Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Classic Comfort: Making Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

There’s something profoundly comforting about chicken fried steak, a beloved dish that finds its roots in the Southern U.S. cuisine. This recipe brings together tender beef encased in a crispy, seasoned coating, topped off with a creamy, rich gravy that is sure to delight. Here’s how you can recreate this classic at your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Steaks:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/3 pound each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Steaks:

• Begin by setting up your dredging station. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices will give your steaks a flavorful crust.
• In a separate dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. This mixture will help the flour coating adhere to the steaks.
• Dip each steak first into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dunk it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it once more in the flour mixture. This double-dipping method guarantees a crispy exterior once fried.

2. Fry the Steaks:

• Heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—you want enough oil to come halfway up the steaks.
• Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side.
• Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, and then keep them warm.

3. Make the Gravy:

• Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, use about 2 tablespoons of the reserved frying oil. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together, cooking for about a minute until you’ve created a roux.
• Gradually add the milk to the skillet, continuously whisking. Make sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan as these add great depth to your gravy.
• Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens—this should take about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

4. Serve:

• Plate the steaks and generously pour the warm gravy over each. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 600 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Chicken fried steak with gravy not only offers a taste of Southern comfort but also provides a filling, satisfying meal perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a weekday dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and crispy texture as you dive into this delicious American classic.

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