Description

A true Southern classic, Chicken Fried Steak features tender cube steak with a crispy, seasoned crust, smothered in rich, creamy country gravy. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

4 cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

Vegetable oil, for frying

1/4 cup reserved frying oil (for gravy)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)

2 to 2 1/2 cups milk (for gravy)

Salt and black pepper, to taste (for gravy)

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Instructions

Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk.
Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour again, pressing the flour into the steak.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the steaks in batches, frying each for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
For the gravy, reserve 1/4 cup of frying oil in the skillet and reduce heat to medium.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring until the gravy thickens. Add more milk as needed for desired consistency.
Season gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve over the fried steaks.

Notes

Use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the egg wash for extra flavor.

For added spice, increase the cayenne or add hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for both breading and gravy.

Try with chicken breast or pork cutlets as a variation.

Bake instead of frying for a lighter version—400°F until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
Calories: 560
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 21g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 135mg