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Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Easy Creamy Country Gravy

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A classic Southern comfort food featuring tender cube steaks with a crispy golden crust, served with rich and creamy country gravy. Perfect for cozy family meals and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cube steaks (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), pounded thin
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 2 cups / 480 ml)
  • 1/4 cup pan drippings or unsalted butter (56 grams)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk (600 ml), warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Place each steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick. Let rest.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together buttermilk and beaten eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dip each steak into the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk mixture and then flour again (double dredging). Set aside.
  4. Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a pinch of flour; it should sizzle immediately.
  5. Fry steaks in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or slotted spatula to flip. Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  6. Pour off all but 1/4 cup of oil or pan drippings from the skillet. Add butter if needed to make up 1/4 cup. Whisk in flour and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  7. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, stirring constantly until gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  8. Serve the crispy chicken fried steaks topped generously with creamy country gravy immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best crust. Double dredging creates extra crispy coating. Use a wire rack to drain steaks to keep crust crisp. Gravy can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk if too thick. Oven-fried version available for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, crispy steak, country gravy, Southern comfort food, fried steak recipe, creamy gravy, easy dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-chicken-fried-steak-recipe-with-easy-creamy-country-gravy/