Classic Chicken Fried Steak
A beloved comfort food featuring tenderized beef steaks coated in a flavorful breading and fried to a perfect golden brown, served with rich, creamy gravy.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 4 pieces beef cube steaks, tender and ready to soak up flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, for an irresistible crispy coating
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adding a hint of warmth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, bringing a subtle smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for aromatic depth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, complementing the savory notes
- 2 large eggs, for binding the coating
- 1/2 cup milk, making the egg wash rich and creamy
- Vegetable oil for frying Ensure sufficient oil for frying.
For the Gravy
- 1/4 cup pan drippings or butter, the base for a rich gravy
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy), thickening the sauce beautifully
- 2 cups milk (for gravy), adding creaminess and richness
- Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy) To season the blend perfectly.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and dredge in flour again.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the steaks in batches, frying for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Gravy
- In the same skillet, use the pan drippings or melt butter. Whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens, around 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Plate the fried steaks and generously pour the creamy country gravy over the top.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the oil is sufficiently heated. Consider adding cayenne pepper for extra kick or use an air fryer for a lighter version. Adjust gravy thickness by cooking time.