Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak delights with Southern comfort classic perfected through generations of home cooking. Crispy golden breading and creamy pepper gravy promise a satisfying meal that connects family and tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef steaks)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 cups whole milk
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust dry coating by blending flour with an intricate mix of spices, creating a complex foundation for the dish’s flavor profile.
- Liquid Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs and buttermilk together, incorporating hot sauce to introduce a vibrant heat dimension that will elevate the overall taste experience.
- Coating Process: Systematically dress each cube steak by first enrobing it in the seasoned flour, then dipping into the liquid mixture, and finally returning to the flour coating. Press firmly to develop a substantial, textured crust that promises maximum crispiness.
- Resting Stage: Allow the breaded steaks to rest briefly, enabling the coating to set and minimizing the risk of separation during cooking.
- Cooking Technique: Heat oil with a touch of butter in a heavy skillet, creating an ideal environment for achieving a golden-brown exterior. Carefully lower the steaks and fry until each side develops a rich, amber crust and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Draining and Resting: Transfer the steaks to absorbent paper to remove excess oil while preserving their crisp texture.
- Gravy Preparation: Transform the pan’s remnant drippings into a luxurious sauce by whisking flour to create a roux, then gradually introducing milk. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency and intensify the flavor with additional seasonings.
- Serving: Generously ladle the warm, rich gravy over the crispy steaks, presenting a classic Southern-inspired dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.
Notes
- Manage Seasoning Intensity: Adjust spice blend according to personal heat tolerance, adding more black pepper or cayenne for extra kick or reducing for milder palates.
- Prevent Soggy Coating: Let coated steaks rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior, reducing chances of falling off during cooking.
- Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil temperature to ensure even cooking, golden-brown crust, and prevent greasy absorption; use a deep-fry thermometer for precision.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, adding xanthan gum for improved texture and binding in the breading process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg