Mock Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious and budget-friendly twist on the traditional chicken fried steak. While classic chicken fried steak is typically made with tenderized beef steak, this mock version uses ground beef as the main ingredient, making it more accessible without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors. This dish has its roots in Southern cuisine, where hearty meals are a staple, and it’s often served with rich, creamy gravy.
Although it’s called “chicken fried steak,” there’s no chicken involved! The name refers to the method of cooking—the steak is breaded and fried in a similar way to fried chicken. The “mock” version is a playful spin on the classic, perfect for those who are looking to try something new or save money on pricier cuts of meat.
This recipe offers a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or whenever you’re craving a taste of home-style cooking. Whether you bake it in the oven or fry it on the stovetop, Mock Chicken Fried Steak is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or traditional)
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
- Season the Ground Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Patties: Form the seasoned ground beef into four even patties, about ½ inch thick. Press them firmly to hold their shape during frying.
Step 2: Bread the Patties
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beat the eggs with milk in the second, and fill the third with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Patties: First, dredge each patty in flour, making sure to cover both sides evenly. Then, dip the floured patty into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all patties are fully breaded.
Step 3: Cook the Mock Chicken Fried Steak
- Fry the Patties: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Drain the Patties: Once fried, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Melt the Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Gravy: Add salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, whisk in the garlic powder and onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Mock Chicken Fried Steak hot with a generous drizzle of creamy gravy on top. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Tips and Variations
Baking Option
If you prefer a lighter version, try baking the mock chicken fried steak in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded patties on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a crispy, flavorful steak without the added oil from frying.
Gluten-Free Option
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Many stores now offer gluten-free breadcrumbs that work just as well in this recipe.
Spicy Twist
For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture. You can also serve the steak with spicy gravy by adding a dash of hot sauce to the gravy recipe.
Gravy Variations
While the traditional gravy is a creamy white sauce, you can experiment with different flavors. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a more savory gravy, or even mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy gravy.
Ground Beef Alternatives
If you want to experiment further, you can try this recipe with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
Mock Chicken Fried Steak is the perfect comfort food that brings the flavors of traditional chicken fried steak to your table without the need for expensive cuts of meat. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, whether you prefer it fried or baked, spicy or mild. Serve it with creamy country gravy and your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your Mock Chicken Fried Steak creations on social media and tag us using #EasyCrispyRecipes. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox.