Chicken Fried Steak : This dish is known for its crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy center. Paired with creamy gravy, chicken fried steak makes a comforting meal for any occasion.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Despite the name, chicken fried steak doesn’t contain any chicken. Instead, it’s a tenderized cut of beef, usually round steak or cube steak, breaded and fried to golden perfection, much like fried chicken. The term “chicken fried” refers to the method of preparation rather than the ingredients. After frying, it’s traditionally topped with a rich, peppery white gravy that adds a delightful contrast to the crispy breading.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
- Use Tenderized Meat: Cube steak or tenderized round steak works best, as the tenderizing process makes the meat more absorbent, allowing it to capture more flavor.
- Season Both Layers: Add a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to both the flour and the egg mixture. This dual seasoning approach enhances the flavor in every bite.
- Double-Coating Technique: For an extra-crispy crust, dredge the steak in flour twice. This ensures a thicker, crisper coating that holds up beautifully to the gravy.
- Right Temperature is Key: Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the steak is cooked through; too low, and it will absorb excess oil, making it greasy.
- Make Fresh Gravy: Using the pan drippings from the steak is essential for authentic flavor. Freshly made gravy offers depth and richness that pre-made versions can’t match.
Chicken Fried Steak Variations
- Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the breading mixture for a spicy twist. It’s perfect for those who love a little kick in their meal.
- Country Fried Steak: Often confused with chicken fried steak, country fried steak skips the gravy and is typically served with a brown onion gravy, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- Pork Fried Steak: Swap the beef for pork cutlets. Pork provides a milder flavor, but the process is identical, and the results are equally delicious.
- Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak: For a lighter take, bread the steak as usual, then bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a crispy crust without the extra oil.
- Chicken Fried Chicken: Use chicken breast instead of steak! Follow the same breading and frying technique to create a similarly crispy and delicious dish with chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is a hearty meal that pairs well with classic Southern sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete the experience:
- Mashed Potatoes: This classic side soaks up the gravy perfectly.
- Green Beans: Adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet, buttery corn complements the savory steak and gravy.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are excellent for mopping up extra gravy.
- Mac and Cheese: For an extra indulgent meal, add a side of creamy mac and cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them without sacrificing too much of the crispy crust.
- Storage: Store leftover steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s hot and crispy. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best cut of meat for chicken fried steak?
Cube steak is the most common choice, as it’s already tenderized. Round steak works as well, though you may need to tenderize it with a meat mallet for a similar texture.
Can I make chicken fried steak gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure any other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Many people also enjoy using almond or rice flour for a unique twist on the breading.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Ensuring that the steak is patted dry and seasoned before breading helps the coating adhere. Additionally, pressing the flour mixture into the meat after the egg wash creates a better bond, which helps prevent the breading from slipping off during frying.
Can I freeze chicken fried steak?
Yes! After frying, let the steak cool completely, then place it in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between each piece. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy, about 20–25 minutes.
Is there a healthier way to prepare chicken fried steak?
Baking the chicken fried steak in the oven is a lighter alternative, and using a non-stick spray in place of oil can reduce calories. You can also substitute a leaner cut of meat or use almond flour for the breading to lower the carb content.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak : This dish is known for its crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy center. Paired with creamy gravy, chicken fried steak makes a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
For the Gravy:
- 2–3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp grease (from frying)
- 4 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a second shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk, TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs.
- Pat cube steaks dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry again to remove excess moisture.
- Coat each steak in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge again in the flour mixture. Press remaining flour into the steaks to ensure a thorough coating. Let the breaded steaks rest on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 225–250°F to keep cooked steaks warm. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 320–340°F.
- Fry two steaks at a time for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid flipping more than once. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven.
Making the Gravy:
- Pour grease from the skillet into a heat-safe bowl, leaving browned bits in the pan.
- Add 4 tbsp of grease back to the skillet and whisk in flour, cooking for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Slowly whisk in 2 ½ cups of the milk-cream mixture, cooking until smooth and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Adjust consistency with extra milk if needed and season with salt and lots of pepper.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1924Total Fat: 127gSaturated Fat: 43gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 73gCholesterol: 349mgSodium: 1855mgCarbohydrates: 116gFiber: 2gSugar: 76gProtein: 80g
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
Chicken fried steak is a dish that celebrates indulgence, tradition, and rich flavors. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a classic Southern meal or want to experiment with variations, this dish offers endless opportunities to customize. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a memorable treat, chicken fried steak is always a crowd-pleaser.
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