how to make chicken fried steak recipe

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that combines tenderized steak with a crispy breading, typically served with a creamy gravy. Here is a detailed guide, synthesizing methods and tips from various sources on how to make Chicken Fried Steak.

Ingredients

For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (or tenderized round steak)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons leftover frying grease
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks:
- Pound the cube steaks to about ½ inch thick for even tenderness. This can be done using a meat mallet1 or rolling pin.
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper, allowing them to rest for about 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Set Up the Dredging Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with remaining spices (salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder) for the coating.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth.
Dredge the Steak:
- Dredge each steak first in the flour mixture, coating well, followed by dipping it into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and then back into the flour. Make sure the coating is thick and even, pressing the flour onto the steak2.
Fry the Steaks:
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the steaks in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Avoid crowding the pan as it may cause steaming and prevent crispiness3.
Make the Gravy:
- After frying, remove the steaks and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, retain about 4 tablespoons of grease. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and season with salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes4.
Serve:
- Serve the fried steaks hot, generously topped with the creamy gravy. Accompanying sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread are traditional options5.

Additional Tips

Let the breaded steaks rest for a few minutes on a rack before frying to help the coating adhere better and prevent it from falling off6.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the coating may become soggy.
Do not scrape the skillet too clean before making the gravy; the leftover bits enhance the flavor of the gravy7.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful dish that exemplifies comfort food, perfect for either breakfast or dinner. Its crispy coating combined with rich gravy makes it a family favorite. With patience and attention to detail in preparation, you can achieve delicious results. For variations, consider adding a hint of cayenne pepper for spice or exploring different cuts of steak for diverse flavors.

For further exploration, refer to the following sources for more insights and variations: