Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy | Comforting and Easy Recipe
1. Introduction
There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, crispy Chicken Fried Steak. This Southern classic is the epitome of comfort food, offering a tender, juicy steak coated in a perfectly crunchy crust and topped with a creamy, rich gravy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, special occasion, or just craving a delicious home-cooked meal, Chicken Fried Steak is sure to hit the spot.
What makes this dish so amazing is the perfect combination of crispy breading, tender meat, and indulgent gravy. It’s a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The best part? It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. You can customize this recipe by swapping ingredients to suit dietary preferences, and I’ll guide you step by step to make sure your Chicken Fried Steak turns out golden, crispy, and flavorful every time.
Ready to learn how to make this comforting dish? Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
To make Chicken Fried Steak, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of each key ingredient:
Main Ingredients:
- Beef Steak (4 pieces, tenderized)
Typically, cube steaks are used for Chicken Fried Steak because they are naturally tenderized and have a nice texture when cooked. If you can’t find cube steaks, you can use any cut of beef that is thin and tender, such as sirloin or round steak. If you’re looking to cut back on meat, you could swap the steak with chicken cutlets for a lighter option. - Flour (1 cup, for breading)
Flour is the base of the breading for the steak. It provides the crispy coating that makes Chicken Fried Steak so delicious. To make the breading even more flavorful, you can add cornstarch to the flour to make it extra crispy. - Eggs (2 large)
The eggs help the breading adhere to the steak, creating that golden, crunchy exterior. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce. - Buttermilk (1 cup)
Buttermilk is the key to getting a tender steak. The acid in the buttermilk helps to break down the protein in the meat, resulting in a juicier, more tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. - Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika)
The seasoning mix for the breading should include salt, pepper, and paprika for a bit of smoky flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of flavor. - Oil (for frying, vegetable or canola)
For frying the steak, you’ll need an oil with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for deep frying as it allows for an even, crispy coat without burning. - Butter (for the gravy)
A little butter adds richness to the gravy, making it extra creamy and smooth. You can swap it for vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. - Milk (for the gravy)
Milk helps create the base of the gravy, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your very own Chicken Fried Steak at home. It’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through the process!
Step 1: Tenderize the Meat
If you bought cube steaks, this step is already done for you. However, if you’re using a different cut of beef, like sirloin or round steak, it’s important to tenderize the meat. You can do this by using a meat mallet to pound the steak to about 1/2 inch thickness. This will ensure the steak cooks evenly and stays tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.
- In the second dish, beat 2 eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk together until well combined.
- In the third dish, add 1 cup of flour (you can also add more seasoning to this flour if you like).
Dredging in the three stages (flour, egg, flour) will give your steak that crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Coat the Steak
Start by dipping each piece of meat into the first dish of seasoned flour, coating it evenly. Then, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring the steak is fully covered. Finally, return the steak to the flour, pressing gently to coat the meat completely with the flour mixture.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready. Carefully add the breaded steaks to the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steaks are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Once fried, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp of butter and let it melt. Once melted, whisk in 2 tbsp of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Place the crispy Chicken Fried Steaks on plates and generously drizzle with the creamy gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad for a complete Southern meal.
4. Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the steaks in batches ensures that each one gets crispy and golden. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making the crust soggy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the steak is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium-rare.
- Rest After Frying: Let the fried steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak even more tender.
Variations:
- Vegan Option: Substitute the beef for tofu or cauliflower for a vegan take on Chicken Fried Steak. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the gravy.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little heat. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the steak for an extra kick.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Double-dip your steak in the egg and flour mixture for an extra crispy crust.
5. Serving Suggestions
Chicken Fried Steak pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for the rich gravy.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed or steamed green beans make for a delicious, fresh side dish.
- Cornbread: Nothing beats the combination of cornbread and Chicken Fried Steak. The slightly sweet cornbread balances out the savory flavors of the dish.
- Cole Slaw: A tangy, crunchy cole slaw provides a nice contrast to the crispy steak and creamy gravy.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Chicken Fried Steak and gravy separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you have leftover steak, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap the steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the steak in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For the gravy, heat it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary.
7. Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the breading and the gravy ahead of time. Simply store them separately and assemble the dish when ready to cook.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter (for gravy)
- 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
Instructions:
- Tenderize the steak if needed.
- Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and flour.
- Coat steaks and fry in oil until golden brown.
- Make the gravy with butter, flour, and milk.
- Serve the steaks with gravy on top.
Notes:
- Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for a vegan version.
- Double dip for extra crispy steak.
Nutrition:
Calories: 350 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 26g | Protein: 20g
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
There you have it—Chicken Fried Steak, a true Southern classic that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy, and happy cooking!