Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. This Southern classic features tenderized beef, breaded and fried to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy. It's a dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, delivering hearty flavors that are sure to satisfy.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4 servings
- Serving size: 1 steak with gravy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 500g / 1 lb total)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g / 4.25 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (5g)
- 1 tsp onion powder (5g)
- 1 tsp paprika (5g)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (120 ml)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g / 4.25 oz)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml), for frying
For the Country Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter (30g / 1 oz)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (30g / 1 oz)
- 1½ cups whole milk (360 ml)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the Cube Steaks: Season the cube steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the breading station.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow dish, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly covered. Repeat with all steaks.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Country Gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the gravy for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried steaks and generously spoon the country gravy over the top. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Tenderize the Steak: Cube steak is already tenderized, but for extra tenderness, you can pound the steaks slightly with a meat mallet before breading.
- Double Dredging: For an extra crispy coating, double dredge the steaks by repeating the flour and egg dip process before frying.
- Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 180°C / 350°F) to achieve a crispy crust without soaking up too much oil.
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Gravy Add-ins: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor in the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat? While cube steak is traditional, you can substitute it with sirloin steak, pork chops, or even chicken breasts for a twist.
- How do I prevent the breading from falling off? Make sure to press the breading into the steak well and let it rest for a few minutes before frying to help it adhere better.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the breaded steaks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Fry them fresh before serving for the best texture.
- How do I reheat leftovers? To retain the crispy texture, reheat leftover chicken fried steaks in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the breading, and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is the epitome of Southern comfort food. The crispy, golden crust paired with the creamy, peppery gravy creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for a meal that’s as hearty as it is satisfying, perfect for family dinners or weekend indulgence.