The Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

 

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak:

1. Season both sides of the cube steaks with salt and black pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
4. Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
5. Dip the floured steaks into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour once again, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Steak:

1. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
2. Carefully add the breaded cube steaks to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
3. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the fried steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm while you prepare the gravy.

Make the Gravy:

1. Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet used to fry the steaks.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine, creating a roux.
3. Cook the roux, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve:

1. Place the fried cube steaks on serving plates and spoon the warm gravy over the top.
2. Serve the chicken fried steak immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw.
3. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried steak with creamy gravy, a comforting and delicious Southern classic that’s perfect for a hearty dinner!