Meat: Start with good-quality beef cube steaks. Look for well-marbled steaks that are tender and flavorful.
  2. Tenderize the Meat: Before coating the steaks, use a meat mallet to tenderize them. This helps break down the muscle fibers and ensures a tender result.
  3. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Make sure to season both the flour mixture and the steak itself with plenty of salt, pepper, and other seasonings for maximum flavor.
  4. Let the Coated Steaks Rest: After coating the steaks in the flour and egg mixture, let them rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the steak and results in a crispier crust.
  5. Use the Right Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. If the oil is too cool, the steaks will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they may burn on the outside before cooking through. Aim for a temperature of around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  6. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the steaks in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
  7. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked steaks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy.
  8. Make Extra Gravy: The creamy country gravy is a key component of this dish, so don’t be shy about making extra. It’s perfect for smothering the steaks and accompanying side dishes like mashed potatoes or biscuits.
  9. Serve Hot: Chicken fried steak is best served hot and fresh out of the skillet. Serve immediately with warm gravy for the most delightful experience.
  10. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top of the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a nice finishing touch to the presentation.

With these tips, you’ll be sure to create a Southern-style chicken fried steak with country gravy that’s truly delightful!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve the perfect Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy:

  1. Properly Tenderized Meat: Tenderizing the meat before coating and frying is crucial for a tender result. Use a meat mallet to pound the cube steaks until they are about 1/4-inch thick. This not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures even cooking.
  2. Double Coating for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, dip the tenderized steaks in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture. This double coating creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
  3. Chill the Coated Steaks: After coating the steaks, place them in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before frying. Chilling helps the coating adhere better to the meat and prevents it from falling off during frying.
  4. Use Buttermilk for Tenderization: Instead of milk, try using buttermilk in the egg mixture for added tenderness and flavor. The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tanginess to the flavor profile.
  5. Seasoning the Flour Mixture: Don’t be shy with the seasoning in the flour mixture. Make sure to season it generously with salt, pepper, and other spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for maximum flavor.
  6. Fry in the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or peanut oil for frying. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) before adding the steaks to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  7. Maintain Oil Temperature: Monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. Fluctuating oil temperature can result in unevenly cooked steaks.
  8. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked steaks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.
  9. Make Flavorful Gravy: Use the drippings and bits from frying the steaks to make the gravy for extra flavor. Be sure to cook the flour in the reserved oil until it’s golden brown to develop a rich, nutty flavor in the gravy.
  10. Season Gravy to Taste: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving. A well-seasoned gravy is the perfect accompaniment to the crispy chicken fried steaks.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Southern-style chicken fried steak with country gravy every time!

Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy:

  1. What cut of meat is used for chicken fried steak? Chicken fried steak is typically made using cube steak, which is a tenderized cut of beef, usually from the top round or top sirloin.
  2. Can I use a different type of steak for chicken fried steak? While cube steak is traditionally used for chicken fried steak, you can use other cuts of beef such as round steak or sirloin steak. Just be sure to tenderize the meat properly before coating and frying.
  3. How do I tenderize cube steak? Cube steak is already tenderized, but you can further tenderize it by pounding it with a meat mallet to break down the muscle fibers and ensure a tender result.
  4. What is the difference between country fried steak and chicken fried steak? Country fried steak and chicken fried steak are often used interchangeably, but technically, chicken fried steak is made with beef, while country fried steak can be made with beef, pork, or chicken.
  5. Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time? While chicken fried steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the coated steaks ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.
  6. How do I store leftovers? If you have leftover chicken fried steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
  7. What can I serve with chicken fried steak? Chicken fried steak is often served with mashed potatoes and gravy, but it also pairs well with other classic Southern sides such as green beans, cornbread, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese.
  8. Can I freeze chicken fried steak? Yes, you can freeze chicken fried steak for longer storage. Allow the cooked steaks to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through before serving.
  9. How do I make the gravy for chicken fried steak? To make the country gravy for chicken fried steak, use the drippings and bits from frying the steaks to make a roux with flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Can I make chicken fried steak without frying? While traditional chicken fried steak is fried, you can try baking or air frying for a lighter option. However, frying typically yields the best results in terms of texture and flavor.

These are some common questions and answers that can help you navigate the world of Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy!