Description
Classic Chicken Fried Steak with crispy breading and creamy country gravy, a hearty Southern comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 beef cube steaks (4–6 oz each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved frying oil or butter (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups whole milk, warm (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
- Pinch of cayenne or white pepper (optional, for gravy)
Instructions
- Pat cube steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
- Dredge steaks in seasoned flour, then dip in egg mixture, then back in flour. Press coating to adhere.
- Let coated steaks rest on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes to set the breading.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (350°F).
- Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on wire rack or paper towels.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of frying oil, reduce heat to medium, and whisk in 1/4 cup flour. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Season gravy with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or white pepper. Serve over hot steaks.
Notes
- Rest dredged steaks before frying to keep coating intact.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F.
- Drain on a wire rack for crispiness instead of paper towels.
- Gravy can be made in advance and reheated with extra milk.
- To make gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend for dredging and gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Chicken Fried Steak, Southern comfort food, crispy steak recipe, homemade gravy, country-style dinner
