Description
Southern comfort classic Chicken Fried Steak delivers crispy, golden perfection with a rich, creamy gravy that beckons hungry hearts. Tender beef cutlets breaded and fried to golden brown promise a hearty meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 (170 g / 6 oz) cube steaks
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Craft the flavor foundation by mixing flour with an aromatic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish, creating a robust seasoning mix.
- Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a separate bowl, forming a tangy binding liquid for the coating process.
- Transform each steak by thoroughly dredging in the seasoned flour, then immersing in the egg mixture, and returning to the flour for a double-layer coating, pressing firmly to ensure a crisp, textured exterior.
- Heat oil in a large skillet until it reaches a sizzling temperature, preparing for a perfect golden fry.
- Carefully lower the breaded steaks into the hot oil, allowing each side to develop a rich, amber-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, letting excess oil drain and maintaining the crispness of the coating.
- Reduce the skillet’s oil to a minimal amount, then introduce flour to create a roux, stirring until it achieves a golden, nutty appearance.
- Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base for the gravy.
- Enhance the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, simmering and stirring until it reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
- Plate the chicken fried steak, lavishly draping it with the velvety gravy, and optionally sprinkle additional black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
- Complement the dish with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans, or buttered corn to complete the meal.
Notes
- Swap cube steak with tenderized beef round or sirloin for a more budget-friendly option without compromising texture.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make this dish celiac-friendly while maintaining the crispy exterior.
- Double-dredging technique ensures an extra crunchy coating that locks in moisture and creates a delectable golden-brown crust.
- Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning; use a thermometer for consistent, perfect frying results every time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg