Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern comfort food that combines tender cube steaks with a crispy, golden coating, topped with creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for hearty meals and family gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Follow this recipe to create your own version of the Best Chicken Fried Steak that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 (1/2 pound) beef cube steaks
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco™)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable shortening for frying
For the Gravy:
- 4 cups milk
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Steak:
- Tenderize and Season:
- Use a meat tenderizer to pound each cube steak to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, egg, and minced garlic.
- Dredge and Coat:
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge again in the flour mixture. Press lightly to adhere the coating.
- Fry the Steaks:
- Heat vegetable shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F (165°C). Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Gravy:
- Prepare the Roux:
- In the same skillet, pour off all but 1/4 cup of the drippings. Whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried steaks hot, topped with the creamy gravy.
Cooking Notes
- Cube Steak Preparation: Tenderizing the cube steaks ensures they cook evenly and tenderize further during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to achieve a crispy exterior without burning the coating.
- Gravy Consistency: Adjust the amount of flour and milk to achieve the desired thickness of the gravy.
Variations
Spicy Kick
Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the breading mixture for a spicier version of Chicken Fried Steak.
Oven-Baked Option
For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Keto Version
Ingredients for Keto Version
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for the breading.
- Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk, and omit the hot pepper sauce or use a sugar-free alternative.
- Fry in avocado oil or another keto-friendly oil.
Low Carb Version
Ingredients for Low Carb Version
- Use almond flour or coconut flour for the breading mixture.
- Replace buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- Serve with a low-carb gravy made with xanthan gum or a small amount of arrowroot powder for thickening.
The Best Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that brings together crispy, tender steak with creamy gravy for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, this recipe offers a delicious taste of traditional Southern cooking. Experiment with variations to suit your preferences, and savor the homemade goodness of Chicken Fried Steak with creamy gravy.
Indulge in the crispy coating, tender meat, and rich gravy that make Chicken Fried Steak a timeless favorite. Bring a taste of the South to your table and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish. Bon appétit!
