Description
This recipe delivers a comforting and hearty Crispy Chicken Fried Steak smothered in a rich and creamy Country Gravy. It’s a classic Southern dish, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Steak:
- 1 lb tenderized cube steak (4 steaks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Coating Mix:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt or seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- ½-¼ cup whole milk (optionally include some buttermilk)
- Creamy White Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (alternatively, 2 cups whole milk)
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Thyme to taste
Preparation:
- Step 1: Mix sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Season both sides of the tenderized cube steaks. Set aside.
- Step 2: Blend all-purpose flour and seasoning mix in a large dish. In another dish, combine ½ cup of the seasoned flour with the egg and milk to form a thick batter.
- Step 3: Dip steaks in seasoned flour, coating both sides lightly. Then coat in batter, letting excess drip off. Press back into the seasoned flour for even coating. Repeat for all steaks.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 200°F and place a cooling rack over a baking sheet inside. Heat 1 inch of canola oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry steaks 1-2 at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Keep fried steaks warm in the oven.
- Step 5: Drain oil and clean the skillet, keeping brown bits if desired. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook until golden brown (2-3 minutes). Whisk in chicken broth and milk gradually, cooking until thickened. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme to taste.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish is pure comfort food. The crispy steak and creamy gravy are incredibly satisfying.
- Flavorful Coating: The seasoned flour mixture adds a delicious, savory flavor to the steak.
- Rich and Creamy Gravy: The homemade gravy is the perfect complement to the crispy steak. You can customize the seasoning to your preference.
- Relatively Quick: Chicken Fried Steak is surprisingly quick to make, especially if you are using pre-tenderized cube steaks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that everyone will enjoy, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Biscuits
Tips:
- Use high-quality cube steak to avoid additional tenderizing.
- For a more savory gravy, use chicken broth rather than additional milk.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the steaks. Fry them in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Adjust the seasonings in the gravy to your liking.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. This will ensure a crispy coating.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information: (approximated, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 600-800 per serving (estimated)
- Protein: 40-50g per serving (estimated)
- Sodium: 800-1200mg per serving (estimated)
Conclusion:
This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy recipe is a delightful and comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite. With its crispy texture, savory flavor, and creamy gravy, it’s a true Southern classic. Enjoy!
Q&A
- Q: Can I use a different type of steak?
- A: While cube steak is traditional, you can experiment with other tender cuts like sirloin, but ensure they are properly tenderized.
- Q: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. You may need to add a little milk to thin it out if it becomes too thick.
- Q: What is cube steak?
- A: Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been mechanically tenderized by “cubing” it with a machine. This process breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender.
- Q: Can I bake the chicken fried steak instead of frying it?
- A: While frying is traditional, you can bake it for a slightly healthier option. Coat the steaks as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Note that the texture will be different, and it won’t be as crispy as fried.
- Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, but the texture of the fried steak may change slightly upon thawing. Store the steak and gravy separately for best results.
