The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak: Crispy, Juicy, and Smothered in Gravy
Growing up in the heart of Texas, chicken fried steak was more than just a meal; it was a family tradition. Every Sunday, my grandmother would whip up this comforting dish, filling the house with the aroma of sizzling meat and rich gravy. It was a time for laughter, stories, and a reminder of the love that binds us together. This recipe is my homage to those cherished moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
What Makes It Special
This chicken fried steak recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Perfectly Crispy Coating: The secret lies in the double-dipping technique that ensures a crunchy exterior.
- Juicy Tender Meat: Using a good cut of beef and tenderizing it properly makes all the difference.
- Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The homemade gravy is the crowning glory, adding depth and comfort to every bite.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
Let’s Get Cooking
-
Begin by tenderizing the cube steaks with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, place the flour.
-
Dip each steak into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour for a double coating.
-
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the steaks.
-
Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
-
For the gravy, melt butter in the same skillet, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
-
Serve the crispy chicken fried steak smothered in gravy. Enjoy!
My Pro Tips
-
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
-
Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after frying to maintain their juiciness.
What to Serve With It
- Mashed potatoes
- Collard greens
- Buttered corn
- Homemade biscuits
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Chicken fried chicken is a delicious alternative.
The Heart of the Dish
This chicken fried steak recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and comfort. Each bite takes me back to those Sunday gatherings, reminding me of the love that fills our kitchen. I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to tweak the ingredients or share your own stories. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
The Best Chicken Fried Steak – Crispy, Juicy, and Smothered in Gravy
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each cube steak into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the steaks to the skillet.
- Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk to create a roux.
- Slowly add the beef broth and milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the fried steak smothered in gravy alongside mashed potatoes, collard greens, and buttered corn.
Leave a Reply