Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe! This classic Southern dish features tenderized cube steaks coated in a crispy, seasoned breading and smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Whether served as a hearty dinner or a special weekend brunch, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this beloved Southern favorite from scratch!
Ingredients:
For the 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 of the leftover frying oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cube Steaks:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured cube steaks into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Dredge the coated cube steaks in the seasoned flour mixture once again, pressing gently to adhere the breading.
- Fry the Cube Steaks:
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded cube steaks in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Fry the cube steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried cube steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet used for frying the cube steaks, carefully pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the leftover frying oil.
- Sprinkle the flour over the hot oil in the skillet, whisking constantly to combine and form a roux.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Gradually pour the milk into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the fried cube steaks on a serving platter and generously ladle the warm gravy over the top.
- Serve the Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered cornbread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tenderizing the Cube Steaks: If you can’t find pre-tenderized cube steaks at your grocery store, you can tenderize them yourself using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend for the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Baking Option: For a lighter alternative to frying, you can bake the breaded cube steaks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can substitute almond flour or a blend of almond flour and pork rinds for the all-purpose flour in the breading mixture. Additionally, use heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk for the gravy to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use other cuts of meat such as pork chops or chicken breasts instead of cube steaks if desired. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the meat.
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
- What are some suggested side dishes to serve with Southern Chicken Fried Steak?
- Popular side dishes to accompany this dish include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.
In conclusion, our Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful twist on a classic Southern favorite. With tenderized cube steaks coated in a seasoned breading and smothered in rich, creamy gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion celebration, this hearty and satisfying meal is guaranteed to please. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort with every bite of this mouthwatering dish!
