Are you looking to indulge in a mouthwatering dish that is both wholesome and packed with flavor? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This classic Southern comfort food is known for its juicy and tender steak coated in a crispy and golden crust. With just a few simple steps, you can make your own delicious chicken fried steak at home. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of cube steak
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Gravy (optional)
Instructions:
1. Tenderize the steak: Start by tenderizing the cube steak using a meat tenderizer. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and ensures a tender and juicy final result.
2. Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the buttermilk until well combined.
4. Coat the steak: Dip each piece of cube steak into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dip it back into the flour mixture for a second coating. This double coating creates a crispy crust.
5. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of the flour mixture sizzles immediately upon contact.
6. Fry the steak: Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you have more than 4 steaks, it’s best to fry them in batches.
7. Drain excess oil: Once fried, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
8. Make the gravy (optional): If desired, you can make a creamy gravy to accompany your chicken fried steak. Simply pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving behind about 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook it for a minute until it turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve and enjoy: Transfer the chicken fried steak onto a serving plate and pour the gravy over the top, if desired. Serve it hot with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Now that you have the recipe for making delicious chicken fried steak, unleash your inner chef and give it a try! With its tender steak and crispy coating, this dish will surely become a family favorite.