Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that'll transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine! Our Chicken Fried Steak Gravy recipe is more than just a meal - it's a crispy, golden masterpiece that promises to make your taste buds dance with pure Southern delight. Whether you're craving a hearty weekend dinner or looking to impress your family with a classic American dish, this recipe is your ticket to culinary heaven. Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering journey that combines perfectly crisp beef, a crunchy coating, and the most decadent, creamy gravy you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak breading station by setting up three shallow dishes: one with 1 cup of all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third left empty for the breaded steaks.
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dredge each steak first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again in flour, ensuring a complete and even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F.
- Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, maintaining an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove steaks and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them warm in a low-temperature oven.
- For the gravy, reduce skillet heat to medium and leave the delicious browned bits (fond) in the pan.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour into the pan, stirring constantly to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps from forming, and cook until the gravy thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting thickness by adding more milk if needed.
- Pour the hot gravy over the chicken fried steaks and serve immediately, traditionally accompanied by mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits.
Tips
- Pat the steaks completely dry before breading to ensure a super crispy exterior.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and flavor development.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for optimal frying - use a kitchen thermometer if possible.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; fry steaks in batches to keep the coating crispy.
- Let the steaks rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
- For the gravy, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Season your flour mixture generously - this is where the flavor begins!
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and hottest gravy.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk.
- For an extra Southern touch, serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 180mg
