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Chicken Fried Steak

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Classic Southern chicken fried steak with crispy, seasoned coating and rich country gravy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 long, thin sirloin tip steaks (about 2 pounds)
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 quarts peanut or canola oil
  • 1/4 cup vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, for gravy
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for gravy
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. Pound steaks to 1/8-1/4 inch thickness and season with salt.
  2. Set up breading station: cornstarch in first dish, egg whisked with 2/3 cup buttermilk in second dish, and flour mixed with seasonings in third dish.
  3. Add remaining 1/3 cup buttermilk to flour mixture and work in until it resembles wet sand.
  4. Bread steaks by coating in cornstarch, then egg mixture, then flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Rest 10 minutes.
  5. Heat oil to 375°F and fry steaks one at a time until golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  6. For gravy, heat 1/4 cup frying oil in saucepan, whisk in flour until light brown. Gradually add milk and pepper, simmer until thickened.
  7. Serve steaks with gravy poured over top.

Notes

This recipe creates the perfect craggy crust that chicken fried steak is known for. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, country fried steak, southern recipe, beef steak, cream gravy, comfort food, southern cooking, Texas cuisine