Howdy, y’all! Are you feeling a little down in the dumps and in need of some serious comfort food? Look no further than this chicken fried steak recipe! This iconic Southern dish is sure to boost your spirits and leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Chicken fried steak is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by Southerners for generations. It’s essentially a breaded, pan-fried steak that is served smothered in a creamy gravy. Some people even refer to it as “country fried steak” or “pan-fried steak.” Regardless of what you call it, one thing is for sure – it’s downright delicious! This recipe is perfect for when you’re in the mood for some true Southern comfort food. So grab your apron and let’s get cookin’!
How to Make the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe at Home
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern meal that has become beloved across the United States. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious! Here’s how you can make the best chicken fried steak recipe at home, from tenderizing the meat to creating a perfectly crispy coating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make chicken fried steak, you’ll need a handful of common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- Steak (such as cube steak or round steak)
- All-purpose flour
- Seasonings (such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper)
- Egg
- Milk
- Oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) for frying
Preparing the Steak
The key to a succulent and tender chicken fried steak is to properly prepare the meat. Start by tenderizing the steak with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy spoon until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender.
Next, season the meat generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Be sure to season both sides of the meat evenly. Let the seasoned steak rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Dipping and Coating the Steak
Once the steak is prepared, it’s time to coat it with a crispy, crunchy crust. Here’s how to do it:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together one beaten egg and 1/4 cup of milk.
- In another shallow dish, mix together one cup of flour and one teaspoon of salt.
- Dip the seasoned steak in the flour mixture, turning to coat both sides.
- Next, dip the floured steak in the egg and milk mixture, again making sure both sides are coated.
- Dredge the steak in the flour mixture once more, pressing the flour onto the steak so that it adheres well.
Repeat the process with all of the remaining steaks, setting them aside on a plate or wire rack. Make sure to let them rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking so that the coating can adhere to the steak and become crispy.
Now it’s time to fry your chicken fried steak! Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (the temperature should be around 350°F), carefully add the coated steaks to the pan. Cook the steaks for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the steaks to a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Serve your chicken fried steak hot with homemade gravy or your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that’s loved by many. Creating the perfect chicken fried steak can be challenging, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve a delicious and crispy result every time. Here’s what you need to know:
Frying Techniques
One of the main challenges when cooking chicken fried steak is getting the breading to stick to the meat. To achieve this, the meat should be dry before you begin breading. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start cooking.
The next important thing to consider is the oil temperature. The ideal temperature for frying chicken fried steak is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is not hot enough, the breading will fall off, and the steak will be greasy. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the meat is cooked through. To check if the oil is ready, you can use a thermometer or a wooden spoon. When you dip the end of the spoon into the oil, if small bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough to fry.
Another important tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. When you put too much steak in the pan, the temperature of the oil drops, and the meat won’t cook evenly. To prevent this, fry the steaks in batches, and keep them warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken fried steak is typically served with gravy and mashed potatoes, but there are plenty of other side dishes that complement this delicious dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Fried okra
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
For the gravy, you can use the drippings from the steak, or you can make a simple milk gravy. To make milk gravy, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, and gradually whisk in milk until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations on the Recipe
If you want to change up the traditional chicken fried steak recipe, here are a few ideas:
- Use pork chops or cube steak instead of beef
- Add Cajun spices or hot sauce to the breading for a spicy kick
- Top the steak with cheese and jalapenos for a Tex-Mex twist
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Whatever variation you choose, remember to follow the frying techniques outlined above to ensure a crispy, delicious result.
With these tips and variations, you can perfect your chicken fried steak recipe and impress your friends and family with a delicious Southern-style meal.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed this delicious chicken fried steak recipe and it satisfies those comfort food cravings. Don’t forget to serve it with some mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort food meal.
If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers and appreciate your support. Don’t forget to check back for more tasty recipes and cooking tips.
Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you again soon!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?
Yes, you can use a different cut of beef, just make sure to pound it thin and evenly.
2. How long should I marinate the meat?
It’s best to marinate the meat overnight, but you can marinate for at least 2 hours for some flavor.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil temperature by dropping a pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles and starts to turn brown, then it’s ready for frying.
4. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying.
5. Do I have to use buttermilk for the marinade?
No, you can use regular milk or yogurt for the marinade if you don’t have buttermilk.
6. Can I make the breading ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the breading ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
7. How do I make the gravy?
After frying the steak, use the remaining pan drippings and add flour, milk, and seasoning to make the gravy.
8. Can I freeze the chicken fried steak?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken fried steak for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
9. Do I have to use a cast iron skillet?
No, you can use any type of skillet for frying the steak, but a cast iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
10. Can I use a gluten-free breading?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free breading or even almond flour for a low-carb option.