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CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

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Classic Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Pan Cream Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern classic that brings comfort to the table with its crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior. This dish is often accompanied by a rich, creamy gravy made from the pan drippings, enhancing its flavor and making it an irresistible meal. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a hearty dinner or seeking comfort food that reminds you of home, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Chicken Fried Steak

  • 4 cube steaks
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 dash hot sauce
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Gravy

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Steaks

  1. Seasoning the Steaks: Start by salting and peppering the cube steaks on both sides.
  2. Preparing the Flour Mixture: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.
  3. Preparing the Egg Mixture: In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce.
  4. Dredging the Steaks: Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then dip the steaks into the egg mixture and back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
  5. Chilling the Steaks: Refrigerate the breaded steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet for 20 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better during frying.

Frying the Steaks

  1. Heating the Oil: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Frying the Steaks: Fry the cube steaks until golden brown, turning once to brown the other side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  3. Draining the Steaks: Move the fried cube steaks to paper towels to drain for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a clean baking sheet and place in the oven at 225°F to keep warm.

Making the Gravy

  1. Preparing the Pan: Drain all but 4 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, leaving the browned bits.
  2. Cooking the Roux: Over medium-low heat, sprinkle the flour over the oil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
  3. Adding the Milk: Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Simmering the Gravy: Simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serving: Serve the warm gravy over the crispy fried steaks.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

  1. Choose the Right Cut: Cube steak, also known as round steak, is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and texture.
  2. Homemade Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
  3. Proper Seasoning: Salt and pepper the cube steaks well before breading to ensure each bite is flavorful.
  4. Frying Technique: There is no need to deep fry. Fry the steaks in about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for the best results.
  5. Keeping Steaks Crispy: Keep the fried steaks uncovered in the oven on warm while you finish frying and making the gravy. This helps them stay crispy.
  6. Resting Time: Let the steaks sit after breading for about 20 minutes to ensure the breading adheres well.
  7. Adjusting Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, add milk 1/4 cup at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern dish made from cube steak that is breaded and fried similar to fried chicken. It is typically served with a creamy gravy made from the pan drippings.

How Do You Make Chicken Fried Steak?

To make Chicken Fried Steak, cube steaks are seasoned, dredged in a flour mixture, dipped in an egg mixture, and then re-dredged in the flour mixture before being fried until golden brown.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?

While cube steak is traditional, you can use other tenderized cuts of beef, such as top round or sirloin, but ensure they are pounded thin to achieve a similar texture.

How Do I Prevent the Breading from Falling Off?

Chilling the breaded steaks in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before frying helps the breading adhere better and stay intact during frying.

Can I Make the Gravy Ahead of Time?

The gravy is best made fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little milk to reach the desired consistency if it thickens too much.

What Should I Serve with Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits. The creamy gravy also complements these sides perfectly.

Is Chicken Fried Steak the Same as Country Fried Steak?

While both dishes are similar, Chicken Fried Steak typically has a thicker, crispier breading and is served with a creamy gravy. Country Fried Steak usually has a lighter breading and is often served with a brown gravy.

Enjoy this classic Southern comfort food and the delightful creamy gravy that makes it truly finger-licking good!

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