Delicious Chicken-Fried Steak Recipe You Need to Try Today
Welcome, y’all! Are you feeling a hankering for some true Southern comfort food? Look no further than this recipe for So Southern Chicken-Fried Steak. This dish is sure to transport you straight to a front porch in the heart of Dixie.
This recipe is the ultimate blend of savory and crispy, with seasoned cubed steaks that are dredged in flour, dipped in an egg and buttermilk mixture, and once again coated in flour before being deep-fried to golden perfection. And we can’t forget the gravy. This recipe has two options – a traditional white gravy or a creamy chicken gravy that is simply divine.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a hearty dinner with your family or impress your guests with your Southern-style cooking, this dish will not disappoint. So let’s get cookin’, y’all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing like the warmth of southern comfort food. And when it comes to a classic dish like Chicken-Fried Steak, this recipe is a true winner. If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends, then you’ll love this recipe.
This recipe is not your average steak recipe. It’s the ultimate Chicken Fried Steak recipe with an added touch of southern style. The combination of crispy fried steak with thick, creamy white gravy is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But what sets this recipe apart from others is its secret ingredient – beer! Yes, you heard it right, beer! This adds a unique flavor to the dish that truly makes it stand out.
If you’re a fan of comfort food, then look no further. Chicken-Fried Steak is the epitome of comfort food, and this Southern-style recipe takes it up a notch. The crispy fried steak combined with creamy, savory gravy is the perfect match for mashed potatoes or any other side dish you can think of.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special ingredients. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
So why will you love this recipe? Simple – because it’s the ultimate comfort food that will bring a taste of the South into your kitchen. Once you’ve tried this Chicken-Fried Steak recipe, it may just become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Ingredient List
For the Steak:
- 6-8 beef cube steaks
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- Hot sauce (we recommend Tabasco or Louisiana)
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Take note that this recipe is designed to leave you with plenty of delicious gravy for serving. If you’re only cooking for one or two, you might want to adjust the amounts accordingly.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the fun part, the recipe itself. Follow these steps and you’ll be savoring a crispy and delicious So Southern Chicken-Fried Steak in no time:
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided (1 cup for dredging and 1 cup for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Prepare steaks
Start by preparing the cubed steaks. Sprinkle both sides of each steak with salt and 1 tsp of pepper.
After that, place 1 cup of flour in a large shallow dish and add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon of black pepper. Mix well.
Next, dip each steak in the flour mixture, coating it evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
Step 2: Dredge and Coat
Now it is time to prepare the buttermilk mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and few drops of your favorite hot sauce (optional). Set aside.
In another shallow dish, add the remaining cup of flour, baking powder, remaining half teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Mix well.
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture once again until both sides are coated. Then dip them into the buttermilk mixture, shake off any excess and place back into the flour mixture. Coat evenly and press down gently.
Step 3: Fry
Next, heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F.
Working in batches, carefully place each steak into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Gravy
Now that the Southern Chicken-Fried Steak is ready, it’s time to make the gravy. In the same skillet you used for frying the steaks, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil.
Whisk in two tablespoons of flour, making sure to scrape up any browned bits leftover from frying.
Cook this mixture for about a minute or two—until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk (and more if needed) and cook the mixture while whisking constantly until it thick
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, there’s always room for experimentation and personalization. While this recipe is already pretty darn tasty, you can switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
1) Swap the steak – If you’re not a fan of cube steaks or can’t find them in your grocery store, no worries. You can use other cuts of beef like sirloin steak or even chicken breast. Just pound them thin with a meat mallet or the bottom of a skillet before dredging and frying.
2) Make it spicy – If you love heat, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the finished steak.
3) Upgrade the gravy – While the classic white gravy that accompanies this dish is delicious, you can mix things up by making a different type of gravy. Try a country-style gravy with sausage crumbles or a creamy garlic herb sauce.
4) Go gluten-free – If you’re avoiding
Serving and Pairing
Now that your southern-style chicken-fried steak is ready, it’s time to serve up a big plate of comfort food that will take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of the South.
For the ultimate chicken-fried steak experience, I recommend serving it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread. The smooth buttery mashed potatoes will perfectly balance out the crispy texture of the steak while the smoky sweetness of the collard greens will complement the savory flavors of the dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try pairing your chicken-fried steak with a tall refreshing glass of cold beer. The hoppy notes in beer add another layer of flavor that elevates this classic Southern dish.
Of course, you can always stick to traditional beverage options like sweet tea or lemonade for a refreshingly simple pairing. Or if you prefer something stronger, a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah would be perfect for sipping alongside your steak.
No matter what you choose to accompany your chicken-fried steak, be prepared for an explosion of flavor that combines all the indulgent tastes and aromas of Southern cuisine in one satisfying dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I believe that advance preparation is key to quick and satisfying meals. Luckily, this So Southern Chicken-Fried Steak dish can be made ahead of time for those days when you’re in a rush.
To make the dish ahead of time, I suggest frying the steak cutlets as directed in the recipe. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and frozen for up to two weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cutlets in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For best results, I recommend reheating the cutlets in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the thawed cutlets on a baking sheet and bake for about ten minutes until fully warmed through. This will help maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
If you have leftover gravy, it can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply heat it up on the stove or microwave before serving.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests. With careful storage and reheating, you can enjoy this So Southern Chicken-Fried Steak anytime you need a comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
Any chef knows that the difference between a good dish and an incredible dish comes down to the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Southern Chicken-Fried Steak is nothing less than amazing:
1. Use quality ingredients: For the ultimate chicken-fried steak, start with fresh, high-quality cube steaks. Add fresh ground black pepper and kosher salt to enhance the flavor.
2. Dredge properly: When dredging your steaks in flour mixture, make sure to shake off any excess before dipping it into the egg mixture.
3. Handle with care: When transferring your steaks from one dish to another, use tongs or a fork instead of your hands to prevent ruining the coating.
4. Get your oil hot: Heat oil in the deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C). If it’s not hot enough, your steak won’t get crispy, and if it’s too hot, it can burn.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry only a few pieces at once and maintain the oil temperature throughout the cooking process.
6. Let rest before serving: After removing your steak from the oil or pan, let it rest for a few minutes on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil and allow for optimal juiciness.
7. Master gravy making: Mastering gravy is key to succeeding at this recipe. Mix the flour mixture evenly in order to avoid any clumps of flour or fat from forming in the gravy.
8. Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add some of your own flavor preferences when making the gravy, such as garlic powder, hot sauce or even beer!
Overall, this recipe is all about giving you that magical taste of southern-style comfort food while allowing you room for creativity along the way. Follow these tips carefully and get ready for some finger-licken’ goodness!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Chicken-Fried Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will transport you to the heart of the South with every mouthful. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With a crispy golden crust and tender juicy meat smothered in creamy steak gravy, this dish is a treat for both your taste buds and your soul. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
So don’t hesitate to give it a try! Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the ultimate Southern-style chicken-fried steak. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you. Plus, you can even pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans or corn on the cob for a hearty meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
In the end, comfort food is not just about satisfying physical hunger but also about nurturing our souls and bringing us together around the table. And with this delicious chicken-fried steak recipe, you’ll be able to do just that – create unforgettable memories around a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out!
So Southern Chicken-Fried Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces round steaks, cutlet mallet tenderized
- 1 cup flour (may need more)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs, lightly scrambled
- 1 (12 ounce) can flat beer
- 1 tablespoon adolph meat tenderizer (optional)
Instructions
- Cut steak into 4 servings.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder on both sides of steak to taste.
- Put steak onto waxed paper that is floured.
- Then"pound the heck out of the steak with meat mallet or stiff fingers, working from the center out, until it reaches 1/8 inch thick.
- Flip several times and repeat pounding.
- Mix eggs, beer, 1 teaspoon salt and Adolph's meat tenderizer in a shallow bowl.
- Add enough flour to make a thin, watery batter.
- Beat mixture smooth.
- Dip meat into batter.
- "Flop"back onto floured wax paper and cover with more flour.
- Pound again with finger tips until moisture is absorbed.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Cook in deep fat at 350°F until golden brown.
- Make sure oil is hot enough or you could lose some of the batter.
- (Sprinkle a little flour in hot oil and if it sizzles the oil is ready to fry).
- Serve with French fries and cover with white gravy.