Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Southern cuisine with this irresistible Country Chicken Fried Beef Steak recipe! Imagine a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to tender, juicy beef that melts in your mouth - this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a comfort food enthusiast craving that classic Southern flavor, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef steaks (cubed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Gravy mix (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef steaks by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour with additional salt and black pepper. In another dish, whisk together eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Dredge each beef steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess flour. Then dip into the egg-buttermilk mixture, and return to the flour for a second coating to create a thick, crispy breading.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to come about halfway up the sides of the steaks.
- Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until the breading is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
- Remove steaks from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Prepare gravy using the remaining oil and flour in the skillet, whisking in milk or using a pre-made gravy mix to create a traditional country-style cream gravy.
- Serve hot, typically accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans, or other traditional Southern side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the perfect internal temperature of 145°F for optimal juiciness.
- Breading Technique: The double-dredging method is crucial - don't skip the second flour coating for that extra crispy texture!
- Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent 350°F oil temperature to prevent greasy, soggy breading.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each steak gets evenly crispy and golden-brown.
- Rest Your Meat: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Gravy Hack: If making homemade gravy seems intimidating, a pre-made gravy mix works perfectly and saves time.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
