Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Step into the heart of Southern hospitality with our mouthwatering recipe for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. This beloved Southern classic features tender cube steaks coated in a crispy, golden crust and smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Join us as we dive into the comforting flavors and timeless appeal of this Southern staple.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 tenderized cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons leftover frying oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Dip the floured cube steaks into the egg mixture, ensuring they are coated thoroughly.
5. Return the cube steaks to the flour mixture, coating them for a second time. Press the flour mixture onto the steaks to ensure they are fully coated.
6. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
7. Carefully place the coated cube steaks into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the steaks in batches if necessary.
8. Fry the cube steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Once cooked, remove the cube steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
10. To make the gravy, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the leftover frying oil from the skillet.
11. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown.
12. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
13. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
14. Serve the chicken fried steaks hot, topped with the creamy gravy.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For an extra crispy crust, you can double-dip the cube steaks in the flour and egg mixture before frying.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low carb alternative.
• Use heavy cream or almond milk in place of regular milk for the gravy to reduce the carb content.
• Skip the flour coating and opt for a seasoned almond flour or pork rind crust for the cube steaks.
• Instead of frying, you can bake the cube steaks in the oven until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is cube steak? Cube steak is a cut of beef that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet or running it through a mechanical tenderizer. It is typically taken from the top or bottom round, and it has a distinctive cube-shaped pattern on its surface.
2. Can I use other cuts of meat for chicken fried steak? While cube steak is the traditional choice for chicken fried steak, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin steak. Just be sure to tenderize the meat thoroughly before coating and frying.
3. How do I know when the cube steaks are cooked through? The cube steaks are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. What can I serve with chicken fried steak? Chicken fried steak pairs well with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and coleslaw.

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the epitome of Southern comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With its crispy exterior, tender meat, and creamy gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed for dinner on a cozy night in or served up for a special occasion, chicken fried steak is a timeless classic that never fails to please. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to savor the comforting flavors of the South.