Southern Style Chicken-Fried Steak
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Southern comfort food with this Chicken-Fried Steak recipe, designed for two. This version utilizes economical cuts of round steak, pounded to tenderness and lovingly coated with seasoned breadcrumbs. The secret lies in a rich, savory gravy that not only enhances the dish but can also tenderize the meat if needed. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Round steak
1 (cut in half and pounded) (pounded evenly)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for frying)
Flour
2 tablespoons (for gravy)
Milk
1/2-1 cup (for gravy)
Additional salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning gravy)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your breading station: On a flat plate, combine the dry breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
2
Take the round steak and cut it in half. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak evenly, making it tender and allowing the flavors to penetrate.
3
Dip each piece of pounded steak into the beaten egg, ensuring it is well-coated, and then dredge it in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4
In a heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Gently add the coated steak to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook slowly, browning each side until cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
5
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a warm platter and keep them hot.
6
To create the gravy, reduce the heat to medium. Add flour to the skillet drippings and whisk continuously until the mixture is light brown and fragrant.
7
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If needed, add more milk for a thinner consistency.
8
Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9
For an extra touch, you can return the steaks to the skillet and let them simmer for a few moments in the gravy, or simply spoon the rich gravy over the steaks when serving. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
30
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Chicken-Fried Steak?
It is a classic Southern comfort food dish where beef steak (usually round steak) is breaded and fried like chicken, then topped with a rich, savory milk gravy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is specifically designed to provide two hearty servings.
What cut of meat is best for Chicken-Fried Steak?
Economical cuts of round steak are ideal for this recipe, provided they are pounded to achieve the necessary tenderness.
How do I tenderize the round steak?
Use a meat mallet to pound the steak evenly. This breaks down the fibers and allows seasonings to better penetrate the meat.
What ingredients are used for the breading?
The breading consists of a mixture of dry breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, with a beaten egg used as a binder.
How long should I cook the steak?
Cook the steak slowly in a heavy skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
How do I make the gravy?
Reduce the heat and whisk flour into the skillet drippings until light brown, then gradually whisk in milk until it reaches your desired thickness.
How much milk is needed for the gravy?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 to 1 cup of milk, depending on how thick you prefer your gravy.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving in this Southern Style Chicken-Fried Steak.
What should I serve with Chicken-Fried Steak?
This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or fresh steamed vegetables.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 25 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the steaks as it can handle the medium heat without smoking.
Can I simmer the steak in the gravy?
Yes, for an extra tender touch, you can return the cooked steaks to the skillet and let them simmer briefly in the gravy before serving.
How do I ensure the oil is ready for frying?
Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking before adding the coated steaks.
How many eggs do I need?
One large egg is sufficient to coat the steak for two servings.
What amount of flour is used for the gravy?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of flour to be mixed with the pan drippings to create the roux for the gravy.
Is salt and pepper used in the gravy?
Yes, you should season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste once it has thickened.
What should I do with the steaks once they are fried?
Transfer the cooked steaks to a warm platter and keep them hot while you finish preparing the gravy in the same skillet.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
While best served fresh, it is a quick dinner option that can be prepared in a short amount of time.
What is the secret to a good gravy in this recipe?
The secret is using the flavorful skillet drippings and whisking the flour until it is light brown and fragrant before adding the milk.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings and components for both the steak and the gravy.
Should the steak be cut before pounding?
Yes, the recipe suggests cutting the round steak in half before using a meat mallet to pound it evenly.
What type of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for dry breadcrumbs to create the traditional crispy coating.
What temperature should I use for the skillet?
Use medium heat to ensure the steak browns properly without burning the breading before the meat is cooked through.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no sugar.
Is there fiber in this meal?
The nutrition information indicates that there is no fiber content in this specific dish.
Can I use more milk for a thinner gravy?
Yes, you can gradually add more milk beyond the 1 cup suggestion if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Is this a quick dinner recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and is designed for efficient preparation and cooking.