Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Dive into the world of comfort food with a delightful twist: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. This recipe is everything your taste buds crave, delivering a crunchy, golden-brown crust with a juicy, tender inside, all topped off with a creamy, savory gravy. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about this dish; it whispers sweet memories of gatherings around the dining table, where each bite evokes warmth and happiness. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday supper, this meal offers the ultimate indulgence without hours in the kitchen.
Imagine sinking your teeth into this crispy-coated masterpiece. The crunch gives way to tender meat, while the rich, velvety gravy seeps into every crevice. It’s a comforting embrace on your plate, a dish that will have your whole family sighing in blissful contentment after the first bite. And let’s face it—who can resist the allure of a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also takes you back to those cherished moments spent with loved ones?
Craving Comfort Food?
Does the idea of biting into a perfectly crunchy, savory Chicken Fried Steak make your mouth water? Perhaps it reminds you of childhood, those cozy family dinners where comfort wrapped around you like a warm hug. Or maybe, it’s just one of those days where all you want is a hearty meal that feels like home cooked with love. Either way, I can’t help but ask—how many of you long for that moment when the gravy drips enticingly over your crispy steak? It’s the stuff food dreams are made of!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the many reasons you’ll adore making Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is its simplicity. Yes, you read that right—it’s easy prep but maxes out on flavor!
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish.
Quick and Tasty: This meal can be prepped and served in a little over 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the dish that brings everyone together, creating smiles around the table.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist that crispy coating and luscious gravy!
This recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For this mouthwatering Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, you will need:
Cube steaks: Tender and meaty, providing the perfect base for this comfort dish.
Buttermilk: This soured milk adds extra tenderness and a slight tang.
Large eggs: They help bind the batter and contribute to that delectable crunch.
All-purpose flour: Essential for creating the crispy coating we all love.
Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness for depth of flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a gentle kick, elevating the dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Adds aromatic notes that enhance the overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
Vegetable oil: For frying; we want that golden crust, don’t we?
Whole milk: Creamy goodness for a luscious gravy to drench your steak.
Browned pan bits from steak frying: These bits are gold—don’t forget to scrape them into the gravy!
Each ingredient comes together in harmony, creating flavor layers that will dance in your mouth with every bite!
Timing
Are you in the mood for a fast, indulgent meal or a slow, luxurious one? With Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, you can have both! This dish can be whipped up in just over 30 minutes, giving you the sumptuous flavors of comfort food without the long wait. For those leisurely weekends, take your time enjoying each step—let the aroma fill your kitchen and let anticipation build as you savor the process of cooking. Either way, you’re in for a treat no matter the pace!
Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy that will impress everyone:
Prepare the Steaks: Start by gently pounding the cube steaks until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This step is crucial for achieving that fork-tender texture. Season both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is flavor-packed.
Create the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined. The buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, while the eggs help the batter stick to the steak.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper. This seasoned flour mix is key to achieving that irresistible crispy crust.
Bread the Steaks: Take each seasoned steak and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it well. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off before coating it again in the flour mixture. This double-breading technique is what makes the crust achieve that desired crispy texture!
Fry the Steaks: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded steaks, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the fried steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Gravy: Pour out most of the oil from the skillet, keeping about two tablespoons behind. Whisk in flour, then slowly add the whole milk, scraping up the drippings from the bottom of the skillet. Cook until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the fried steaks, generously smother them in that delicious gravy, and don’t forget to offer extra gravy on the side! Grab some mashed potatoes or biscuits for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Prepare for an explosion of flavors, textures, and culinary bliss with each bite!
Nutritional Information
While Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy isn’t a regular on the "health food" list, let’s put this into perspective. A serving typically contains around 450-600 calories, depending on the portion size and the amount of gravy. It’s essential to savor this dish as an occasional indulgence, allowing yourself to enjoy every crispy bite and creamy drizzle without guilt. After all, comfort food is meant to be a treat YOU deserve!
Healthier Alternatives
Seeking to lighten up your Chicken Fried Steak experience? Consider these options:
Panko Crust: Swap regular flour for panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier exterior that’s a bit lighter.
Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400°F until golden brown for fewer calories.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk in the gravy for a dairy-free option.
Vegetable Oil Alternatives: Opt for avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even ghee for a flavor boost and healthier fat profile.
These substitutions let you enjoy the essence of this comforting dish while keeping it on the lighter side.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, the possibilities are endless!
Classic Pairings: Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy macaroni and cheese for that soul-food experience everyone loves.
Enticing extras: Add a helping of collard greens or green beans for a nod to Southern fare.
Special Occasions: Surprise your guests at holiday gatherings or family celebrations by elevating your meal with this iconic dish.
And for a sweet finish, why not serve a scoop of decadent vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the savory main course?
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls when making Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:
Overbaking: Ensure you fry the steak just until golden brown; overbaking can toughen the meat and diminish those satisfying textures.
Misjudging Temperatures: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating will soak up excess oil instead of crisping up beautifully.
Too Much Flour: Dust off excess flour before frying; large clumps can lead to an uneven, gummy texture.
Gravy clumping: If your gravy ends up lumpy, ensure you whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent clumping.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a delectable dish that shines on your dinner table!
Storing Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (not guaranteed!), here’s how to store them:
Freezing Portions: Cool the Chicken Fried Steak completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions: When ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring continuously to prevent it from thickening too much.
Enjoying this dish beyond the first meal ensures every bite tastes as good as new!
Tempted to Make It ASAP?
After discovering the mouthwatering journey that is Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, are you ready to dive into this culinary delight? With all its comforting flavors and nostalgic essence, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, make this recipe soon and whip up a plateful of deliciousness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
Yes, around the world, various cuts of beef can be used, such as round steak or sirloin.Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy this dish without gluten.How do I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy is too thin, whisk a bit more flour with cold milk, then stir it into the gravy over low heat until thickened.What can I serve with Chicken Fried Steak?
Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans for a complete meal.Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While best served fresh, you can bread the steaks ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them!
Let that sizzling goodness guide you into a world of flavor and comfort—happy cooking!
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Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and crispy Chicken Fried Steak served with rich, creamy gravy.
Ingredients
- Cube steaks
- Buttermilk
- Large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Whole milk
- Browned pan bits from steak frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Pound the cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thick and season with salt and pepper.
- Create the Batter: Whisk together buttermilk and eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Prepare the Coating: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and seasoning in another bowl.
- Bread the Steaks: Dredge the seasoned steaks in flour, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the breaded steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Make the Gravy: Pour out excess oil, whisk in flour, add whole milk, and cook until thickened, scraping drippings.
- Serve: Plate the fried steaks, smother in gravy, and enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider panko breadcrumbs or baking instead of frying. Leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
