Chicken Fried Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food that delivers crispy, golden-brown breaded steak with a savory, tender interior. The combination of flavorful spices, buttermilk, and hot sauce (optional) creates a crunchy coating, while the tender beef inside makes each bite irresistible. Serve it with rich, creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides, and you have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) beef round steak, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep the cooked steaks warm.
2. Tenderize the Steak: Use a meat mallet to pound the steak pieces to about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using).
5. Coat the Steaks: Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg mixture, and coat it in the flour mixture again to ensure a crispy, flavorful crust.
6. Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Keep the Steaks Warm: Transfer the cooked steaks to a baking sheet and place them in the oven to keep warm while you fry the remaining steaks.
8. Serve: Serve warm with gravy if desired for an extra layer of richness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce to the egg wash for a more intense flavor.
• Gravy: Top with homemade white gravy for an authentic Southern meal.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in a skillet to retain its crispy coating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, though round steak is more traditional for this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breading and coating in advance, but the steak is best fried just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

How do I make the steak more tender?

Pounding the steak to a thinner consistency with a meat mallet helps break down the fibers and tenderize it.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, use a plant-based protein, such as a veggie patty or seitan, instead of the beef steak.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Ensure that you coat the steak thoroughly in the flour and egg mixture and fry it immediately for the best result.

Can I freeze leftover chicken-fried steak?

Yes, freeze the cooked steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What should I serve with chicken fried steak?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or coleslaw are great sides to serve with chicken fried steak.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or more hot sauce to the breading mixture for extra heat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store in an airtight container and reheat when needed.

How do I make gravy for the chicken fried steak?

To make gravy, use the pan drippings and whisk in flour to make a roux, then add milk or cream and season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak is the epitome of comfort food. With its crispy, seasoned coating and tender, juicy steak inside, it’s a perfect dish for a hearty meal. Whether you enjoy it with creamy gravy or as-is, this classic recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings. Try it for dinner, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation!

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