Country Fried Steaks with Sweet Onion Gravy is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the savory flavors of tenderized beef steak and rich, flavorful gravy. Originating from the Southern United States, this dish has become a beloved staple for many families. It’s often associated with home-cooked meals that are perfect for any time of day, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of crispy, breaded steak and creamy, sweet onion gravy is irresistible and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Country Fried Steaks
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet Onion Gravy
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Country Fried Steaks
Step 1: Tenderize the Steaks
- If your cube steaks are not pre-tenderized, use a meat mallet to pound them to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
Step 3: Bread the Steaks
- Dip each steak into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Return the steak to the flour mixture for a final coating, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure a good crust.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the steaks, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Making the Sweet Onion Gravy
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
- In the same skillet, remove any excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the butter and sliced sweet onions, cooking over medium heat until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Even Cooking: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to prevent them from becoming greasy. The oil should sizzle when you sprinkle a bit of flour in it.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herbed Gravy: Stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for added flavor.
- Different Meats: While traditional country fried steak uses beef, you can also try this recipe with chicken or pork for a different twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Country Fried Steaks with Sweet Onion Gravy is a dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a hearty breakfast, a fulfilling lunch, or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of Southern comfort food at its best. Don’t forget to share your experience and variations in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes from easycrispyrecipes.com