Indulge in the crispy, golden-brown delight of Chicken Fried Steak, drenched in creamy peppered gravy—a beloved Southern classic. This dish takes humble cube steak and transforms it into a mouthwatering comfort meal with that signature crunchy coating and rich, velvety gravy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful steak every time.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Crispy, tender steak paired with creamy gravy.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with accessible ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or entertaining.
- Customizable: Adjust spices, gravy, or sides to suit your taste.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Steak:
- 4 (6–8 oz) cube steaks (or round steak, pounded thin)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Gravy:
- 3 tbsp pan drippings (or butter)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
- Place steaks in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize.
2. Prep the Breading
- In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Place remaining ½ cup flour in a second bowl.
- Beat eggs in a third bowl.
3. Bread the Steak
- Remove steaks from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in plain flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned flour. Press gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Steak
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350–375°F / 175–190°C).
- Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Gravy
- Pour off all but 3 tbsp of oil in the skillet.
- Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and garlic powder.
- Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
- Plate steaks and generously pour gravy over the top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete Southern-style meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
- Tenderize Properly: Use a meat mallet to ensure evenly cooked, juicy steaks.
- Keep Coating Crisp: Ensure flour and egg coating are cold before frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry steaks in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Gravy Adjustments: Add more milk for thinner gravy or simmer longer for thicker.
FAQs
1. Can I use round steak instead of cube steak?
Yes, but pound it thin with a meat mallet for tenderness.
2. Can this recipe be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for breading and gravy.
3. Can I prepare the steaks ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate and bread the steaks in advance but fry them just before serving to keep them crispy.
4. How do I prevent greasy steak?
Drain fried steaks on a wire rack and avoid crowding the pan to maintain proper oil temperature.
5. Can I make dairy-free gravy?
Yes. Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use oil instead of butter for drippings.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with rich, peppered gravy. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a memorable, soul-satisfying meal your family will rave about.
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