**Chicken-Fried Steak: **
“Chicken fried steak: tender beef breaded and fried to golden perfection, smothered in creamy gravy. Comfort food at its finest.”
Chicken fried steak
Chicken-fried steak, a beloved Southern staple, brings together the rich, hearty essence of tender beef with the crispy, savory crunch of a perfectly fried coating. Originating from the deep roots of Southern cuisine, this dish transforms a humble cut of beef into a comfort food masterpiece. It’s traditionally served with a creamy, peppery gravy, making it a soul-satisfying meal that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking.
To make chicken-fried steak with the best ingredients, follow this recipe:
**Ingredients:**
1. **For the Steak:**
– 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
– Vegetable oil or lard (for frying)
2. **For the Gravy:**
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Steaks:**
– Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
– In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
– In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
2. **Coat the Steaks:**
– Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
– Dip the steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, then back into the flour, pressing to coat well.
3. **Fry the Steaks:**
– Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Fry the steaks in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
– Remove the steaks and drain on paper towels. Keep warm.
4. **Make the Gravy:**
– Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
– Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
– Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve the chicken-fried steaks topped with the gravy.
Enjoy your delicious chicken-fried steak.
