Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Introduction:

Indulge in a classic Southern favorite with Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This beloved comfort food features tenderized beef steak coated in a crispy seasoned breading, pan-fried to golden perfection, and smothered in rich homemade gravy. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend brunch, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy brings together the flavors of home-cooked goodness and Southern hospitality. In this article, we’ll delve into the irresistible appeal of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy and share a delightful recipe for you to recreate this comforting dish in your own kitchen.

Discover the Irresistible Flavors of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of comfort food. The process of tenderizing and breading the steak results in a juicy and flavorful interior encased in a crispy and seasoned exterior. The homemade gravy, made from pan drippings, flour, and milk, adds a creamy and savory element that elevates the dish to new heights of deliciousness. Each bite of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a symphony of textures and flavors, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every forkful. Whether served alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone around the table.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups milk (for gravy)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk. Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
2. Fry the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the steaks from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Spoon the gravy over the chicken fried steaks and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve Hot: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is best served hot and fresh from the skillet. The crispy exterior of the steak and the creamy gravy are at their peak when enjoyed immediately after cooking.
2. Pair with Side Dishes: Accompany the Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy with classic Southern side dishes such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, cornbread, or buttery biscuits. These sides complement the hearty flavors of the steak and add variety to the meal.
3. Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch of flair, garnish the Chicken Fried Steak with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish and enhances its visual appeal.
4. Serve with Condiments: Offer condiments such as hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or additional black pepper on the side for diners to customize the flavor of their steak and gravy according to their taste preferences.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
2. Reheat with Care: When ready to enjoy leftover steak, reheat it gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short intervals to prevent the steak from becoming soggy.
3. Reheat Gravy Separately: Reheat the gravy separately on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the gravy thickens too much upon reheating, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or broth.
4. Avoid Freezing: Due to the nature of the breading and gravy, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is not well-suited for freezing. The crispy coating may become soggy, and the texture of the steak may change upon thawing and reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy retains its deliciousness and remains a comforting favorite for meals to come.

Variations of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:

1. Spicy Cajun Style: Add a kick to your Chicken Fried Steak by seasoning the flour mixture with Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for some heat. Serve with a side of spicy remoulade sauce for extra flavor.
2. Herb-Crusted Steak: Create a flavorful twist by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the breading mixture. This adds a fragrant and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
3. Country-Style Breakfast: Transform Chicken Fried Steak into a hearty breakfast option by serving it with sunny-side-up eggs, crispy hash browns, and a side of country-style gravy. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a satisfying meal.
4. Tex-Mex Fusion: Give this Southern classic a Tex-Mex twist by using taco seasoning in the breading mixture and topping the steak with salsa, diced avocado, and shredded cheese. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a flavorful meal.
5. Mushroom Gravy Variation: Elevate the gravy by adding sautéed mushrooms to create a rich and earthy mushroom gravy. Simply cook sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown, then stir them into the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.

These variations offer creative ways to customize Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy to suit different tastes and preferences. Experiment with these ideas to create your own unique spin on this classic comfort food dish!

FAQs:

1. What cut of meat is best for Chicken Fried Steak? Traditionally, Chicken Fried Steak is made using cube steak, which is a tenderized cut of beef. Round steak or tenderized sirloin are also commonly used for this dish.
2. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? While cube steak is the classic choice, you can also make Chicken Fried Steak using other cuts of beef such as sirloin steak or even chicken breasts for a variation.
3. How do I tenderize the meat for Chicken Fried Steak? To tenderize the meat, use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet to pound the steak until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This helps break down the muscle fibers and ensures a tender result.
4. What oil is best for frying Chicken Fried Steak? Vegetable oil or canola oil are commonly used for frying Chicken Fried Steak due to their high smoke point and neutral flavor. However, you can use any neutral-tasting oil suitable for frying.
5. How do I know when the steak is cooked through? The steak is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
6. Can I make the gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop, whisking constantly.
7. How do I prevent the breading from falling off the steak during frying? To prevent the breading from falling off, make sure the steak is well coated with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Press the breading firmly onto the steak to ensure it adheres properly.
8. Can I bake Chicken Fried Steak instead of frying it? While Chicken Fried Steak is traditionally pan-fried, you can bake it in the oven for a lighter option. Place breaded steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
9. Is Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy gluten-free? The traditional recipe for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is not gluten-free due to the use of flour in the breading and gravy. However, you can make gluten-free versions using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
10. What sides go well with Chicken Fried Steak? Chicken Fried Steak pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or coleslaw. Choose sides that complement the hearty flavors of the steak and gravy.