Ah, chicken fried steak—a meal that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket on a rainy day. It’s like a hug from your favorite southern grandma, crispy and tender all at once. Seriously, if you haven’t tried this yet, it’s the culinary equivalent of finding a twenty-dollar bill in your coat pocket from last winter.
Steps
- Place the beef steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to flatten them to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Prepare the coating by placing 2 cups of flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, mix together baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and salt. Stir in buttermilk, hot sauce, an egg, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Heat vegetable shortening in a deep skillet to 325 degrees F. While the oil heats, coat each steak with flour, shake off excess, dip in the buttermilk mixture, and coat again in flour.
- Fry the steaks in the hot oil until they are golden brown on each side, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- To make the gravy, drain most of the fat from the skillet, keeping 1/4 cup and any solid bits. Add this back to the pan over medium-low heat, then whisk in the remaining flour.
- Gradually stir in milk, increase the heat, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook while stirring until the gravy thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the cooked steaks on a platter and pour the prepared gravy over them before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks (½ pound each)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco™)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable shortening for frying
- 4 cups milk
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3328 | Total Fat: 116g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 824mg | Sodium: 5092mg | Total Carbohydrate: 284g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Protein: 272g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 2236mg | Iron: 36mg | Potassium: 5628mg
FAQ
- What is Chicken-Fried Steak?
- Chicken-fried steak is a dish where steak is fried in a manner similar to fried chicken. It’s coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture. This Southern favorite shares similarities with Wiener schnitzel, an Austrian dish of breaded and fried veal.
- What is the difference between Chicken-Fried Steak and Country-Fried Steak?
- While both dishes are Southern classics, chicken-fried steak is typically topped with cream gravy and has a crispier coating, whereas country-fried steak is usually served with brown gravy and onions.
- Which cut of beef is best for Chicken-Fried Steak?
- Cube steak is the preferred cut for chicken-fried steak due to its tenderness. Most recipes, including this one, recommend using cube steak or any other variety that has been tenderized.
- Can you freeze Chicken-Fried Steak?
- Yes, chicken-fried steak can be frozen. After allowing the steaks to cool completely, wrap them individually in storage wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
- How should you store leftover Chicken-Fried Steak?
- Leftover chicken-fried steak should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until heated through.
Tips
- Ensure your steaks are well tenderized by using cube steak or pounding them to about ¼-inch thick to achieve optimal tenderness.
- For an extra crispy coating, dip the steaks in the buttermilk mixture and flour twice, ensuring each layer is well adhered.
- When making the gravy, use the leftover bits in the skillet for added flavor, and consider adding a splash of buttermilk to enhance the taste.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to four months, reheating in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
Equipment
- fried steak recipe that you might not normally have at home and may need to buy:
- Meat mallet
- Deep cast-iron skillet
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper
