Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Chicken Fried Steak! This delightful dish takes me back to my childhood, where the kitchen was always filled with tantalizing smells. Growing up, Sunday dinners often featured this soul-satisfying meal, and I remember the excitement of diving into a mountain of creamy gravy slathered over crispy, golden-brown steak. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia—perfect for any occasion or simply when you need a little pick-me-up!
What’s unique about Chicken Fried Steak is how it transforms a humble cut of meat into something utterly indulgent. While it’s commonly associated with Southern cooking, I find that everyone has their spin on it, which means there’s a version for every table. Plus, who doesn’t love something that’s both crispy and smothered in gravy? Trust me, once you take that first juicy bite, it’s hard to go back!
What’s in Chicken Fried Steak?
Beef Cubes: The star of the dish! I typically use cube steak, which is tenderized round steak and has the perfect texture and flavor for frying.
Flour: This is what gives the steak its crispy coating. I recommend using all-purpose flour, but feel free to experiment with a gluten-free blend if that’s your jam!
Eggs: They act as a binder, helping the flour stick to the meat. I usually use large eggs; they seem to work best in terms of quantity.
Milk: A splash of milk in the egg mixture creates a lighter batter. Whole milk works wonders—gotta go for that creaminess!
Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is my go-to. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some paprika or cayenne for an extra kick!
Oil: For frying, I recommend vegetable or canola oil. Just enough to create that crispy exterior without soaking the steak.
Gravy:** The gravy is where the magic truly happens! A base of butter, flour, and milk, seasoned with salt and freshly cracked pepper, will elevate this dish to new heights.
Is Chicken Fried Steak Good for You?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Chicken Fried Steak is comfort food at its finest, but that deliciousness comes with a few considerations.
Cube Steak: While it’s a great source of protein, cube steak is still red meat, which means we want to enjoy it in moderation.
Fried Coating: Sure, that lovely, crispy exterior may not be the healthiest method of cooking, so indulge responsibly and balance it out with plenty of veggies in your meal!
Gravy: Ah, the creamy gravy—while it’s hard to resist, it can add a significant amount of calories and fat. I like to make a lighter version sometimes by using low-fat milk and less oil.
But hey, we all deserve a little indulgence now and then, right? Treat yourself!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound of cube steak (serves about 4)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– For the gravy:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak?
1. Start by preparing your dredging station: In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs with the milk.
2. Take each piece of cube steak and coat it in the flour mixture first, then dip it into the egg mixture, and back into the flour. Make sure it’s well coated—this is the secret to a crunchy crust!
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a pinch of flour sizzles in the oil.
4. Carefully place the breaded steaks into the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked steak onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
5. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and make the gravy: melt the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously, and bring it to a simmer until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the crispy Chicken Fried Steak smothered in that luscious gravy, and get ready for compliments!
Let’s Spice It Up!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations:
– Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
– Make it lighter by baking the steak instead of frying: just bread and bake at 400°F until crispy!
– Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mix, like Italian herbs or chili powder, for unique flavor profiles.
I hope you give this Chicken Fried Steak a try! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it—especially if you mix it up and make it your own! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
