Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Cream Gravy
Experience a taste of Texas with this Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak, a beloved classic known for its crispy, golden exterior and tender, flavorful beef. This comforting dish is made with tenderized beef cutlets that are expertly breaded and fried for a savory crunch. The true star of the meal, however, is the creamy gravy that's poured generously over the steak, with its blend of milk, flour, and crispy drippings. It's perfect for a hearty lunch or as a comforting dinner and is often accompanied by biscuits to soak up every last drop of that rich gravy. Each family might have its own variations, so feel free to add your personal touch to make it truly your own!
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil or shortening
1/4-1/2 inch (for frying)
Beef cutlets
6-8 (tenderized (round or cube steak))
Seasoned flour
3-4 cups (savory seasonings of your choice)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Milk
2 cups (for egg wash)
Flour
1/4 cup (for gravy)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Milk
4 cups (for gravy)
Drippings
1-2 tablespoons (included the cooked bits)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil or shortening over medium heat until shimmering.
2
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3
Set up a dredging station: on one plate, spread the seasoned flour; on another, prepare the egg-milk wash.
4
Take each tenderized beef cutlet and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's evenly coated. Dip it into the egg-milk wash, and then dredge it again in the flour for a double coating.
5
Carefully add the dredged cutlets to the hot oil in the frying pan, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes per side. Depending on thickness, adjust cooking time if needed.
6
Once both sides are golden brown, remove the cutlets and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7
For the gravy, drain all but 1 to 2 tablespoons of the frying drippings from the pan, leaving the delicious little bits behind.
8
In a bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper, then gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk until smooth.
9
Pour the milk mixture into the frying pan with the drippings, stirring continuously to incorporate the bits and avoid lumps.
10
Cook the gravy over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, whisking constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.
11
Taste the gravy, and if needed, adjust with additional salt and pepper.
12
Serve the crispy chicken fried steak hot, generously topped with the creamy gravy. Enjoy with biscuits to soak up any extra gravy!
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
37g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak?
It is a classic Texas dish consisting of tenderized beef cutlets that are breaded and fried to a golden brown, then topped with a rich cream gravy.
What kind of meat should I use for Chicken Fried Steak?
This recipe calls for 6 to 8 tenderized beef cutlets, typically using round or cube steak for the best texture.
How do I get a crispy coating on the steak?
The secret is the double-dredging process: coat the beef in seasoned flour, dip it in the egg-milk wash, and then dredge it in the flour again.
What is the purpose of the egg-milk wash?
The wash acts as a binder that helps the seasoned flour adhere to the beef cutlets, creating a thick and crunchy crust.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should fill a large frying pan with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil or shortening.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the oil?
Heat the oil over medium heat until it is shimmering before adding the breaded beef cutlets.
How long does it take to fry each steak?
Fry the cutlets until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 10 minutes per side.
How many eggs are used in the breading?
This recipe requires 3 beaten eggs mixed with milk for the egg wash.
What ingredients are needed for the rich cream gravy?
The gravy is made from frying drippings, 1/4 cup of flour, 4 cups of milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
What are pan drippings?
Drippings are the remaining oil and flavorful browned bits left in the pan after frying the meat.
How much milk is used in total for this recipe?
You will need a total of 6 cups of milk: 2 cups for the egg wash and 4 cups for the gravy.
How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?
Gradually whisk the milk into the flour and drippings mixture and stir continuously while cooking over medium heat.
How long does it take for the gravy to thicken?
The gravy should be cooked and whisked for about 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use shortening instead of oil?
Yes, shortening is a traditional alternative to oil for frying Southern Style Chicken Fried Steak.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
One serving of this Chicken Fried Steak contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 31 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This dish provides 22 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What should I do with the steaks after frying?
Place the fried cutlets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil while you prepare the gravy.
What is the best way to serve Chicken Fried Steak?
Serve it hot, smothered in the cream gravy, and ideally with biscuits to soak up the extra sauce.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a staple of Southern comfort food and Texas cuisine.
What kind of flour is used for the dredging?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 cups of seasoned flour for the initial coating and 1/4 cup of plain flour for the gravy.
How do I know the gravy is done?
The gravy is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and the flour has cooked through.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely; you can add your personal touch to the seasoned flour or adjust the salt and pepper in the gravy to your preference.
What size pan should I use?
A large frying pan is recommended to ensure you have enough room to fry the cutlets without crowding them.
Why shouldn't I crowd the pan?
Crowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy rather than crispy steak.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include chicken fried steak, cream gravy, southern comfort food, and texas cuisine.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber content is negligible or not specified.
How many beef cutlets does the recipe accommodate?
The recipe is designed for 6 to 8 beef cutlets.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
While usually a main meal, it is tagged as both a hearty meal and a snack in some Southern culinary contexts.