Chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern dish that'll make your taste buds dance! It's a crispy, breaded beef cutlet that's fried to golden perfection and smothered in creamy gravy. You'll love how the tender meat contrasts with the crunchy coating. This comfort food favorite comes from German and Austrian immigrants who adapted their recipes to use local beef. To make it, you'll tenderize the steak, coat it in seasoned flour, fry it up, and whip up a rich gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies for a hearty meal that'll warm your soul. Let's explore the magic of this Texas staple!
Key Takeaways
- Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern dish of breaded, fried beef cutlet served with cream gravy.
- It originated from German and Austrian immigrants in 19th-century Texas, adapting traditional recipes.
- The dish involves tenderizing beef, coating it in seasoned flour and egg, then frying until crispy.
- Cream gravy, made from pan drippings, flour, and milk, is a essential accompaniment.
- It's often served with sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables, and is Texas' official state dish.
History
Despite its name, chicken fried steak has no chicken in it. It's actually a beef dish that's become a beloved comfort food in the Southern United States. You might wonder how it got its name. Well, it's because the steak is prepared in a similar way to fried chicken! This dish has often been a part of family gatherings, where families come together to enjoy a hearty meal, reflecting the importance of support networks for new fathers.
The history of chicken fried steak goes back to the 19th century. German and Austrian immigrants brought their love of breaded cutlets to America. When they settled in Texas, they adapted their recipes to use the ingredients they'd available. Instead of veal, they used tough cuts of beef that were tenderized by pounding.
Over time, this dish spread throughout the South and became a staple in diners and home kitchens. It's often served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. The popularity of chicken fried steak grew so much that in 2011, Texas declared it the official state dish!
Today, you'll find variations of chicken fried steak across the country, each with its own regional twist.
Cooking Steps
To prepare chicken fried steak, you'll start by tenderizing thin cuts of beef. Use a meat mallet to pound the steaks until they're about 1/4 inch thick. This helps make them tender and easy to cook.
Next, set up three shallow bowls. In the first, mix flour with salt and pepper. In the second, beat eggs with a splash of milk. The third bowl gets a mix of flour, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
Now, it's time to coat the steaks. Dip each piece in the plain flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the seasoned flour. Make sure they're well-coated on all sides.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it's hot, carefully place the coated steaks in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Once they're done, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite sides and gravy. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried steak!
Step 1. Tenderize Round Steak
The most crucial step in preparing chicken fried steak is tenderizing the round steak. You'll need a meat mallet or tenderizer to get the job done right.
Start by placing your steak on a clean cutting board. Cover it with a piece of plastic wrap to keep things tidy. Now, it's time to get to work!
Grab your meat mallet and start pounding the steak. Use the textured side of the mallet to create small indentations all over the meat. This process breaks down the tough fibers, making your steak much more tender.
Don't be shy – give it a good workout! You'll want to pound the steak until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
As you're tenderizing, make sure to work evenly across the entire piece of meat. Pay extra attention to any particularly thick or tough areas.
You'll know you're done when the steak has a uniform thickness and feels more pliable. This step is key to ensuring your chicken fried steak turns out perfectly tender and delicious!
Step 2. Dredge Steak in Seasoned Flour
Now that your steak is perfectly tenderized, it's time to give it a flavorful coating.
You'll need a shallow dish filled with seasoned flour. Mix all-purpose flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to add your favorite spices too!
Take your tenderized steak and dip it into the seasoned flour. Make sure you coat both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour, as you don't want it to be too thick.
This flour coating will help create that crispy, golden-brown crust we all love.
For an extra crispy texture, you can double-dredge your steak. After the first coat, dip the steak in beaten eggs, then back into the flour mixture. This will give you an even thicker, crunchier crust.
Step 3. Fry in Hot Oil
Get ready for the most crucial step in creating your perfect chicken fried steak. It's time to fry!
Heat about an inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. You'll want the oil to reach 350°F, so use a thermometer if you have one.
Once your oil is hot, carefully place the breaded steaks into the pan. Don't overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed. You'll hear a satisfying sizzle as the steaks hit the oil.
Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy.
As you're frying, keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, turn the heat down a bit. If it cools too much, give it time to heat up between batches.
When the steaks are done, use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4. Make Cream Gravy
Gravy-making time has arrived, and it's the perfect finishing touch for your chicken fried steak. You'll love how easy it's to whip up this creamy, delicious sauce!
First, pour out most of the oil from your skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk it with the oil. Let this mixture cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly.
Now, slowly pour in about 1 1/2 cups of milk, whisking as you go. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring as the gravy thickens over medium heat. It'll take about 5 minutes to reach the right consistency. If it gets too thick, don't worry! Just add a little more milk.
Season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Some folks like to add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Once it's smooth and creamy, you're all set! Pour this heavenly gravy over your crispy chicken fried steak, and get ready for a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 5. Serve With Mashed Potatoes
To round out your chicken fried steak meal, you'll want to whip up some creamy mashed potatoes. Start by peeling and cutting about 2 pounds of potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
Once they're done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
Now, it's time to mash! You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer, but be careful not to overmix. You want them creamy, not gluey.
For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic, chives, or sour cream.
When your potatoes are perfectly smooth and creamy, it's time to serve. Scoop a generous portion onto each plate next to your crispy chicken fried steak. Don't forget to ladle that delicious cream gravy over both the steak and potatoes. This classic combo is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Final Thoughts
Mastery of chicken fried steak takes practice, but it's well worth the effort. As you become more comfortable with the recipe, you'll find yourself creating this classic comfort food with ease.
Remember, the key is in the details: a well-seasoned breading, properly tenderized meat, and that perfect golden-brown crust.
Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Each time you make chicken fried steak, you'll learn something new. Maybe you'll discover the ideal thickness for the meat or find the perfect balance of seasonings in your breading. It's all part of the journey!
As you serve your chicken fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, you'll see the smiles on your family's faces. That's when you'll know all your hard work was worth it.
This hearty meal isn't just about food; it's about creating memories and sharing love through cooking. One of my favorite memories is making my mom’s classic tuna melt recipe with her when I was a child. It was a simple recipe, but the time spent together in the kitchen, chatting and laughing, is something I’ll cherish forever. There’s something special about preparing and enjoying a meal with loved ones that brings us closer together and creates lasting bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicken Fried Steak Actually Made With Chicken?
No, chicken fried steak isn't made with chicken. You're actually eating beef steak that's been battered and fried like chicken. It's a popular Southern dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
What's the Difference Between Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak?
You'll find they're quite similar. The main difference is in the gravy: chicken fried steak typically has a cream-based gravy, while country fried steak often comes with a brown gravy. Both are delicious comfort foods you'll enjoy.
Can Chicken Fried Steak Be Made With a Healthier Cooking Method?
You can make a healthier version by baking or air frying instead of deep-frying. Try using whole wheat flour for the breading and lean cuts of beef. You'll still get that crispy texture with fewer calories.
What Are the Best Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Fried Steak?
You'll want to serve classic comfort sides with this dish. Try mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn. Don't forget creamy gravy! For a lighter option, add a crisp salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
How Long Can Leftover Chicken Fried Steak Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
You can keep leftover chicken fried steak in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure it's cooled completely before refrigerating.
Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.
