Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

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Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe. Tender cube steaks are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a creamy homemade gravy. Whether served for a hearty dinner or a comforting brunch, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/3 pound each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Beat the Eggs: In another dish, whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup milk until well combined.
  3. Coat the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated steaks to the skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the steaks from the skillet and keep warm.
  5. Make the Gravy: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of reserved frying oil and 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Season and Serve: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the fried steaks with the homemade gravy poured generously over the top.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Calories: 600 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 4 servings

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Immediately: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is best served immediately after frying to maintain its crispy texture and warmth. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
  2. Keep Warm: If not serving immediately, keep the fried steaks warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you prepare the gravy. This helps to preserve their crispiness and ensures they stay hot until ready to serve.
  3. Pour Gravy Just Before Serving: To prevent the fried steaks from becoming soggy, pour the homemade gravy over them just before serving. This ensures that each bite remains deliciously crispy.
  4. Reheat with Caution: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in the oven to maintain their texture. Place the steaks on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Store Separately: Store any leftover fried steaks and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the steaks from becoming soggy. Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality.
  6. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: While fried foods are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover cooked steaks for future enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the steaks to airtight freezer bags or containers. Consume within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture.
  7. Reheat from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen steaks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Reheat gravy separately on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Variations:

  1. Country Style: For a classic Southern twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a hint of heat in the breading.
  2. Buttermilk Soak: Soak the cube steaks in buttermilk for a few hours before dredging in the flour mixture. This adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat for a juicy result.
  3. Herb Infusion: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor in the breading.
  4. Spicy Kick: Kick up the heat by adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the egg wash for those who enjoy a spicier version of this classic dish.
  5. Mushroom Gravy: Enhance the gravy by adding sautéed mushrooms to the skillet along with the flour and oil. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown before adding the milk for a savory twist.
  6. Bacon Lover’s Dream: Top the fried steaks with crispy bacon pieces before smothering them in gravy for a decadent and indulgent variation.
  7. Pork Cube Steaks: Substitute beef cube steaks with pork cube steaks for a slightly different flavor profile. Follow the same breading and frying process for delicious pork fried steak with gravy.
  8. Southern Comfort: Serve the fried steaks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and drizzle with extra gravy for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.
  9. Tex-Mex Fusion: Add Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the flour mixture with taco seasoning and serving the fried steaks with a side of salsa and guacamole.
  10. Chicken Fried Chicken: Swap out the cube steaks for boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin for a delicious chicken fried chicken variation. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

With these serving tips and variations, you can enjoy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy in all its crispy, comforting glory, customized to suit your taste preferences and culinary creativity.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use tenderized round steak instead of cube steak? Yes, you can. Just tenderize the round steak with a meat mallet until it’s about 1/4 inch thick before following the recipe.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour for the breading? Yes, you can use alternative flours like almond flour or gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions.
  3. What’s the best oil for frying? Vegetable oil or peanut oil works well for frying due to their high smoke points. You can also use canola oil or sunflower oil.
  4. Can I use whole milk instead of 2% milk? Yes, whole milk will yield a richer gravy, but 2% milk works fine too.
  5. How can I prevent the breading from falling off? Make sure the steaks are fully coated in the flour mixture and shake off any excess before dipping them in the egg wash.
  6. Can I bake the steaks instead of frying them? While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the steaks at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Can I use pre-made gravy instead of making it from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought gravy if you’re short on time, but homemade gravy offers superior flavor and texture.
  8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free flour for the breading and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  9. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe? While cube steak is traditional, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye if preferred. Just tenderize them first.
  10. Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and reheat it before serving. Just whisk it well to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.

Indulge in the classic flavors of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, a timeless dish that brings comfort to any mealtime. With its crispy exterior, tender meat, and creamy gravy, this recipe is a true Southern staple that satisfies the soul. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend brunch, and savor every bite of this beloved comfort food favorite.