Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a quintessential Southern dish that combines crispy, tender steak with a rich, creamy gravy. The juicy cube steaks are perfectly battered and fried, and the homemade gravy adds a luscious finishing touch. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Country Gravy:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture and coat it once again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Gravy: For the country gravy, add the pan drippings to the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the fat and form a roux.
- Finish the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the country gravy over the fried steaks and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy for an extra kick.
- Use Different Meat: While cube steak is traditional, you can use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin, for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Gravy with Sausage: Add cooked breakfast sausage to the gravy for a hearty twist on the classic country gravy.
- Buttermilk Batter: For an extra crispy and tangy batter, substitute buttermilk for the regular milk in the egg wash.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried steak can be kept for up to 3 days, while the gravy will last for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken fried steak in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through. The gravy can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
10 FAQs
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, the gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently when ready to serve. - What is cube steak?
Cube steak is a tenderized cut of beef, usually round steak or sirloin, that has been mechanically tenderized to make it more tender and easier to fry. - Can I use non-dairy milk for the gravy?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the gravy, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. - Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer for cooking the chicken fried steak. Just ensure the oil temperature is around 350°F to ensure even cooking. - What sides go well with chicken fried steak?
Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple salad. - Can I freeze the fried steaks?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken fried steaks. To reheat, bake them in the oven to preserve their crispiness. - How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For an extra crispy coating, double dredge the steaks or use panko breadcrumbs in addition to the flour. - What can I use instead of vegetable oil for frying?
You can use other oils such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil for frying. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free. - How do I know when the steak is cooked through?
The steak should be golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your table. With its crispy, flavorful steaks and creamy, savory gravy, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting dinner. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy this classic dish for a satisfying, soul-warming meal.