Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe – A Southern Delight

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by Liora

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Chicken Fried Steak is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its crispy, golden crust and rich, savory gravy. Imagine sinking your teeth into this southern delicacy, where every bite offers a delightful crunch followed by tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks is enough to make even the most disciplined dieter throw caution to the wind.

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This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Reminiscing about family gatherings where Chicken Fried Steak was the star of the show brings back warm memories filled with laughter and love. Ideal for Sunday brunch or a cozy dinner with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Get ready to treat yourself to a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
  • Enjoy a flavor profile that’s rich, savory, and utterly comforting.
  • Its visual appeal will make your dinner table look like a scene from a cooking show.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion or side dish pairing!

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Beef Round Steak: Look for 1-inch thick cuts; they should be tenderized for best results.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for breading the steak and creating that irresistible crust.
  • Eggs: Use large eggs to help the flour adhere better during frying.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture; whole milk works best.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skimp on them for maximum flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Choose oil with a high smoke point for frying; canola is a good option.

For the Gravy:

  • Butter: Start with butter as a base for your creamy gravy; it adds depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Used again here to thicken the gravy; it creates that silky texture we all love.
  • Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels in your gravy.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances the flavor of your gravy without overpowering it.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Steak

Start by tenderizing your beef round steak using a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s about half an inch thick. This ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. This two-step breading process creates that coveted crispy outer layer.

Step 3: Bread the Steak

Dredge each piece of steak first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it again with flour. Make sure every nook and cranny gets covered—think of it as giving your steak a spa day!

Step 4: Fry It Up

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides—about three minutes per side should do it.

Step 5: Make Your Gravy

After frying the steaks, remove them from the skillet but leave behind any drippings. Melt butter in the same skillet, then whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add beef broth while stirring constantly until thickened—season generously with black pepper.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer those glorious steaks onto plates and generously drizzle with your homemade gravy for that ultimate comfort food experience. Pair them with mashed potatoes or greens for balance!

Now you’re ready to wow friends and family alike with this classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe!

You Must Know

  • This Chicken Fried Steak recipe combines tender beef, crispy breading, and rich gravy for a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat.
  • Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it brings the taste of home right to your table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate Chicken Fried Steak, start by tenderizing the meat first. While you’re letting it rest in the seasoning, prepare your dredging station. Finally, fry the steak until golden brown before making that luscious gravy for drizzling.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out buttermilk for regular milk or add spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different herbs in your breadcrumbs or even make it gluten-free using almond flour.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • When frying, let the oil heat properly to avoid soggy breading.
  • Lastly, don’t rush the gravy; let it simmer to develop rich flavors!

Sometimes I think back to the first time I made Chicken Fried Steak for my friends; they devoured it so quickly I barely got a bite! It’s become our go-to dish for gatherings ever since.

FAQs:

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that combines tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown. It’s similar to how fried chicken is prepared, hence the name. Traditionally served with creamy gravy, this hearty meal has become a comfort food favorite across the United States. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

How do you make Chicken Fried Steak crispy?

To achieve a crispy texture for Chicken Fried Steak, it’s essential to properly season the flour mixture and ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for coating, which enhances crispiness. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to maintain the right temperature and texture.

Can I use other meats for Chicken Fried Steak?

While traditional Chicken Fried Steak uses beef, you can experiment with other meats such as pork or chicken. For Pork Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken, apply the same breading technique. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different meats require varying lengths to reach safe internal temperatures.

What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak pairs beautifully with comfort food sides like mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, collard greens, or cornbread. Fresh salads or steamed vegetables can add a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the steak. Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing The combination creates a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

Conclusion for Chicken Fried Steak:

In summary, Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved dish that showcases simple ingredients transformed into a comforting meal. Achieving the perfect balance of seasoning and crispiness is key to its success. Whether served with gravy or alongside hearty sides, this recipe promises satisfaction at every bite. Chicken And Mac And Cheese Embrace this classic Southern delight and enjoy it at your next family gathering or cozy dinner night.

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Chicken Fried Steak


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  • Author: Liora
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern comfort dish featuring tenderized beef steak coated in a crispy, golden crust and smothered in rich, savory gravy. This easy-to-make recipe brings warmth to family gatherings or cozy dinners, delivering a satisfying crunch followed by juicy, flavorful meat. Perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself, this Chicken Fried Steak will be the highlight of your meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb beef round steak (1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp black pepper (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. Tenderize the beef round steak with a meat mallet until about half an inch thick.
  2. Set up a breading station: In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk; in another, combine flour with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge the steak first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again with flour.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded steaks for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. For the gravy, remove steaks from the pan but leave drippings. Melt butter, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add beef broth while stirring until thickened. Season with black pepper.
  6. Serve steaks topped with gravy alongside mashed potatoes or greens.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy (200g)
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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