Keto Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful twist on a classic Southern comfort food that marries the crispy, savory flavors of fried steak with a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly approach. This dish features tenderized steak coated in a crunchy, almond flour-based breading, all topped off with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Not only is it indulgent and satisfying, but it also fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle, making it a go-to meal for those looking to enjoy hearty flavors without the carbs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Keto Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise your dietary goals. The flavors are rich and satisfying, thanks to the umami-packed gravy and the crispy, seasoned coating on the steak. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned cooks. Plus, it aligns perfectly with keto principles, allowing you to enjoy a classic dish while maintaining your low-carb lifestyle. You’ll love how this recipe brings together taste and nutrition, making every bite a guilt-free indulgence.
Tips and Tricks
1. Tenderize the Steak: Take your time when tenderizing the steak to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors better.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: This will help you achieve the perfect doneness without overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
3. Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after frying to lock in juices, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness.
4. Make Your Breading Extra Crispy: For an even crunchier coating, double-dip the steak in egg and almond flour before frying.
5. Batch Cook the Gravy: If you make extra gravy, it can be refrigerated and used for future meals to save time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the Steak: Keep a close eye on the frying time; overcooking will make the steak tough.
2. Incorrect Oil Temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading will soak up excess oil, making it greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F.
3. Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season both the steak and the breading; it’s essential for enhancing flavor.
4. Not Using Enough Fat: Ensure you have enough oil in the pan to completely submerge the steak for even cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time during busy weekdays, you can prepare the steak by tenderizing and seasoning it a day in advance. Store the seasoned steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also make the gravy ahead of time; it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
1. Different Meats: Swap out the beef steak for pork chops for a different flavor profile.
2. Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading for a spicy twist.
3. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano in the breading for added depth.
4. Air Fryer Option: For a healthier cooking method, use an air fryer instead of frying in oil. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Serve
Serve your Keto Chicken Fried Steak hot off the skillet, smothered in creamy mushroom gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair this dish with steamed broccoli or cauliflower mash for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, plate the steak on a rustic wooden board with a side of your favorite low-carb vegetables.
Pairing Suggestions
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak. If you prefer cocktails, a refreshing gin and tonic can cleanse the palate. As for sides, consider a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts to enhance the meal. For dessert, a keto-friendly chocolate mousse would round out the experience perfectly.
How to Store
Leftover Keto Chicken Fried Steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s in an airtight container for optimal freshness. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Equipment Needed
- Cast iron skillet (or any heavy skillet)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for tenderizing)
- Shallow bowls for breading station
- Cooking thermometer (for oil temperature)
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream in the gravy with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. For those with nut allergies, replace almond flour with crushed pork rinds or flaxseed meal. If you want to make it vegan, you can use egg replacements and a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, adjusting the cooking method accordingly.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the breading for a lighter flavor. In fall, you can incorporate pumpkin spice into your gravy for a seasonal twist. During winter months, root vegetables like parsnips can be added as a side to complement the steak.
Cost Breakdown
This recipe serves about 4 and costs approximately $10-$15 to make, depending on the quality of the meat and ingredients used. For a budget-friendly option, consider using chicken thighs instead of steak or buying in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
1. Quickly Tenderize: Use a rolling pin to tenderize steak quickly by placing it in a zip-top bag.
2. Effortless Gravy: For a quicker gravy, use pre-sliced mushrooms and store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade stock.
3. Clean Frying: To minimize splatter when frying, use a splatter screen.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes! Chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully for this recipe.
- What can I substitute for almond flour? You can use coconut flour or crushed pork rinds as alternatives.
- How long does it take to fry the steak? Typically, it takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but this may vary based on the thickness of the steak.
Keto Chicken Fried Steak
Keto Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful twist on a classic Southern comfort food that marries the crispy, savory flavors of fried steak with a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly approach.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef round steak (or chicken)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Tenderize the Steak: Place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together. In another bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Steak: Dip the tenderized steak first in the egg mixture, then dredge in the almond flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat the Oil: In a cast iron skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry the Steak: Carefully place the coated steak in the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté until softened. Pour in more heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate the steak, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 786Total Fat: 62gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 278mgSodium: 194mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 48g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Keto Chicken Fried Steak is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction while keeping you aligned with your dietary goals. By following this detailed recipe, you can recreate a beloved classic that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a family feast, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!
