Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Ingredients

4 cube steaks (about 1 pound)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)
For the gravy:
2 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Begin by seasoning the cube steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Dredge each steak first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs mixed with milk, and then back in the flour. Press the flour into the steak to produce a good coating.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should be about a half-inch deep.
Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Keep them warm.
For the gravy, pour off all but about 1/4 cup of the oil in the skillet, keeping the crispy bits in the skillet.
Stir in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the fried steaks with a generous pour of gravy on top.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to fry the cube steaks.
Paper towels - These are used to drain the fried steaks and remove excess oil.
Whisk - A whisk is necessary to mix the flour into the milk for the gravy.
Plate - A plate is needed to hold the fried steaks before serving.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Measuring cup - A measuring cup is required to measure the milk and flour for the gravy.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the steaks and removing them from the skillet.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring the gravy and serving the fried steaks.
Knife - A knife is needed to cut and portion the cube steaks.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of meat, such as chicken breast or pork chops, instead of cube steak.
Experiment with different seasonings for the coating, like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs.
Try using a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or cornmeal, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add spices or herbs to the gravy, like thyme, rosemary, or Worcestershire sauce, to enhance the flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for coating the steak.
For a healthier option, bake the breaded steaks in the oven instead of frying them.
Create a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with tofu or seitan, and using vegetable broth instead of milk for the gravy.
For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mixture or the gravy.
Add grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs to the coating mixture for an extra crispy crust.
Serve the chicken fried steak with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

This mouth-watering Chicken Fried Steak recipe brings a classic Southern dish straight to your table. This recipe involves tender cube steaks, coated in a crisp, flavorful breading and fried to golden perfection. Finally, it's smothered in a rich, creamy, and flavorful homemade gravy. Although this recipe requires a bit of preparation, the process is straightforward. You'll start by seasoning and breading the steaks, then frying them until they're beautifully crispy. The final touch is a smooth, savory gravy that pairs perfectly with the crunchy steak. This dish is comforting, hearty, and delicious - it guarantees a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Whether you're cooking a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal, this Chicken Fried Steak is sure to impress.

Common questions

How long does it take to cook the cube steaks? The cube steaks should be cooked for about 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.
What type of oil should be used for frying? Canola or vegetable oil is recommended for frying the cube steaks.
How do I season the cube steaks? Season the cube steaks on both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What is the purpose of dredging the steaks in flour and eggs? Dredging the steaks in flour and eggs helps create a crispy coating when fried.
How do I make the gravy? Pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup with the crispy bits. Stir in flour and cook for a couple of minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Can I make the recipe ahead of time? It is best to serve the chicken fried steak immediately after cooking for the crispiest texture. However, you can prepare the cube steaks and the flour coating in advance, then fry them just before serving.
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak? While cube steak is traditionally used for chicken fried steak, you can try using other cuts like round steak or sirloin steak.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed for frying the cube steaks.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the steaks while frying.
Paper towels - Paper towels are used to drain the fried steaks and remove excess oil.
Whisk - A whisk is needed to mix the flour and milk for the gravy.
Spatula - A spatula can be used to remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
Plate - A plate is used for serving the fried steaks.

Origin stories

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved dish in the American South and Southwest, stemming from the culture of German immigrants who came to Texas in the 19th century. They brought with them the traditional recipe for Wiener Schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried veal cutlet. However, as veal was not readily available in their new homeland, they had to adapt the recipe using local ingredients - hence, beef was employed as a substitute. This resulted in the birth of what we now know as the Chicken Fried Steak, so named for the cooking style similar to fried chicken, despite being made with beef. This humble food adaptation has since become a signature dish and a symbol of the culinary fusion that characterizes the United States. The recipe has evolved over time, with gravy added as a preferred accompaniment, making the dish a comforting and hearty staple on tables across the region.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.