If you’ve ever craved the comforting taste of a Southern classic, then the best chicken fried steak recipe is exactly what you need. A perfect blend of crispy coating and tender juicy steak, this dish has become a staple in Southern cuisine, praised for its hearty flavor and satisfying crunch. Personally, I adore this dish for its rich texture and the way it pairs perfectly with creamy gravy. Whether you’re serving it for a relaxed breakfast or a comforting dinner, chicken-fried steak always draws rave reviews. It’s a great choice for family gatherings or even special occasions where you want to indulge in a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Choose the Right Main Ingredient: The Best Cut of Beef
Selecting the right main ingredient is crucial to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The best chicken fried steak typically uses cube steak, which is a cut of beef that’s been tenderized, ensuring the steak is soft and juicy after frying. Cube steak is preferred because its texture holds up well to the breading and frying process, making it the best cut of beef for this dish. If cube steak isn’t available, other options like tenderized round steak can work, but cube steak remains the top choice for achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
What’s the Secret to Seasoning?
Seasoning is the key to bringing out the best flavors in this dish. A well-seasoned flour mixture is the cornerstone of any good chicken fried steak recipe. To achieve that signature flavor, a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a little heat works wonders. This blend ensures that each bite is packed with Southern goodness. Be sure to coat the steak generously with the seasoned flour mixture before frying—this step is what gives the steak its iconic crispy coating.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
To make the best chicken fried steak recipe, having the right equipment is essential. A few basic kitchen tools will elevate your cooking process, ensuring your steak turns out golden and crispy.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A heavy cast iron skillet is perfect for frying chicken fried steak. It distributes heat evenly and maintains a steady temperature, which is crucial for achieving a crisp, even coating.
- Tongs: Use tongs to flip the steak without damaging the crispy coating. They offer better control than a fork, which can pierce the breaded steak and cause it to lose moisture.
- Wire Rack: After frying, place the chicken-fried steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This prevents the crispy coating from becoming soggy, ensuring you get that irresistible crunch.
How to Use Equipment Effectively
To ensure your chicken fried steak is cooked to crispy perfection, start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat fully before adding oil; this step is crucial because placing the steak into oil that isn’t hot enough will result in a greasy, soggy coating. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, which usually happens at around 350°F.
When frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and can lead to uneven cooking. Fry the steaks in batches if necessary to maintain the oil’s temperature, allowing the steak to fry evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Lastly, after frying, resist the temptation to place the steaks directly onto a paper towel-lined plate. Instead, let them rest on a wire rack. This keeps the crispy coating intact, ensuring you don’t end up with a soggy bottom.
The Ultimate Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics of choosing ingredients and equipment, let’s dive into the actual recipe. Follow these steps to create the perfect best chicken fried steak recipe that will wow your family and guests.
Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Best chicken fried steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints. The crispy coating paired with tender cube steak and rich, creamy gravy creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether for breakfast or dinner, this Southern classic is sure to satisfy and bring joy to any table
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 tenderized cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of the oil used for frying
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Steaks
- Start by preparing the cube steaks. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This step ensures the meat is flavorful even under the crispy coating. If you want extra tenderness, you can pound the steaks lightly with a meat mallet.
Step 2: Breading the Steaks
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the seasoned flour mixture. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together until smooth. If you prefer extra crispiness, mix cornstarch into the seasoned flour in the third bowl.
- Dip each cube steak first into the seasoned flour, ensuring it is coated evenly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the steak back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the meat. Repeat with all the steaks.
Step 3: Frying the Steaks
- Heat oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the steaks halfway, but not fully submerge them. Once the oil reaches 350°F, gently place the breaded steaks into the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the steaks to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Don’t place them on paper towels, as this can make the crust soggy.
Step 4: Making the Gravy
- After frying the steaks, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Add the flour to the skillet and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the flour turns a light golden brown. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. This creamy gravy is the perfect complement to the crispy fried steak.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 650Total Fat: 35gCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35g
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Once your chicken fried steak is ready, serve it with a generous drizzle of cream gravy. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, Southern-style green beans, or buttery biscuits. For breakfast, serve it with eggs and hash browns for a hearty start to the day.
For dinner, it’s great with vegetables like sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables. You can even try serving it with a side of mac and cheese for an indulgent Southern meal.
Useful Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Frying Process: Fry the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This helps maintain the oil temperature, which is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness: The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the steaks and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the dish.
- Rest the Steaks After Frying: Allow the fried steaks to rest on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the coating crispy while allowing the meat to retain its juices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Seasoning: Always season the steaks before breading and make sure your flour mixture is well-seasoned. Bland breading will result in a flavorless steak.
- Frying in Cool Oil: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s not hot enough, your steaks will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Soggy Coating: Avoid placing the steaks on paper towels after frying. Instead, use a wire rack to keep the coating crunchy.
Conclusion
This best chicken fried steak recipe is a true Southern favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With a perfectly crispy coating and tender, juicy steak on the inside, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you serve it for breakfast or dinner, with mashed potatoes or gravy, this chicken fried steak is bound to get rave reviews. So, grab your ingredients, follow these tips, and enjoy this top-rated recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds.
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.