Description
Southern comfort classic chicken fried steak delivers hearty flavors with crispy breaded beef smothered in creamy white gravy. Home cooks will savor this rustic Texas-inspired dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cube steaks (170 g / 6 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Seasoning Blend: Combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish, creating a potent flavor base.
- Wet Mixture Preparation: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together, forming a zesty binding liquid for coating.
- Coating Process: Thoroughly dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg mixture, then return to the flour, pressing firmly to create a crisp, multi-layered exterior.
- Oil Heating and Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet until sizzling, then carefully lower breaded steaks, cooking 3-4 minutes per side to achieve a golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Initial Resting: Transfer fried steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while maintaining the coating’s crispness.
- Gravy Creation: Reduce skillet oil, add flour to create a roux, stirring until golden. Gradually whisk in milk, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, simmering until the gravy reaches a thick, velvety consistency.
- Plating and Serving: Arrange chicken fried steak on plates, generously pour gravy over the top, and optionally sprinkle additional black pepper. Serve alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered corn for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Season Strategically: Mix spices thoroughly into flour to ensure every bite of the steak carries maximum flavor complexity.
- Double-Coat for Crunch: Press flour firmly during second coating to create an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
- Temperature Control: Maintain oil around 350°F for perfect frying, preventing soggy or burnt coating while ensuring even cooking.
- Gravy Consistency Matters: Whisk milk slowly into roux and stir constantly to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth gravy that complements the crispy steak.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg