Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Why will you fall in love with this Chicken Fried Steak recipe? It’s all about that crispy, golden crust that envelops tender steak, creating the perfect bite every time.
I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in. The crunch, paired with the rich, creamy gravy, is simply irresistible.
This dish brings comfort and joy, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients of Chicken Fried Steak
When it comes to making Chicken Fried Steak, having the right ingredients is key to capturing that delightful crunch and savory flavor. You’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items to create this comfort food classic.
Don’t worry if you’ve never made it before; the ingredients are pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of them at home already. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get started on this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cups flour
- 5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 6 cube steaks
- 5 cups peanut oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons flour (for the gravy)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for the gravy)
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients a little more. Flour is your best friend here; it not only helps create that crispy coating but also thickens the gravy later on.
And don’t skimp on the seasonings! The salt, pepper, and cayenne bring a wonderful depth of flavor that makes every bite memorable. If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave out the cayenne, but it really adds a nice kick.
Oh, and the buttermilk? It’s a game changer. It tenderizes the meat and contributes to that tender, juicy interior while the outside gets all crispy and golden.
As for the oil, peanut oil is great for frying because it has a high smoke point, meaning it won’t burn as easily. But if you have an allergy or want a substitute, canola or vegetable oil will work just fine.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
Alright, let’s plunge into making that crispy Chicken Fried Steak that will have your taste buds dancing. First things first, set your oven to a warm temperature—around 200 degrees should do the trick. This is where your deliciously fried steaks will hang out and stay warm while you finish up.
If you have a wire cooling rack, place it on a rimmed baking sheet. No rack? No problem; just line a baking sheet with some paper towels to catch any drips.
Now, grab your 4 cups of flour and mix it together with 5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon if you want to be precise). This mix is going to give your steaks that crispy and flavorful coating we all crave.
In another dish, you’re going to whisk together 2 large beaten eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, and the baking powder and baking soda. The buttermilk is like magic; it makes everything better. Seriously, don’t skip it.
Once your stations are set up, take a cube steak and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Dredge it in your flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before going back to the flour for that extra crispy layer.
Repeat this with each steak, laying them out on a cooling rack to keep them from sticking together.
Next, let’s get frying. Heat up 5 cups of peanut oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven until it reaches a sizzling 375 degrees. This is where the magic happens.
Carefully place your coated steaks in the hot oil and fry for about 2.5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan; you want each steak to have its moment in the spotlight.
Once done, drain them on paper towels briefly before transferring to the warm oven.
And finally, don’t forget about the gravy. Strain the oil into a separate pan, toss in the crumbs left in the frying pan, and sauté your minced onion and garlic in that flavorful oil.
Add 3 tablespoons of flour to thicken it all up, then stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 cups of whole milk, seasoning it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Let it simmer until it thickens up. Now, all that’s left is to serve those crispy steaks with a generous helping of gravy on top. What a treat!
Chicken Fried Steak Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the art of frying up crispy Chicken Fried Steak, you might be curious about how to customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, I sometimes swap out the cube steaks for chicken breasts or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you want to add some flair, try using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the flour mix.
You can also play around with the gravy by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter sauce. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Chicken Fried Steak, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance your cooking experience.
First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature—375 degrees is key for that crispy crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
If you’re a fan of extra flavor, consider adding some spices to the flour mixture, like smoked paprika.
For the gravy, whisk constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
Finally, let the fried steaks rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
Enjoy your delicious creation!