Description
Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak features tenderized cube steak coated in a seasoned flour and egg batter, fried to a golden crisp and served with a rich, creamy peppered white gravy. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds cube steak (4 patties)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Breading Mixture
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Egg Wash
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
Frying
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying, or enough to fill skillet about 1/4 inch deep)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup oil and drippings (reserved from frying)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ⅓ cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet. This setup will be used to keep the fried steaks warm after frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 3/4 cup vegetable oil into a large skillet, enough to reach 1/4 inch in depth. Heat over medium heat until shimmering and ready for frying.
- Tenderize and Season Steak: Use pre-tenderized cube steak patties. Season both sides of each steak with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes to absorb seasoning.
- Prepare Breading Mixtures: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk and eggs.
- Coat the Steaks: Dip each steak first into the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a nice coating. Then dip into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, dip again into the flour mixture to double coat.
- Check Oil Temperature and Fry: To test the oil, sprinkle a pinch of flour into it. If it sizzles immediately, it’s hot enough. Carefully place one steak at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (2 steaks max depending on skillet size).
- Cook Steaks: Fry each side for about 4 minutes, spooning hot oil over the top during cooking to help the batter set and cook evenly. Flip the steak carefully to cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove steaks from oil and place them on the wire rack set on the baking sheet. Place this in the preheated oven to keep the steaks warm while frying the remaining pieces.
- Reserve Oil for Gravy: Reserve 1/4 cup of the oil and drippings from the skillet along with the crispy bits left behind. Discard the rest of the frying oil safely.
- Make the Gravy: In the skillet with the reserved 1/4 cup oil and drippings, whisk in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in 2 ⅓ cups whole milk and 2/3 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly. Continue whisking until no lumps remain and the gravy is uniform.
- Simmer and Thicken Gravy: Let the gravy simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the fried steaks and generously ladle the creamy pepper gravy over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cube steak is typically pre-tenderized, but you can lightly pound if desired for extra tenderness.
- Maintain oil temperature between batches to ensure crispy, not greasy steaks.
- Double dipping the steaks in flour helps create an extra crispy crust.
- Use a wire rack to drain fried steaks to prevent sogginess.
- Gravy can be adjusted for thickness by simmering longer or adding more milk.
- For a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or green beans for a full Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Chicken Fried Steak, Southern recipe, comfort food, fried steak, white gravy, cube steak
