Description
Chicken fried steak is a classic comfort food that combines tenderness and flavor. This dish features a breaded and fried steak served with creamy gravy, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge yourself, this recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- Steak (round, sirloin, or cube steak, about 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour (for dredging, about 1 cup)
- Egg (1 large, beaten)
- Milk (1 cup)
- Oil (for frying, about 1 cup)
- Butter (for gravy, about 4 tablespoons)
- Flour (for gravy, about 1/4 cup)
- Milk (for gravy, about 2 cups)
- Seasoning (optional, such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
To begin, take the cube steak and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the coating adheres properly.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and seasonings. This assembly will streamline the breading process.
Step 3: Season the Cube Steak
Sprinkle the cube steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Dredge the Meat
Coat each piece of cubed steak in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mix. Ensure that each piece is well-covered.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying.
Step 6: Fry the Steak
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded steak pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
After frying, remove the steak from the pan and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 8: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, use the remaining drippings to create a gravy. Whisk in flour and pour in milk gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
Step 9: Serve
Plate the chicken-fried steak and generously ladle the homemade gravy on top before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing the Right Cut
It is recommended to use cube steak for this recipe as it is tender and cooks quickly.
Note 2: For Crispy Texture
Ensure that the oil is hot before adding the steak to achieve a crispy coating. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Note 3: Variations in Gravy
Feel free to enhance the gravy by adding sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes