Growing up in the American South, the smell of chicken fried steak filled our kitchen. It meant a warm, comforting meal was coming. My grandmother would call us to the table, and we’d see the steaks, golden and crispy, with a rich gravy.
Chicken fried steak recipe is a favourite in the South, loved by many. It’s tender beef, a crunchy coating, and creamy gravy. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Southern food or wants a taste of home.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secrets to making the perfect chicken fried steak, a classic Southern comfort food dish.
- Learn how to create a crispy, golden-brown crust and a luscious, creamy gravy to complement the tender beef.
- Explore the origins and history of this beloved dish, and how it has become a staple of Southern cuisine.
- Find step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking chicken fried steak, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Uncover tips and tricks for mastering the art of gravy-making and serving suggestions to elevate your chicken fried steak experience.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken fried steak is a favourite comfort food in Southern and Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s a tasty twist on a classic, where tender beef, like cube steak, is turned into a crispy, golden delight.
A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
The steak is breaded and fried like chicken. This makes a crispy outside that matches the juicy beef inside. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious, loved by many.
The Origins of This Beloved Comfort Food
The American South loves chicken fried steak, a staple for many years. It’s thought to come from the German dish Wiener Schnitzel, made with veal. Over time, it evolved, using cube steak or mothered steak.
Today, chicken fried steak is still a favourite comfort food. It’s enjoyed as a main dish or part of a hearty breakfast. It’s a classic in the UK’s culinary world.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
To make a delicious chicken fried steak, you need the right ingredients. The base of this dish is a tender cut of beef. This ensures the steak is juicy and satisfying.
When picking your beef, choose cube or round steak. These cuts tenderise well during cooking.
Tender Cuts of Beef
After picking your beef, focus on the breading. A seasoned breadcrumb coating is key for the crispy exterior. This makes the steak irresistible.
Coating the beef in a flavorful breadcrumb mix enhances the dish. It creates a tasty contrast between the crunchy outside and the tender inside.
Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating
With the right beef and breading, you’re almost there. You’re on your way to a chicken fried steak recipe that everyone will love. The perfect mix of ingredients makes it a comforting and satisfying dish – a true family favourite.
“The key to a truly exceptional chicken fried steak is in the quality of the ingredients. Start with the best beef, and build from there.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Fried Steak
Get ready to make a delicious chicken fried steak recipe in your kitchen. Follow these easy steps for a crispy coating and tender beef every time.
Preparing the Beef
Choose a top-quality beef cut, like cube steak or tenderised round steak. Pound the meat lightly to make it absorb seasonings better. Season it well with salt, pepper, and spices for the best taste.
Creating the Crispy Coating
To get that cracker barrel chicken fried steak recipe crunch, make a crispy breading. Prepare a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat the steak in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
Now, fry your chicken fried steak with gravy recipe to perfection. Heat plenty of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks until golden-brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate, and you’re almost there.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Get ready to enjoy the ultimate Southern comfort food – chicken fried steak! It’s tender beef coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, served with creamy gravy. Follow this recipe to make a meal that feels like a trip to the American South.
Ingredients:
For the steak: – 4 thin-cut beef steaks (such as cube steak or round steak) – 1 cup all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon salt – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – 1 egg, beaten – 1 cup breadcrumbs For the gravy: – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – 2 cups milk – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Start by pounding the beef steaks to make them tender. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Then, dip the steaks in the beaten egg and coat them with the seasoned flour.
Press the steaks into the breadcrumbs, making sure they’re fully coated. This will help them get crispy.
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded steaks. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy. Place the steaks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
To make the gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will make a roux.
Pour in the milk slowly, whisking continuously. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken fried steak hot, with the chicken fried steak with gravy drizzled on top. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!
Mastering the Art of Gravy
No chicken fried steak is complete without a rich, creamy gravy. This gravy adds a special touch to the crispy breaded steak. Learning to make a traditional Southern-style gravy is key to making this dish even better.
Traditional Southern-Style Gravy
The secret to a true Southern gravy recipe for chicken fried steak is in the mix of flavours and technique. Start by cooking onions and garlic in the pan juices from frying the steak. This adds a deep, savoury taste to the gravy.
To thicken the gravy, mix in a roux made from flour and fat slowly. Cooking it slowly ensures the flour cooks fully, making the gravy smooth. Add spices like black pepper, cayenne, and paprika to enhance the dish’s richness.
This makes a gravy recipe for chicken fried steak that’s perfect with the meat and breading. Pour the gravy for chicken fried steak recipe over the top. Every bite will be a mix of delicious flavours.
“A good gravy recipes can transform a simple dish into something truly extraordinary.”
With a bit of practice, you can make the perfect Southern-style gravy for your chicken fried steak. The main things are patience, paying attention to detail, and using top-quality ingredients.
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Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Southern Comfort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern comfort dish featuring tender beef coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, served with rich, creamy gravy. This recipe brings the flavors of home to your kitchen, perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 thin-cut beef steaks (cube or round steak)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Pound the beef steaks lightly to tenderize. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Steaks:
- Set up a dredging station with seasoned flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat each steak in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to fully cover.
- Fry the Steaks:
- Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the Gravy:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Continue to cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken fried steak hot, drizzling the creamy gravy over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete Southern meal.
Notes
- For a crispy coating, make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F to 375°F) before adding the steaks.
- Let the fried steak rest briefly after cooking to keep the breading crispy while the meat stays juicy.
- Add cayenne or paprika to the gravy for an extra kick of spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 24g
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is a favourite in many families. It goes well with lots of side dishes. You can make it special for any occasion or a simple weeknight dinner.
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They’re creamy and smooth, which contrasts well with the steak’s crispy outside. Add some homemade gravy for an extra touch of comfort.
For a lighter option, try a green salad or steamed veggies. These add a fresh taste that balances the steak’s richness.
For a big family meal, serve the steak with Southern favourites. Think buttery biscuits, cornbread, or collard greens. It’s a feast that everyone will love.
How you serve it, the chicken fried steak’s comforting taste is key. It’s sure to become a hit with your family.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
The traditional chicken fried steak recipe is a real treat. But, you can make it your own in many ways. Try different beef cuts or creative coatings to explore new tastes and textures.
Exploring Different Cuts of Beef
The classic country fried steak often uses tenderised round steak or cube steak. But, you can try other cuts like sirloin or flank steak for a beefier taste. Or, choose a leaner cut like flatiron or top round for a lighter crispy fried steak.
Creative Twists on the Coating
The coating is key to a great chicken fried steak recipe. While seasoned breadcrumbs are traditional, you can try new things. Add crushed nuts, spices, or cornmeal for a crunchy outside. Beer or buttermilk in the batter can give it a tangy twist.
“Unleash your culinary creativity and transform this Southern staple into a dish that’s uniquely your own.”
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
Getting your chicken fried steak crispy is an art. It takes practice, but with these tips, you’ll get it right. The key is in how you prepare and cook it.
Start by drying your beef well before breading. Any moisture can make the breading soggy. Try using a mix of breadcrumbs and flour for a crispy, golden finish.
Frying needs the right oil temperature. Keep it between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures even cooking and a crispy breading. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid temperature drops.
Let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread evenly. It also keeps the steak crispy.
“The secret to perfectly crispy chicken fried steak lies in the preparation and cooking process.”
Follow these tips to make a crispy chicken fried steak everyone will love. Enjoy making it!
The Comforting Flavours of Southern Cuisine
Southern cuisine is more than just recipes. It’s a mix of history, tradition, and flavours that have fed families for generations. Chicken fried steak is a perfect example of the comforting dishes found in this style.
At the core of southern cuisine is a love for simple ingredients and slow cooking. Dishes like tender barbecue and creamy mac and cheese are made to warm you up. These comfort foods create lasting memories and flavours.
“Southern food is not just about the food itself – it’s about the stories, the traditions, and the sense of community that it fosters. Every dish is a labour of love, passed down through the generations.”
Enjoying chicken fried steak or homemade pecan pie brings you back to a simpler time. It’s a time when family, friends, and home were the main sources of comfort.
Chicken Fried Steak: A Family Favourite
Chicken fried steak is a favourite in many UK homes. It’s a dish that brings families together, creating memories that last for years.
Cherished Memories and Traditions
The smell of chicken fried steak cooking brings back happy memories. It’s a dish that families have loved for generations. Each family adds their own special touch to make it unique.
Grandmothers teaching their grandkids how to make it is a common scene. Sunday dinners are filled with excitement as everyone waits for the steak to be ready. Chicken fried steak is a dish that brings people together, creating unforgettable moments.
“Chicken fried steak was always the dish that my mum would make for special occasions. The way the crispy coating gave way to the tender, juicy meat was just divine. It’s a taste of home that I’ll never forget.”
This family favourite is more than just food. It connects families to their heritage and loved ones. As chicken fried steak is shared from one generation to the next, the stories and traditions behind it are kept alive.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers from your homemade chicken fried steak? Don’t worry. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy it again. Just remember to handle it carefully to keep it crispy and juicy.
First, let the steak cool down completely. Then, put it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Make sure the meat isn’t stacked or crowded to avoid a soggy coating. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
To reheat, put the steak on a baking sheet. Heat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will make the meat hot and the coating crispy again. Don’t use a microwave, as it can ruin the crunch. Serve it with your favourite gravy for a delicious meal, just like the first time.
FAQ
What is the best cut of beef to use for chicken fried steak?
Cube steak or round steak are top choices for chicken fried steak. They’re tender and get even softer when pounded and breaded.
How do I make the breading for chicken fried steak crispy?
For a crispy breading, coat the steak in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs before frying. This makes the outside crunchy and the inside tender.
Can I use a different type of meat besides beef for chicken fried steak?
Yes, you can try using pork or chicken instead of beef. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and method.
How do I make the perfect gravy to accompany chicken fried steak?
Use the pan drippings to make a rich gravy. Mix in flour to make a roux, then add milk or broth slowly. This creates a creamy, flavourful gravy.
Can I prepare chicken fried steak in advance?
Absolutely, you can bread the steak ahead of time. Just refrigerate or freeze it until frying. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.
What are some tasty side dishes to serve with chicken fried steak?
Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or biscuits for a classic combo. A fresh salad or coleslaw adds a nice balance to the meal.
How do I reheat leftover chicken fried steak?
Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Or, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, watching it carefully.
by Cormac Flynn.