There’s something irresistible about Southern-style Chicken Fried Steak crispy, golden perfection coated in creamy, peppered gravy. It’s a comfort dish that brings warmth to your table, blending crunchy textures with rich, buttery flavour.
This classic dish takes thin-cut beef steaks (usually cube steak), coats them in a seasoned flour mix, and fries them just like fried chicken. The result? A crispy crust hugging a tender, juicy steak — with that velvety country gravy poured generously on top. Perfect for cozy dinners, Sunday brunch, or any day you crave homemade comfort.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Pan & Temperature Information
- Pan type: Heavy cast-iron skillet or deep non-stick frying pan
- Oil temperature: 350°F (175°C) for frying
- Oven (optional for keeping warm): 200°F (93°C)
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Creamy Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
Step 2: Dredge the Steaks
Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour to create a double coating. Let rest for 5 minutes so the crust adheres.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about ½ inch of oil into your skillet. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a bit of flour in — it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
Carefully place steaks in hot oil. Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven if needed.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add butter and flour, whisk for 1 minute. Slowly add milk while stirring until thick and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Pour warm gravy over crispy steaks and serve with mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits.
Serving Tips
- Top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery corn for a Southern-style plate.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 170 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
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