Country Fried Steak
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds round steaks)
or pre-tenderized cube steaks (4 steaks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
plus more to season meat
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 cup Oil)
peanut, olive, canola or avocado oil (amount will vary but you need enough to cover the bottom 1/4 inch of your pan
- 1/4 cup pan drippings)
reserved after making the country fried steak (roughly 4 Tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour)
(roughly 4 Tablespoons
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
can omit
- 2 cups whole milk
amount can vary depending on your preference
- to tasteSalt
- Freshly ground pepper
Directions
- 1
Pound the steaks: Flattening one steak at a time, place steak into a large resealable plastic bag and use a meat tenderizer mallet to pound them to a uniform 1/4 inch thickness.
- 2
Heat the pan: Over medium high heat, heat pan with oil until the oil reaches a temperature of 350°F.
- 3
Reduce amount of oil. Transfer all but 1/4 cup of the drippings to a glass or metal bowl. Do not discard in case more is needed later. Add butter to pan.
- 4
Serve each chicken fried steak with a side of mashed potatoes and smother everything with the warm gravy.
Country Fried Steak
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 33 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a taste of classic Southern comfort food that's easier to make at home than you think? This Country Fried Steak recipe delivers big on flavor and nostalgia, bringing that beloved diner dish right to your kitchen table. You'll love how simple it is to transform humble ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by embracing the traditional techniques that make Country Fried Steak a true Southern classic. The key is starting with tenderized round or cube steak, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture beneath a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown breading. But the real magic happens with the creamy milk gravy, meticulously crafted from the flavorful pan drippings. This ensures every bite is rich, savory, and utterly comforting, setting it apart from less authentic versions.
What to Expect
Prepare your senses for a symphony of textures and flavors. You'll be greeted with a perfectly breaded steak, boasting an irresistible crunch on the outside that yields to a tender, juicy interior. Each piece is generously smothered in a velvety, savory milk gravy, thick enough to cling to every crevice. This is robust, satisfying comfort food at its finest, a true celebration of hearty, home-style cooking that promises a delightful experience for any lover of classic American cuisine.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this classic to your liking. If you can't find pre-tenderized cube steak, round steaks are an excellent choice—just make sure to tenderize them properly. For a different flavor profile, you can adjust the amount of cayenne for less or more heat, or even experiment with other spices. The heavy cream in the gravy is optional; you can omit it for a slightly lighter version, and the amount of whole milk can be varied to achieve your preferred gravy consistency. When frying, a neutral oil like peanut, canola, or avocado oil works best.
Serving & Context
This decadent Country Fried Steak is the quintessential comfort food dinner. It's ideally served alongside a generous helping of mashed potatoes, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or when you're simply craving a taste of Southern tradition.