Craving a hearty, indulgent meal that satisfies your soul? Look no further than this classic Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe. Tender cube steaks coated in a flavorful seasoning blend, fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a creamy homemade gravy – it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
4 Cube Steaks (About 1 ½ lbs)
1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp Paprika
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup whole milk
Vegetable Oil for Frying
For the Gravy:
3 Tbsp Butter
3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
2 Cups Whole Milk
½ tsp Kosher Salt
1 ½ tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions:
For the Steak:
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Bread the Steaks: Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then dredge in flour again. Ensure each steak is evenly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm by loosely covering with foil.
For the Gravy:
- Make the Roux: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a golden brown paste.
- Gradually whisk in milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season the Gravy: Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
To Serve: Plate the fried steaks and generously ladle the creamy gravy on top. Pair with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: When serving Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, consider pairing it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttery cornbread. The creamy gravy complements these dishes perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the plated steaks with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Keep Warm: To ensure that your Chicken Fried Steak stays warm and crispy before serving, place cooked steaks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a preheated oven set to the lowest temperature. This will prevent them from becoming soggy while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken Fried Steak is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately after frying and ladling the gravy for the ultimate dining experience. The crispy exterior and tender interior are at their prime right out of the pan.
- Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To maintain their texture, consider storing the fried steaks separately from the gravy. When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to crisp up the steaks, and warm the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: While Chicken Fried Steak can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the steaks before frying them. Place the breaded steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, fry the steaks directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is not only delicious when served but also maintains its quality for future enjoyment. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this classic dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
While cube steak is traditionally used for Chicken Fried Steak, you can experiment with other cuts such as round steak or sirloin steak. Keep in mind that the texture and tenderness may vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the steak is cooked to your preference.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much upon reheating, you can thin it out with a little additional milk or water.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the recipe?
If you don’t have whole milk on hand, you can use low-fat milk or even half-and-half as a substitute for the gravy. However, keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk may result in a slightly less creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free milk such as almond milk or soy milk for a lactose-free option, though the flavor and consistency may differ slightly.
Can I bake the Chicken Fried Steak instead of frying it?
While frying is the traditional method for making Chicken Fried Steak, you can bake it as a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the breaded steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steaks are cooked through and crispy. Keep in mind that baked Chicken Fried Steak may not be as crispy as the fried version, but it will still be delicious, especially when paired with the homemade gravy.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this homemade Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe. With its crispy exterior, tender meat, and creamy gravy, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe. Tender cube steaks coated in a flavorful blend of spices, fried to golden perfection, and topped with creamy homemade gravy. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
4 Cube Steaks (About 1 ½ lbs)
1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp Paprika
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup whole milk
Vegetable Oil for Frying
For the Gravy:
3 Tbsp Butter
3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
2 Cups Whole Milk
½ tsp Kosher Salt
1 ½ tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- Bread the Steaks: Dredge each steak in flour, dip in egg mixture, then dredge in flour again. Ensure an even coating and shake off any excess.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil (2 inches deep) in a cast iron pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Rest on a paper towel-lined plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
For the Gravy:
- Make the Roux: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture thickens.
- Season the Gravy: Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper.
Notes
Chicken Fried Steak is best served fresh and hot, straight from the pan. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated in the oven or stovetop.
For a crispier coating, refrigerate the breaded steaks for 20-30 minutes before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 680kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 841mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: Chicken Fried Steak, Gravy, Comfort Food, Homemade, Southern, Cube Steak, Crispy, Classic Recipe
