Description
This classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe features tenderized cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and served with a rich, creamy garlic gravy. The meat is marinated for enhanced flavor and tenderness, then cooked in vegetable oil until crispy. The accompanying gravy is made from pan drippings, butter, garlic, chicken broth, and cream, creating a comforting Southern-style dish perfect for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Marinade
- 4 cube steaks (each about 1/3 pound)
- 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons salt
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Frying and Cooking
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 tablespoons pan drippings (from frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¾ cup half and half
Instructions
- Prep the Steaks: Place saran wrap over each cube steak and use the rough end of a meat tenderizer to pound it thin, about ½ inch thick. This helps improve the texture even though cube steak is pre-tenderized.
- Dry and Marinate: Pat the steaks completely dry. In a large casserole dish, combine buttermilk, eggs, and 3 teaspoons salt to create the marinade. Cover the steaks with the marinade, cover the dish, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or up to 12 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Mix Breading: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, corn starch, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the steaks just before frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour 1 ½ cups vegetable oil into a large skillet, enough to cover the steak by about 1/3, and heat the oil to 350°F. Proper preheating is essential to prevent the breading from falling off.
- Coat and Fry the Steaks: Remove steaks from marinade and generously coat each on all sides with the breading mixture. Fry the steaks in batches of two, allowing space for each, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Use tongs to gently flip and check the underside.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer cooked steaks to a wire rack to let excess oil drip off, keeping them crispy. Once all steaks are cooked, keep them warm in a 200°F oven while making the gravy.
- Prepare Gravy Base: Pour pan drippings into a small heat-proof bowl. Let black flecks settle, then skim off 3 tablespoons of clean oil and set aside. Do not clean the pan.
- Make Roux: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Oil and Garlic: Add the reserved oil drippings and minced garlic to the roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in thyme (optional), black pepper, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and add chicken broth gradually, stirring constantly.
- Add Dairy and Simmer: Slowly add milk and half and half in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Thicken Gravy: Let the gravy simmer until it reaches desired thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Serve: Pour the creamy garlic gravy over the warm chicken fried steaks and enjoy this hearty Southern classic.
Notes
- For a buttermilk substitute, use 2 cups milk mixed with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Make sure the oil is at steady 350°F before frying to keep breading from falling off.
- Use a wire cooling rack instead of paper towels post-frying to maintain crust crispiness.
- Marinating longer (up to 12 hours) enhances tenderization and flavor.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
- For extra spicy flavor, adjust cayenne pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: chicken fried steak, southern fried steak, creamy gravy, comfort food, classic southern recipe, breaded steak
