Description
Hearty Southern comfort shines through this classic chicken fried steak, delivering crispy golden perfection with rich country gravy. Crisp breading and tender beef promise a satisfying meal that connects you directly to traditional home-style cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4 ounces/113 grams each)
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 cups beef broth
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare cube steaks by generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
- Create a seasoned flour mixture in a shallow dish, combining flour, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper for a robust coating.
- Whisk eggs and milk (or buttermilk) in a separate shallow dish to create a smooth binding liquid for the breading process.
- Thoroughly coat each cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip the floured meat into the egg mixture, allowing drips to fall, then re-dredge in flour for an extra crispy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F, creating the perfect frying environment.
- Carefully place breaded steaks into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Remove fried steaks and drain on paper towel-lined plate to eliminate excess oil, keeping them warm during gravy preparation.
- Retain approximately 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet, discarding the remainder. Melt butter over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the gravy.
- Sprinkle flour over melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and releases a nutty aroma.
- Gradually pour beef broth into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth gravy consistency.
- Simmer the gravy, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Plate the chicken fried steak and generously ladle the hot, freshly prepared gravy over the top, serving immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cube steaks to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven browning.
- Double-coat the steaks in flour and egg mixture for an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that stays crunchy longer.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain the signature crispy texture.
- Control oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy meat and achieve perfectly crisp breading without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg