Southern Style Crispy Chicken-Fried Steaks with Creamy Gravy
Indulge in the classic comfort of Southern cuisine with this elevated Chicken-Fried Steaks recipe! Tender beef cube steaks are encrusted in a savory, seasoned flour, and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy and flavorful coating. The dish is crowned with a luxuriously creamy gravy made from the pan drippings, ideal for a hearty family dinner or a special weekend meal. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides and relish the rich, comforting flavors steeped in Southern tradition.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (divided)
baking powder
2 teaspoons
salt
3/4 teaspoon
onion powder
3/4 teaspoon
garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
chili powder
3/4 teaspoon
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
buttermilk
1 2/3 cups (divided)
beef cube steaks
4 (4 ounce each)
low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups
vegetable oil
(for frying)
Instructions
1
In a shallow bowl, mix together 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder.
2
In another shallow bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs with 1 cup of buttermilk.
3
Dip each beef cube steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the steak in the flour mixture to encrust it completely. Let the coated steaks stand for about 5 minutes to set the crust.
4
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5
Gently place the steaks into the hot oil and fry them for 5-7 minutes on one side before carefully turning them over.
6
Continue cooking on the other side for an additional 5 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
7
Remove the steaks from the skillet and keep them warm.
8
Pour off and reserve 1/3 cup of the drippings from the skillet. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour into these drippings until the mixture is smooth.
9
Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat for 2 minutes to form a roux.
10
Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk and the remaining 2/3 cup buttermilk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens into a gravy.
11
Serve the warm crispy steaks with a generous helping of the creamy gravy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Crispy Chicken-Fried Steak?
It is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring beef cube steaks coated in seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, and topped with creamy gravy.
What type of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses four 4-ounce beef cube steaks.
How much flour is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour is needed, divided for the coating and the gravy.
What is the role of baking powder in the coating?
Two teaspoons of baking powder are added to the flour mixture to help create a crispy and flavorful crust.
What seasonings are used in the flour mixture?
The flour is seasoned with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much onion powder is used?
The breading mixture includes 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
What amount of garlic powder is needed?
Use 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in the flour mixture.
Is there any spice in the recipe?
Yes, 3/4 teaspoon of chili powder is added to the seasoned flour for a touch of flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the wash?
Two eggs are used, and they should be lightly beaten.
How much buttermilk is used for the coating?
One cup of buttermilk is combined with the eggs to create the liquid wash for the steaks.
What is the first step in coating the beef?
Dip each steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture to ensure it is fully coated.
What do I do after dipping the steaks in the egg mixture?
Roll the steak in the seasoned flour mixture to encrust it completely.
Why should the coated steaks stand for 5 minutes?
Letting them stand allows the crust to set properly before frying.
How much vegetable oil should be used for frying?
Fill a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil.
What heat setting should be used for frying?
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat before adding the steaks.
How long do the steaks cook on the first side?
Fry the steaks for 5-7 minutes on the first side.
How long do the steaks cook on the second side?
Fry for an additional 5 minutes after turning them over.
How do I know when the steaks are finished?
They are done when the coating is golden brown and the meat is thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining.
How do I start the gravy?
Reserve 1/3 cup of the pan drippings and stir in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth.
How long should the roux be cooked?
Cook and stir the flour and drippings mixture over medium heat for 2 minutes.
What type of milk is used for the gravy?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of low-fat milk.
How much buttermilk goes into the gravy?
The remaining 2/3 cup of buttermilk is whisked into the gravy.
What is the process for thickening the gravy?
Bring the milk and buttermilk mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until it thickens.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What food category is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as Meat.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
Mashed potatoes are suggested as an ideal side for chicken-fried steak.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as ideal for a hearty family dinner or a special weekend meal.
What are common tags for this dish?
Tags include southern cuisine, comfort food, fried steak, hearty meal, and home-style cooking.
How should the steaks be served?
Serve the steaks warm with a generous helping of the prepared creamy gravy.