Southern comfort food: Country fried steak with gravy
Come on down y’all, because I have got a recipe for you that will make your taste buds jump with joy. I’m no Paula Deen, but I know how to make some darn good southern-style cuisine. And today, I’m going to be sharing with you my recipe for Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy.
Now, some folks might call it Chicken Fried Steak but here in the South we call it Country Fried Steak. Tender steak that’s been coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown is served smothered in delicious gravy – what could be better than that? It’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll have you feeling right at home.
Whether you’re looking for something hearty to serve up for dinner or just want to impress your friends with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to do the trick. So let’s get cookin’ and make some delicious Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow food lovers, listen up! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe. The crispy fried steak combined with creamy white gravy is a match made in heaven. I promise you won’t be able to resist the homestyle goodness.
First of all, let’s talk about the steak. This recipe uses tender cube steaks that are dredged in seasoned flour, eggs and milk mixture, and then fried to a perfect golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy and flavorful meat inside. Every bite will leave you wanting more.
And let’s not forget about the white gravy – the ultimate complement to the fried steak. It’s simple yet oh-so-tasty: a roux made from flour and butter that’s cooked until golden brown, then combined with milk and seasoning to create a smooth and luscious sauce. Pour liberally over your fried steak or mashed potatoes for the ultimate culinary experience.
But it’s not just the amazing taste that makes this recipe stand out – it’s also its versatility. You can make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it pairs well with a variety of sides like biscuits, coleslaw or green beans. The recipe even allows for substitutions like chicken instead of beef or adding some heat with paprika or cayenne.
In short, there are endless reasons why you’ll love this Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe – the crispy steak, the creamy gravy, the taste of home cooking at its best. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a classic favorite in Southern cuisine.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to fry up some delicious Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy:
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 8 oz milk
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: if you want to go extra southern with your steak, swap out the milk and flour for a creamy white sausage gravy instead for some real comfort food.
Make sure you gather all of these ingredients before you begin cooking so that you are ready to go when it’s time to start frying those steaks!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part, actually preparing your Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy! This recipe is crazy easy, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be chowing down on crispy steak and savory gravy in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 (1/2 inch) cube steaks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Prepping The Steak
First things first, prep your steak! Ensure they are patted dry with paper towels. This helps them fry up nice and crispy. Sift together flour, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper into a small bowl.
Whisk It Up
Whisk together milk and eggs in a separate bowl.
Begin Coating
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Back into the flour mixture again to give it a double coating – this is what makes it extra crispy!
Ready to Fry
Heat up vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to go halfway up the sides of your steak – this way you’ll get an evenly fried surface.
Fry the Steaks
Once the oil is hot (around 375°F), fry your steaks until they are golden brown (about 5 minutes each side). Be sure to only flip once otherwise the coating may fall off. Do not overcrowd the pan: work in batches if needed.
Make Your Gravy
Once you’ve finished frying, drain the steaks on a paper towel and start making your gravy. Heat 1/4 cup of the remaining frying oil in a new pan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to create a paste-like consistency. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously until smooth. Add in any additional salt and pepper for seasoning.
Serving
Plate your fried steak and smother it with the Southern-style white gravy. Serve alongside chrome-yellow mashed potatoes and collard greens for the ultimate Chicken Fried Steak dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix up the traditional Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can try! Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
– Steak Variations: Although cube steak is typically used in this recipe, you can also use other cuts of beef, like ribeye or sirloin, for a more upscale version of this classic dish. If you’re feeling daring, you could even try using chicken instead for a Southern Chicken Fried Steaks Recipe!
– Flour Variations: While all-purpose flour is used in the dredging process for the steaks, you could experiment with using different types of flour. For example, using self-rising flour will result in an even crispier crust.
– Spices Variations: If you want to add a little kick to your steaks, try incorporating some paprika or cayenne pepper into your flour mixture.
– Gravy Variations: Along with white gravy made with milk as the base, another delicious option is making brown gravy by using beef broth in place of milk. Sausage gravy is also a crowd favorite that pairs perfectly with these country fried steaks.
– Side Dishes Variations: Although mashed potatoes is a traditional side dish for Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe , you can also serve it with french fries or coleslaw for something different. Alternatively, if you want to keep things authentic, serve it with black-eyed peas and collard greens.
Remember, cooking is about experimenting with flavors and ingredients until you find what works best for your palate. So feel free to adjust this recipe to match your own preferences and let us know how it turns out!
Serving and Pairing
After preparing your delicious southern country fried steaks and gravy, it’s important to think about how you’ll serve them to bring out the full flavor profile of this comfort food classic. A great option is to pair it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, collard greens or green beans.
For a complete meal, serve crispy chicken or sausage gravy alongside your fried steak for a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. You can also top your steak recipe gravy with sautéed onions to add texture and depth to the dish.
When it comes to pairing beverages, sweet tea or lemonade perfectly complement the meal. And if you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, you can never go wrong with a cold beer or iced bourbon.
This dish is also versatile enough to be served as lunch or dinner. Bring out southern charm by setting up a buffet table filled with deep-fried southern food classics like chicken-fried steak and barrel chicken.
If you want to explore an alternative variation, try smothering your cube steaks with brown gravy for that extra kick of flavor. Trust me when I say that there is no wrong way to enjoy these crispy country fried steaks!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making ahead, storing, and reheating your Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, you can make the country fried steaks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they are crispy again.
Secondly, you can make the gravy a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat it, transfer it to a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through.
If you have leftovers of both the steaks and gravy, I recommend storing them separately in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the steaks from getting soggy from the gravy.
Finally, if you want to freeze your Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe for later use, I suggest reheating them in the oven from frozen at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. However, keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture of the steaks.
By following these easy tips and recommendations, you can enjoy your favorite Southern comfort food any day of the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to southern cuisine, crispy fried steak and creamy gravy is a classic dish that offers a burst of flavors that satisfies any craving for comfort food. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have learned some tips over the years to ensure that your country fried steak and gravy recipe turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the ultimate homemade version of this dish.
1. Use cube steak for best results
For the perfect country fried steak, the cut of meat matters. Cube steak refers to round steak that has been tenderized by pounding with a meat mallet or run through a mechanical tenderizer. It has a fine texture and is ideal for frying as it cooks well and maintains its shape even when battered and fried.
2. Preheat oil and pan temperature
Before you start frying, it is important to preheat your oil and pan enough so that your steaks turn out golden brown and crispy. The ideal pan temperature should be between medium-high to high heat, as this ensures that the coating on your steak forms into a delicious crust which results in optimum texture.
3. Use an egg wash and double dredging technique
The secret to crispy coating is double dredging technique which means dipping the steak first in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then in an egg wash made up of whisked milk, eggs, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, salt then returning back to flour mixture. This double layering produces a delectable crunchy coating with good texture complementing juicy tenderized beef.
4. Swap out plain flour for self-raising flour
Using self-raising flour instead of regular all-purpose flour gives your batter an extra lift which makes your fried steaks fluffier while producing crunchier exterior.
5. Let the steaks stand before serving them
Once finished cooking or deep-frying allow steaks sit aside on paper towels layered plate for about five to ten minutes. This helps them release hot air trapped from cooking keeping the crust crispy and revitalizing the taste before serving.
By following these tips, you can make your own fried cube steak with the ultimate gravy recipe that tastes just as good or even better than dining at a high-quality southern restaurant.
FAQ
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I know that often there are questions and concerns that come up while preparing a recipe like this one. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about my Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe along with my expert tips and advice to help you make a perfect and tasty meal every time.
What is country-fried steak gravy made of?
To make this savory dish, you’ll require two sets of ingredients. First, you’ll need a coating mixture made of flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Second, you’ll require ingredients for the gravy, which includes pan drippings, butter, flour, heavy cream, and milk. Additionally, we’ll be using an egg wash buttermilk mixture to help thicken and flavor the coating.
How do you keep breading from falling off country-fried steak?
One trick I always use when making breaded meat is to put the coated meat onto a sheet pan, cover it up, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour before frying. This ensures that the breading sticks to the meat and stays put while cooking. Nobody wants breading falling off and making a mess!
What is the difference between country-fried steak and country-fried steak?
There are two popular ways to plate a steak dish: chicken fried steak with white gravy, and country fried steak with brown gravy. Chicken fried steak is deeply fried and has a crispy crust, while country fried steak is a simple, yet hearty dish that is smothered in a savory gravy.
How does Paula Deen make country-fried steak?
Time to get cookin’! First, grab some good ol’ Paula Deen House Seasoning and sprinkle it on both sides of the meat. Now, dip those succulent steaks in some buttermilk, followed by a nice coating of flour.
Get a large, heavy skillet and pour in some oil – about an inch should do. Set it over medium-high heat and let it heat up. Once the pan is hot, add the steaks in batches and let them sizzle until they’re nicely golden brown, which should take around 5 minutes per side. Trust me, that crispy texture on the outside is gonna make your taste buds dance with joy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to taste the ultimate comfort food of the South, then this Southern Country Fried Steak and Gravy recipe is all you need. It’s a classic dish that brings together crispy fried steak and smooth white gravy that will make your taste buds sing. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even a novice cook can whip up a delicious meal that they can be proud of.
Remember to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results. Don’t forget to season your steaks well with kosher salt and black pepper before dipping them in the milk and egg mixture, followed by the seasoned flour. And don’t rush when cooking your steaks; let them cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
To add some variety to the recipe, try different variations like using cube steak or swapping out white gravy for brown gravy or sausage gravy. You can also pair the dish with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
In summary, this Southern Country Fried Steak and Gravy recipe is a Southern classic that no one can resist. So dust off your frying pan, head to the kitchen, and get ready to enjoy some delicious comfort food. Trust me; it will be worth every bite!
Southern Country Fried Steaks and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup lard
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- season meat with garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Dip into flour, then eggs, then flour again.
- Heat lard in large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steaks on each side for 3-4 minutes.
- Gravy recipe.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of lard. Mix in flour (2tbsp.) with the oil. cook over med. heat and gradually whisk in milk. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Serve over steaks.
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