Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaks:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
   • In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
   • Place the crushed saltine crackers or breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
   • Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the steak in the cracker or breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Fry the Steaks:
   • In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
   • Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
   • Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
   • Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Gravy:
   • Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the frying oil, keeping any browned bits in the skillet.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and sprinkle the flour into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken fried steaks hot, smothered in the creamy gravy.
   • Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Southern meal.

Tips:

• For extra tenderness, use a meat mallet to further tenderize the cube steaks before dredging.
• Buttermilk adds flavor and tenderness to the steak, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a bit more flour. For a thinner consistency, add a splash more milk.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Southern classic, perfect for a hearty dinner or a special family gathering!