Southern Chicken Fried Steak

How to Make Southern Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern classic that combines tenderized beef coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. This hearty dish is a staple of comfort food cuisine, perfect for satisfying cravings and indulging in a deliciously nostalgic meal. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own Southern Chicken Fried Steak at home, complete with crispy coating and creamy gravy.

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks, 4 to 6 ounces each
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups flour, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 6 cups milk, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cube Steaks:
   • Season the cube steaks on both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and baking powder. Mix well to combine.
3. Prepare the Dredging Station:
   • In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 eggs and 1 cup of milk to create an egg wash.
4. Dredge the Cube Steaks:
   • Dredge each seasoned cube steak in the flour mixture, coating evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Dip in Egg Wash:
   • Dip the floured cube steaks into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Coat Again in Flour Mixture:
   • Return the cube steaks to the flour mixture, coating once again to create a double coating.
7. Heat Oil:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
8. Fry the Cube Steaks:
   • Carefully place the coated cube steaks into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Make the Gravy:
   • Remove the fried cube steaks from the skillet and set aside. Drain excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve:
    • Serve the fried cube steaks with creamy gravy spooned over the top. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the flour mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more flour to the roux or simmer the gravy for a longer period to reduce and thicken.
• Substitute buttermilk for regular milk in the egg wash for added tanginess and flavor.
• Feel free to use different cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin steak, for a variation in texture and flavor.

Keto Version:

• To make a keto-friendly version of Southern Chicken Fried Steak, replace the flour and cornmeal with a low-carb alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour. You can also use crushed pork rinds for added crunch.
• Instead of milk, use heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk in the egg wash and gravy.
• Skip the flour-based gravy and opt for a keto-friendly cream sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and seasonings.

Southern Chicken Fried Steak is a comforting and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. With its crispy coating and creamy gravy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed for a special occasion or as a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe offers a taste of nostalgia and tradition. Experiment with different seasonings and variations to make it your own, and savor every delicious bite of this classic Southern comfort food