Get ready to experience the most mouth-watering, crispy, and soul-satisfying meal that has been a staple of American diner cuisine for generations! This classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe is more than just a dish – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a golden, crunchy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're craving a hearty dinner or looking to impress with your cooking skills, this recipe is your ticket to comfort food heaven!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Gravy (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 beef cube steaks, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of milk, vegetable oil for frying, and gravy if desired.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Take each beef cube steak and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring that both sides are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured steak into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before returning it to the flour mixture.
- Coat the steak again in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well to the surface. Repeat this process for all four cube steaks.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 inch deep). The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded cube steaks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the fried steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while you finish frying the remaining steaks.
- If desired, prepare gravy using the drippings from the pan. To do this, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the drippings and whisk to create a roux. Gradually add 1-2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with the homemade gravy if desired, alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil is at the right heat (around 350-375°F) for the perfect crispy crust. Too cool, and your steak will be greasy; too hot, and it'll burn before cooking through.
- Double Dredging Technique: The secret to an extra crispy coating is double dredging - flour, egg wash, then flour again. This creates a thick, crunchy exterior that's irresistible.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each steak gets beautifully golden brown.
- Let the Meat Rest: After frying, let the steaks rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
- Gravy Making Tip: Use the same pan you fried the steaks in for maximum flavor when making your gravy. The browned bits add incredible depth to the sauce.
- Meat Selection: Choose cube steaks for the most tender result, as they're already tenderized and perfect for this classic dish.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your sides to be ready when the steaks come out of the fryer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 150mg
