Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
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Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern comfort food that combines crispy breading with tender beef steak. Despite its name, the dish doesn’t actually involve chicken. Instead, a beef steak, usually a tender cut like cube steak, is breaded and deep-fried, much like fried chicken. This hearty dish is often served with creamy gravy, making it a classic for family dinners and comfort food cravings.

People Why Love Chicken Fried Steak
- Crispy and Delicious: The golden, crispy coating gives a perfect crunch with each bite.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food, filling and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it with mashed potatoes, fries, or a side of greens, making it perfect for any meal.
- Savory Gravy: The creamy gravy that accompanies it adds a rich, comforting flavor to each bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite being delicious, it’s fairly simple to prepare and cook.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed: Chicken Fried Steak is a great source of protein, helping to build and repair tissues in the body.
- Rich in Iron: The beef provides a good amount of iron, essential for carrying oxygen in the blood.
- High in B-Vitamins: The dish contains a variety of B-vitamins, particularly B12, which helps in energy production.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut: Cube steak is most common for Chicken Fried Steak, but you can use other cuts like sirloin or round steak. Just make sure to tenderize the meat well.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough to cook the steak properly, but not smoking. A good test is to drop a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Gravy Pairing: If you want to add gravy, you can make it with the leftover oil and flour. Just add milk, whisk, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Crispy Coating: For extra crunch, let the breaded steaks sit for a few minutes before frying to allow the coating to firm up.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern comfort food that combines crispy breading with tender beef steak. Despite its name, the dish doesn't actually involve chicken. Instead, a beef steak, usually a tender cut like cube steak, is breaded and deep-fried, much like fried chicken.
Equipment
- Frying Pan or Skillet: A large skillet works best for frying, giving the steak room to cook evenly.
- Tongs or Spatula: To flip the steaks without breaking the coating.
- Meat Tenderizer (optional): To tenderize the meat, especially if using tougher cuts like cube steak.
- Plate and Paper Towels: To drain the fried steak and keep it crispy.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients for the breading and seasoning.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of cube steak or tenderized beef
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Notes:
To make the steak extra crispy, double bread it by dipping it back in the egg and flour mixture after the first coating.
For a kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mix.
If you're serving it with gravy, make sure to reserve a little of the flour mix to create a roux for the gravy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
470
Calories (kcal)
22
Fat (g)
0
Carbs (g)
35
Protein (g)
* Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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Hi, I'm Nagi!
I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!
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