Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Pork Sausage Gravy is a Southern classic that has warmed the hearts and stomachs of many for generations. Despite its name, this dish contains no chicken; the term “chicken fried” refers to the cooking method used, where a breaded cutlet, typically beef, is fried in the same manner as fried chicken. The dish is beloved for its crispy, flavorful coating and the rich, creamy gravy that smothers the steak. Whether you’re a Southern cuisine aficionado or a newcomer, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cream Pork Sausage Gravy:
- ½ pound pork sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Fried Steak
- Tenderize the Steaks:
- Start by pounding the beef cube steaks gently to ensure they are evenly tenderized. This step helps in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Set Up Your Breading Station:
- In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Coat the Steaks:
- Dip each steak into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the steak back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Fry the Steaks:
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), add the steaks, cooking them in batches if necessary.
- Fry each steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Making the Cream Pork Sausage Gravy
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked sausage, stirring constantly until the flour is fully absorbed and slightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the gravy, stirring often, until it thickens to your desired consistency, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the Dish:
- Pour the creamy pork sausage gravy generously over the chicken fried steaks. Serve immediately with a side of mashed potatoes or biscuits to soak up all that delicious gravy.
Tips and Variations
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
- Keep the oil at a steady temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the steak is cooked through. Too cool, and the steak will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
- Double-dip for extra crunch: For an even crispier coating, double dip the steaks in the flour and egg mixtures before frying.
- Rest the steaks after frying: Allow the fried steaks to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to help retain their crispiness.
Variations
- Different Cuts of Meat: While cube steak is traditional, you can also use other tender cuts like sirloin or round steak. Just be sure to tenderize them well.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approx. 1 steak with gravy):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
This dish is hearty and indulgent, perfect for an occasional treat!
Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Pork Sausage Gravy is a dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen. It’s crispy, comforting, and rich with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special weekend breakfast or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.