Chicken fried steak is a dish that typically consists of a piece of beef steak that is pounded thin, seasoned, breaded, and fried in oil. It is a popular comfort food in the Southern United States, with many variations found in different regions.
How To Make:
To make chicken fried steak, a piece of beef steak is usually tenderized by pounding it with a meat mallet or running it through a tenderizing machine. The steak is then seasoned with salt, black pepper, and other spices, and coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk or buttermilk.
The steak is then fried in hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The crispy coating is what sets chicken fried steak apart from other steak preparations, and it is often served with a creamy white gravy made from the drippings and seasoned with black pepper.
Chicken fried steak is typically served with a side of mashed potatoes, corn, and green beans, although some variations may include other sides such as mac and cheese or coleslaw. It is a popular choice in diners, cafes, and other casual dining establishments across the United States, and it remains a beloved comfort food for many.
Here are some tips and variations for making chicken fried steak:
Tips:
Choose a tender cut of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, for the best results.
Use a meat mallet or tenderizing machine to ensure that the steak is evenly thin.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure that it is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
For a lighter version, you can use chicken instead of beef and bake instead of fry.
If you want to save time, you can use pre-tenderized cube steak instead of pounding a regular steak.
Variations:
Use different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, to add more flavor to the steak.
Instead of a traditional white gravy, you can make a brown gravy using beef broth and flour.
For a spicy twist, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.
If you want to make a healthier version, you can use almond flour or whole wheat flour for the breading and bake the steak instead of frying.
Use different sides such as fries, onion rings, mac, and cheese, or vegetables, to accompany the chicken fried steak.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°F and place a baking sheet inside to keep the steak warm while you make the gravy.
Mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Toast the oil painting and adulation in a large skillet over medium heat.
Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, and dredge them in the flour mixture again.
Place the steaks in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and place them on the baking sheet in the oven to keep them warm.
To make the gravy, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the pan and whisk in 2 tablespoons of the remaining seasoned flour.
Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until it is browned and fragrant.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy is thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken fried steak with the gravy spooned over the top, along with your choice of sides. Enjoy!
