✔ 2 tbsp butter
✔ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
✔ 1 ½ cups milk
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Breading
1️⃣ In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
2. Bread the Steaks
3️⃣ Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, coating both sides.
4️⃣ Then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5️⃣ Finally, dredge the steak again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to get a thick, crispy coating.
6️⃣ Place breaded steaks on a plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes (this helps the coating stick).
3. Fry to Perfection
7️⃣ Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8️⃣ Carefully add the steaks and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
9️⃣ Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Creamy Country Gravy
🔟 In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tbsp butter.
1️⃣1️⃣ Stir in 2 tbsp flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute until golden.
1️⃣2️⃣ Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 3 minutes).
1️⃣3️⃣ Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣4️⃣ Place the crispy chicken fried steak on a plate.
1️⃣5️⃣ Pour warm country gravy over the top.
1️⃣6️⃣ Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🥔 Classic Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up that creamy gravy.
🍞 Buttermilk Biscuits – A Southern must-have on the side.
🌽 Southern Corn on the Cob – Sweet, buttery, and delicious.
🥗 Coleslaw or Side Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Freeze uncooked breaded steaks for up to 2 months—fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes!
Variations & Customizations
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
🧀 Cheesy Twist – Mix parmesan cheese into the flour coating.
🌿 Herb Butter Gravy – Add fresh thyme or parsley to the gravy for extra depth.
FAQ
❓ Can I use a different cut of beef?
✔ Yes! Tenderized round steak works best, but you can also pound out sirloin or top round.
❓ Can I bake instead of frying?
✔ Yes, but it won’t be as crispy! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
❓ What’s the difference between Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak?
✔ Chicken Fried Steak has a crispy coating and is served with white gravy.
✔ Country Fried Steak has a lighter breading and is served with brown gravy.
