Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Southern cuisine with the most irresistible Chicken Fried Steak that'll make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another recipe - it's a crispy, golden masterpiece that promises to transport you straight to a down-home kitchen where flavor knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, this legendary dish will have you serving up restaurant-quality comfort food that'll make everyone at the table beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Beef steak
- Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the beef steak by trimming any excess fat and pounding the meat to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures even cooking.
- Create a breading station: In one shallow dish, mix flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. In another dish, whisk eggs with milk until well combined.
- Dredge each steak piece first in the seasoned flour, coating completely and shaking off any excess. Then dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Return the steak to the flour mixture for a second coating, creating a thick, crispy breading. Place the breaded steaks on a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to come up about 1/2 inch on the sides of the pan.
- Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried steaks and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a sprinkle of salt.
- Optional: Prepare a classic white gravy by using the remaining oil and flour in the pan, whisking in milk to create a creamy sauce to serve alongside the chicken fried steak.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your oil stays consistently at 350°F for perfectly crispy breading.
- Meat Matters: Choose a tender cut like cube steak or tenderize your beef thoroughly to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Double Breading Technique: The two-stage breading process creates an extra crispy, golden crust that's absolutely irresistible.
- Don't Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the steaks rest after cooking helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender.
- Gravy Pro Tip: Save those delicious pan drippings to create an authentic, rich white gravy that complements the crispy steak perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
