Introduction:
Indulge in a taste of Southern comfort with this classic Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe. Crispy, golden-brown breading envelops tender, juicy steak, while creamy gravy adds a touch of richness to every bite. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weekend brunch, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again with flour mixture. Ensure each steak is evenly coated.
- Fry the Steaks: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the steaks to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually whisk in milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook the gravy, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Place the chicken fried steaks on plates and ladle the gravy over the top. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite sides.
Conclusion:
With its crispy exterior, tender steak, and creamy gravy, Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This homemade version allows you to enjoy all the flavors of the South in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the chicken fried steak just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with Southern Sides: Serve the chicken fried steak alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
- Add a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
- Serve with Hot Sauce: For an extra kick of flavor, offer hot sauce or pepper sauce on the side for those who like a bit of heat.
- Family-Style Presentation: Arrange the chicken fried steaks on a platter and place the gravy in a gravy boat or small pitcher for guests to serve themselves buffet-style.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken fried steak and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat until heated through, taking care not to overcook and dry it out. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
- Freezing: While the steak can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the cooked and cooled chicken fried steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken fried steak in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat following the instructions for reheating above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy remains delicious and enjoyable, whether served fresh or reheated for a later meal.
- Can I use a different cut of meat for chicken fried steak?
While cube steak is traditionally used for chicken fried steak due to its tenderness and thinness, you can substitute other cuts such as round steak or sirloin steak. However, these cuts may require tenderizing with a meat mallet to achieve the desired tenderness. - Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much upon cooling, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency. - How do I know when the chicken fried steak is cooked through?
Chicken fried steak is typically cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. To ensure the steak is cooked through, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. Additionally, the breading should be golden brown and crispy. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for both the breading and gravy. Additionally, ensure that any other ingredients used, such as the seasoning and milk, are gluten-free. With these substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of chicken fried steak with gravy.