Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy is a beloved classic in Southern cuisine, renowned for its crispy coating and rich, flavorful gravy. Despite its name, this dish is made with beef, not chicken, and is a comfort food staple in many American homes. Originating in the Southern United States, Chicken Fried Steak has an interesting history that combines influences from German and Austrian immigrants who settled in Texas. They brought with them the tradition of wiener schnitzel, which eventually evolved into what we now know as Chicken Fried Steak. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings and is sure to please anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

1. Tenderize the Meat: Start by tenderizing the beef cube steaks. If they are not already tenderized, use a meat mallet to pound them to about 1/4 inch thick. This helps ensure the steaks cook evenly and remain tender.
2. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Beat the Eggs: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined. This mixture will help the flour adhere to the steaks.

Step 2: Coat the Steaks

1. Dredge in Flour: Dip each steak into the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Final Flour Coating: Return the steak to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. This double-dipping process helps create a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Fry the Steaks: Carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. Remove Excess Oil: Carefully pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons and any crispy bits in the pan.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the reserved oil and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Continue to cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips and Variations

• Preventing Steaks from Falling Apart: To keep your Chicken Fried Steak from falling apart during cooking, ensure the steaks are well-tenderized and the flour coating is applied evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking.
• Gravy Variations: For a richer gravy, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to the roux. You can also experiment with flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the coated steaks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy is a quintessential comfort food that brings together the best of Southern cooking. Its crispy coating and savory gravy make it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can easily master this dish and impress your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tasty updates.