CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is fried to golden perfection and topped with the creamiest gravy you can imagine, sure to quickly become a family favorite. It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential Southern meal than Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy. The hard part is deciding whether you want to make it for breakfast or dinner. My family can’t get enough of these tender steaks with that delightful crispy, crunchy coating. And the gravy? Heaven! Enjoy this amazing dinner with some of my Nana’s green beans and the BEST dinner rolls.
I figured it was high time I share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you guys. I have been eating this Southern food classic for as long as I can remember. My Nana is the first one that introduced me to this delightful recipe. (Big shocker there – she basically introduced me to all of my favorites…) This recipe is an adaptation of hers – or, at least, as I remember it and I’m pretty sure she’d agree, that this really is the best chicken fried steak recipe out there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is nothing quite like chicken fried steak when it comes to versatility. We love serving it for dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and my Nana’s Green Beans to even it all out… 😉 Orrr, if it’s brunch we’re craving, serving this yumminess with a couple sunny side up eggs and hash browns always does the trick.
My boys almost always order chicken fried steak when we’re out for breakfast but the thing is, it’s incredibly easy to make at home! Now, I’ve tried lots of subpar recipes in my lifetime but trust me, this is not one of them. I’ve developed the ULTIMATE recipe that goes just perfectly with a rich, creamy gravy that that little ole steak is just begging to be smothered in.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep cast-iron skillet
- Shallow bowls
- Plate with paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 (1/2 pound) beef cube steaks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cups canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Pound the steaks to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Place 2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl.
- Stir together the baking powder, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a separate shallow bowl; stir in the buttermilk, egg, Tabasco Sauce, and garlic.
- Dredge each steak first in the flour, then in the batter, and again in the flour. Pat the flour onto the surface of each steak so they are completely coated with dry flour.
- Heat the oil in a deep cast-iron skillet to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Fry the steaks until evenly golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Place fried steaks on a plate with paper towels to drain.
- Serve with gravy of your choice.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
- Pat the steaks dry before dredging to help the coating adhere better.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce to the batter. You can also try using different types of flour, like whole wheat, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This recipe is a hearty meal, perfect for indulging once in a while. Be mindful of portion sizes to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What kind of gravy goes best with this?
A classic cream gravy pairs beautifully with chicken fried steak.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake at 400°F until golden if you prefer a lower-fat option.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak a try and experience the bliss of Southern comfort food at its finest. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides, and please share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with!
Source: allrecipes.com
