Chicken fried steak is a classic comfort food dish that is popular everywhere. We all know the dish is not fried chicken, but rather cube steak coated in batter and fried to perfection. The name was coined because the breading process was similar to that of fried chicken. The crispy batter, the tender beef, and the rich gravy come together to create a truly satisfying dish. It is the perfect food to enjoy any day of the week. It can be served with mashed potatoes , green beans or rice. My recipe is delicious, simple and very easy to follow.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken-fried steak is a universally beloved Southern dish. The term “chicken-fried” simply means steak that is fried in the same manner as fried chicken. The steak is prepared in the same way as you would prepare fried chicken. It is dredged in a well seasoned flour then fried to perfection.
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How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak:
Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern Cuisine classic that is so easy to make. It is make with simple ingredients that you already have. For this recipe I use:
Cube Steak, Milk, All-Purpose Flour, Egg, Baking Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Black Pepper, Salt (or Kosher Salt) and Vegetable Oil (or Canola Oil)
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
An egg wash is a mixture of beaten eggs and milk or water. The egg wash will help to create a crispy crust on the beef and help it to cook more evenly.
An egg wash is an essential step in making a delicious chicken fried steak. To make the egg wash, simply beat together eggs and either milk or water until it’s smooth. Then coat each them with the egg wash mixture before dredging it in your flour mixture. This is essential for creating a crispy crust on the steak and ensure that it cooks evenly.
After coating the steak with the wash, shake off any excess before dredging it with in flour mixture. This will prevent the crust from becoming too thick.
In a shallow bowl combine one half cup milk and the egg then whisk until well combined
Step 3: Make the Seasoned Flour
For my flour mixture, I use all-purpose flour, baking powder and select seasoning. Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps to create a light and airy crust when it is used in batters. The seasonings add flavor, helps to create a crispy crust and help to make the flour more sticky, which will help the batter to adhere to the steak more evenly. This will result in a more uniform crust.
In a separate shallow bowl add the flour, baking powder, two teaspoons black pepper, two teaspoons salt, onion powder, paprika and garlic powder then whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Batter the Chicken Fried Steak
Battering your meat is important for several reasons. The batter protects the meat from the high heat of the frying oil. This is important because high heat can toughen the meat. The batter helps to prevent the steak from sticking to the pan. Also, the batter adds a different texture. Adding a crispy crust makes the steak chicken fried.
Battering the cube steak is important for several reasons. The batter protects the meat from the high heat of the frying oil. This is important because high heat can toughen the meat. The batter helps to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Also, the batter adds a different texture. Adding a crispy golden brown crust makes the steak chicken fried. When battering, use a light batter. A heavy batter can take away from the flavor of the meat while a light batter won’t.
Dredge the steaks in the egg mixture then the flour then gently shake to remove the excess flour then place them on a wire rack.
Step 5: Fry the Steaks
Add your oil to your cast iron skillet and heat to medium. Fry for four minutes on each side making sure to achieve a golden brown crust. After eight minutes remove them from the pan and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Make sure to keep the warm while making the gravy.
Step 6: Making the Gravy for the Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak can be prepared with white gravy or slightly browned gravy. For this recipe I will be making a brown gravy. Note: if you want to achieve a white gravy cook the flour just until it begins to darken.
Remove most of your oil from the pan leaving five tablespoons. Reduce the temperature to medium-low heat then add five tablespoons of the seasoned flour mixture to the pan then mix until it has browned. Add the remaining milk and continue to whisk. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper and continue to mix until you achieve a creamy gravy.
Tips for The Best Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients and Preparation
- Cut of meat: Make sure to use cube steak that has already been tenderized. This will yield a better taste.
- Seasoning: Seasoning the flour and meat is key to a great taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasoning you love on beef.
- Set up a dredging station: Have your egg wash and seasoned flour ready.
Cooking Process
- Heat the oil just right: Use a cast iron skillet and heat oil to around 350°F (175°C) – this is the temperature to achieve a crispy and perfectly cooked steak.
- The Coating: Make sure to lightly coat the steak to prevent it from being too heavy.
- Fry with care: Place the steak in the cooking oil and allow it fry for 3-5 minutes each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain away extra oil: Once they are done, place them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Making the Gravy
- Making the Gravy: The key to great tasting gravy is to use the dripping in the skillet. This is were you will find all the flavorful goodness that will give your gravy that great taste.
- Season the gravy: Season the gravy that suits your taste.
- Add some sides for a complete meal: Pair your meat with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Final Touches
- Serve immediately: Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the pan for the ultimate flavor and texture.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious and satisfying chicken fried steak you’ve ever tasted!
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
1
servings12
minutes18
minutesIngredients
2 Cubed Steaks
1 ½ Cups of Milk
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1 Egg
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Paprika
½ Tbsp Onion Powder
½ Tbsp Garlic Powder
3 tsps Black Pepper
2 ¼ tsp Salt
Vegetable Oil
Directions
- In a dish combine one half cup of milk and the egg then whisk until well combined.
- in a separate dish add the flour and baking powder
- Add two teaspoons of black pepper, onion powder, paprika and garlic powder then whisk until well combined.
- Dredge the steaks in the egg mixture then the flour then place them on a wire rack
- Using medium heat bring the oil to temperature then fry the steaks for four minutes on each side.
- After eight minutes remove your steak from the pan and set it aside until later.
- Remove most of your oil from the pan leaving five tablespoons.
- Add five tablespoons of the seasoned flour to the pan then mix until it has browned.
- Add the remaining milk and continue to whisk.
- Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper and continue to mix until your gravy has reached your desired consistency.
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