Introduction
Country Fried Steak, also known as chicken-fried steak, is a classic Southern main dish, perfect for family dinners, hearty comfort food gatherings, or Southern-inspired meals. This crispy, golden steak, featuring a tender cube steak coated in a seasoned breading and served with creamy white gravy, delivers a rich, savory flavor with a satisfying contrast of textures. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with chopped parsley and paired with gravy in a white ceramic gravy boat, this Country Fried Steak recipe offers a rustic, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple, homemade version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings cozy charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Country Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 cup)
For the Creamy White Gravy:
- 2 tbsp reserved frying oil or unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Serving:
- Optional: Chopped parsley
- Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread
- Suggested Pairings: Sweet tea, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter with gravy in a white ceramic gravy boat
- Suggested Equipment: Large skillet, shallow bowls, whisk, tongs, measuring cups/spoons, paper towels
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using). In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- Bread Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and coat it again in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry Steaks: Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry steaks, 2 at a time, for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Gravy: Pour off all but 2 tbsp oil from the skillet (or melt 2 tbsp butter). Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add salt and pepper.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the gravy and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper for balanced flavor.
- Serve: Arrange Country Fried Steaks on a white ceramic platter. Pour gravy into a white ceramic gravy boat. Optionally garnish steaks with chopped parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and sweet tea or iced tea.
Tips for Better Country Fried Steak
- Pat steaks dry to ensure the breading adheres well.
- Taste the gravy before serving to balance creamy, savory flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness.
- Pound cube steaks to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with gravy in a white ceramic gravy boat for a rustic look.
- Make ahead: Bread steaks up to 4 hours in advance; refrigerate and fry fresh.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which lowers oil temperature.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Country Fried Steak: Use a gluten-free flour blend for breading and gravy; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Vegan Country Fried Steak: Replace steak with seitan or portobello mushrooms, eggs with 1/4 cup plant-based milk mixed with 1 tbsp cornstarch, and use plant-based milk and butter for gravy.
- Spicy Country Fried Steak: Increase cayenne to 1/2 tsp or add 1 tsp hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Herbed Country Fried Steak: Add 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture.
- Low-Sodium Country Fried Steak: Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp in breading and 1/4 tsp in gravy; use low-sodium broth instead of milk for gravy.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar to the gravy after thickening.
- Pepper Gravy: Increase black pepper to 1/2 tsp and add 1/4 tsp white pepper to the gravy.
- Baked Country Fried Steak: Bake breaded steaks at 400°F for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway, for a lighter option.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover steaks and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat steaks in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes and gravy on the stovetop, stirring until warm.
- Freeze cooked steaks in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat in an oven to restore crispiness. Gravy does not freeze well.
- Serve warm for the best crispy texture and creamy gravy flavor.
- Use as a main dish with classic Southern sides for a hearty meal.
- Pair with sweet tea or iced tea to complement the savory, rich flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with gravy in a white ceramic gravy boat for an appetizing, rustic charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (1 steak with 1/4 cup gravy each):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 10% Daily Value
- Iron: 15% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol to 0mg). High in calories and fat; enjoy with vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
This Country Fried Steak recipe delivers a crispy, comforting main dish perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a Southern classic. Its straightforward preparation and rustic presentation make it a favorite. The golden crust and creamy gravy delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing heartiness.
Country Fried Steak Recipe: Crispy and Comforting
Ingredients
- Country Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks 4–6 oz each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Creamy White Gravy:
- 2 tbsp reserved frying oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Chopped parsley
- Suggested Pairings: Mashed potatoes sweet tea
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and spices; whisk eggs and milk.
- Dredge steaks in flour, egg, then flour again.
- Fry at 350°F for 3–4 min per side; drain.
- Make gravy: whisk oil and flour, add milk, salt, and pepper; cook until thick.
- Taste and adjust the gravy.
- Serve on a white ceramic platter with gravy, parsley, potatoes, and tea.
Notes
- Maintain oil at 350°F for crispiness.
- Store steaks in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 2 months; gravy is best fresh.
- Try a vegan or spicy variation.
- Pair with cornbread.
