Chicken Fried Steak Yall and Creamy Gravy to Boot
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave that stick-to-your ribs goodness? You know, the kind that makes you wanna kick off your boots and relax? Well, let's talk Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak ! This ain't health food, but sometimes you just need it, right?
Down Home Deliciousness Awaits
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is pure comfort. It's crispy steak, creamy gravy, and a whole lotta love. You can find similar dishes in Austria and Italy, but we’ve made it our own in the USA.
The Southern Staple: Explained
This Southern Cooking classic hails from, well, the South! It's basically a Steak version of fried chicken. We're talkin' tenderized steak coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown, then smothered in the most amazing Creamy Gravy Recipe you've ever tasted.
The recipe is medium difficulty, needs one hour fifteen minutes including chilling and serves 4 folks.
Why You Need This in Your Life
Honestly, this Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is the ultimate Comfort Food Dinner Ideas . It is perfect for Sunday supper. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Plus, who doesn't love a good excuse to make Country Gravy ? I'm telling you, it's magical.
Plus, this recipe uses cube steak recipes , which are already pretty tender. And, did you know, enjoying Southern Style meals can actually boost your mood? It's like a hug from the inside out!
Now, let's talk ingredients. First, you’ll need Buttermilk , all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, eggs, milk and a lot of vegetable oil. Don’t be scared of oil. Trust me.
Ingredients & Equipment for the BEST Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak
Alright, y'all ready to make some magic? This Chicken Fried Steak recipe is all about good ingredients and a little bit of love.
Trust me, even if you think you can't cook, you can do this. Let's gather everything for some Southern cooking .
I even included those confusing metric measurements too.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Beef Cube Steaks: You'll need 4 steaks ( 4-6 oz/113-170g each ).
- Quality check: Look for steaks that are already tenderized. Nice marbling is a good sign!
Breading Power:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g) . And keep extra handy, just in case.
- Salt: 2 teaspoons (10g) .
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon (2g) . Freshly ground is best!
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (2g) .
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (1g) .
Egg Wash Station:
- Large eggs: 2 . Free range if you can find 'em.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
Frying Goodness:
- Vegetable oil: 3 cups (720ml) .
Seasoning and Flavor Magic
This is where the Southern Style really comes through.
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t skimp!.
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the creamy gravy recipe . Oh my gosh, it makes a world of difference!
- Quick Subs: No paprika? A little smoked paprika works just fine, darling.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for amazing comfort food dinner ideas .
- Meat Mallet: Gotta tenderize those steak s. If you don't have one, a rolling pin works in a pinch!.
- Skillet: A big cast iron skillet is ideal.
- Shallow Dishes: Pie plates are perfect for dredging.
- Tongs: To flip the chicken fried steak recipe safely.
- Instant read thermometer: Really important to monitor the oil temperature and fry delicious cube steak recipes .
This Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak is worth it. Honestly, this is going to be the best Creamy Gravy recipe you've ever made. Now let's get cooking!
Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak: A Down Home Delight
Listen up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the comfort food dinner ideas of the South: Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe .
Honestly, this dish is basically a hug on a plate. It's Southern Cooking at its finest. I remember my Grandma used to make this every Sunday.
You could smell that delicious fried goodness all the way down the street! It's one of those Cube Steak Recipes that just sticks with you.
Ready to try it yourself?
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: let's get organized. We call it mise en place, which is just fancy talk for "everything in its place".
Gather your 4 cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each), flour, spices, eggs, and milk. Get those shallow dishes ready for breading.
This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe requires a little pre-planning for smooth cooking!. It will save you time later, trust me! Safety first! Make sure your skillet is stable before you start heating that vegetable oil .
Frying Perfection: step-by-step
Alright, here's how we get that Southern Style crust just right:
- Tenderize those steaks. Pound them thin.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a dish.
- Whisk eggs and milk in another dish. It makes the Buttermilk texture.
- Dredge steaks in flour, then egg, then flour again.
- Chill breaded steaks for at least 30 minutes . This step is crucial!
- Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in a large skillet.
- Fry steaks 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on a wire rack.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Want that extra "oomph"? Here are a few tricks I've learned:
- Chilling the breaded steaks is key. It helps the breading stay put.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to keep the oil temp steady.
- A good Gravy starts with a good roux. Cook the flour in the oil until it's lightly golden.
Avoid using too much oil in the pan. It'll make the Steak greasy. You can even make the breaded steaks ahead of time.
Store them in the fridge until you're ready to fry. Then, it's just quick Southern Style cooking!
Creamy Gravy: The Crowning Glory
No Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak is complete without Country Gravy , that creamy, peppery goodness! This is the Creamy Gravy Recipe dreams are made of.
In the same skillet, make a roux with the leftover oil and flour. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
Oh my gosh , it's so good! Spoon it generously over your Chicken Fried Steak . Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and maybe some biscuits.
Now that's a comfort food dinner ideas !
Recipe Notes for the Best Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Chicken Fried Steak Recipe , huh? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.
These are the little tips and tricks I've learned along the way to making truly amazing Southern Style food. Honestly, it's all about the details!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, let’s talk presentation. For plating, think simple and rustic. Place that beautiful Chicken Fried Steak front and center. Then, smother it generously with that Creamy Gravy Recipe we just made.
Seriously, don't be shy with the gravy ! A sprig of parsley adds a nice pop of color.
For sides, you can’t go wrong with classic Southern cooking . Mashed potatoes are a MUST. Green beans or corn also work perfectly.
Don't forget some buttery biscuits or cornbread. As for drinks, I always go for sweet tea or lemonade. Honestly, they complement the richness of the Steak so well.
They're perfect for this Comfort Food Dinner Ideas .
Storage Tips
Listen, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, tbh!), here's what you do. Store the Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak and Country Gravy separately in airtight containers.
They'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing the fried steak. It can get a bit soggy.
The gravy , however, freezes pretty well. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
When reheating the steak, the oven is your best bet. Pop it in at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes.
This helps keep it crispy. You can reheat the Creamy Gravy Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Cool! For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk to make the gravy .
It will change the flavor slightly, but it's still darn tasty! You could also use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading.
Note: this will impact its texture.
Seasonal swaps are always fun, too. In the summer, I like to add fresh corn to the batter. It brings a little sweetness.
In the fall, a pinch of sage to the gravy is delicious.
Nutrition Basics
Alright, let’s keep it real: This isn't a health food. But oh my gosh, it's so good! This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is packed with protein.
Protein it crucial for building and repairing tissues. It's also a good source of iron. But remember, it's also high in fat and calories.
So, enjoy it in moderation! A balanced diet is super important.
Now, go on and make yourself some amazing Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak . And don’t forget the Creamy Gravy ! You got this, hun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak anyway? Is there any chicken in it?
Bless your heart, that's a fair question! Despite the name, Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak is actually beef usually cube steak. It's called "chicken fried" because it's prepared just like fried chicken: breaded and deep fried to a golden, crispy perfection and usually served with a creamy gravy.
Think of it as a Southern comfort food hug on a plate!
My gravy is always lumpy! What am I doing wrong when making the gravy for Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak?
Lumpy gravy can be a real pain, but easily avoided. The key is to create a smooth roux. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the flour and whisk constantly until it turns a light golden brown, kind of like peanut butter.
Then, slowly whisk in your milk, a little at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This will ensure a silky, lump free gravy every time.
How can I make sure my Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak isn't tough?
Tough steak is a definite no-no! Start with cube steak, as it's already been partially tenderized. But the real trick is to pound the steak thin about 1/4 inch thick with a meat mallet.
Also, chilling the breaded steaks for at least 30 minutes before frying helps the breading adhere and keeps the steak tender. And don't overcook them! A few minutes per side is all you need.
Can I prepare Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time?
While Chicken Fried Steak is best served fresh, you can prep certain elements ahead of time. You can bread the steaks and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also make the gravy ahead of time, but it might thicken as it cools.
Just add a little milk and reheat gently before serving, whisking to smooth it out. Reheating fully fried steak can make it a bit less crisp, so adjust expectations accordingly.
Is Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak healthy? Are there any ways to lighten it up?
Let's be honest, Chicken Fried Steak isn't exactly a health food it's a decadent treat! But you can make a few tweaks to lighten it up. Use leaner cuts of beef, bake the steak instead of frying (though it won't be quite the same!), or use skim milk for the gravy.
You could also serve it with a large side of steamed veggies to balance things out. Remember, everything in moderation!
Can I freeze Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak for later?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fried Steak, but the texture might change slightly. Let the fried steaks cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. The gravy can also be frozen separately in an airtight container.
When ready to eat, thaw both in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or a skillet. Be aware the breading might not be as crispy as when freshly made, but it will still be delicious!
Chicken Fried Steak Yall And Creamy Gravy To Boo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |