Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak

from selfproclaimedfoodie.com
45 min
4 servings

Country Fried Steak, also known as Chicken fried steak, is a Southern food classic but is so easy to make at home. Tenderized round steak, or cube steak, is breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown. The pan drippings are used to make a flavorful creamy milk gravy so you can smother the steaks. Serve with mashed potatoes for a decadent comfort food dinner.

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 )
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. 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. 2

    Heat the pan: Over medium high heat, heat pan with oil until the oil reaches a temperature of 350°F.

  3. 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. 4

    Serve each chicken fried steak with a side of mashed potatoes and smother everything with the warm gravy.