There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of traditional chicken fried steak and gravy. This dish isn’t just food; it’s true comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special family gathering, this meal promises to bring warmth and joy to your table. As you sit down to enjoy, you’ll find it’s like a big warm hug from your kitchen.
At the heart of this classic recipe are simple ingredients: four beef cubed steaks, one cup of all-purpose flour, and two eggs. The addition of one cup of milk, along with seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, bring a robust flavor profile that is undeniably satisfying. The crispy, golden-brown coating contrasted with the creamy gravy makes this dish a standout.
The cooking method is a straightforward journey from preparation to table. You’ll season the steaks before setting up a breading station with flour and an egg-milk mixture. After dredging and frying the steaks to a crisp perfection, you’ll use the drippings to whip up a rich gravy. It sounds simple, and it truly is!
This chicken fried steak is perfect for cozy nights in or as a delightful centerpiece for potlucks and family dinners. It never fails to please, ensuring that everyone leaves the table with a smile.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing more comforting than a classic dish that feels like home.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious meal that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Each component is easy to find, making it accessible for any home cook.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with many sides, making it easy to customize for any occasion.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of seasonings and gravy delivers a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
Tips for Selecting Beef Cubed Steaks
When it comes to selecting beef cubed steaks, look for options that have a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the small streaks of fat within the meat. This fat prevents the steak from drying out while it cooks, ensuring a juicy and tender end result. If you have the option, USDA Choice or higher grades generally provide better flavor and tenderness. If possible, buy your steaks from a trusted butcher who can guide you on the best cuts available.
Options for Substitutions
- You can swap beef cubed steaks for chicken breast or pork chops for a different protein.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition.
- Replace regular milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- For a kick of flavor, try adding Cajun seasoning in place of traditional seasonings.
- Instead of gravy, serve the steaks with a mushroom sauce for a twist.
- Use chickpea flour as a gluten-free alternative when breading.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is over-seasoning your meat. While seasoning is crucial for flavor, too much salt can overpower the dish, so be cautious and taste as you go. Another pitfall is frying the steaks at too high a temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside may crisp up before the inside is fully cooked. Aim for medium heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while ensuring the meat is cooked through.
Don’t forget to drain the fried steaks on paper towels right after cooking; this step helps remove excess oil for a less greasy meal. When making the gravy, be sure to whisk the flour thoroughly into the drippings—lumps of flour can create an unappealing texture in your sauce. Lastly, stirring continuously while adding milk will help achieve a smooth and creamy gravy.
What to Serve With Traditional Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery baked potatoes are classic companions that complement the savory flavors. Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the steak and gravy. If you’re looking for something lighter, consider sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli for a nutritious balance on your plate.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover chicken fried steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.
Freeze: If you wish to freeze the steaks, they can be stored for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely, and pack them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Reheat: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the steak for 1-2 minutes, but it’s best to do so in short intervals to avoid drying it out.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,200 – 1,500
- Protein: 100 – 120 grams
- Fat: 60 – 80 grams
- Carbohydrates: 80 – 100 grams
Ingredients
- 4 beef cubed steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Steaks
Begin by seasoning the beef cubed steaks generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure you cover all sides for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
Prepare your breading station by placing all-purpose flour in one shallow dish and in another, beat together the eggs and milk until they are well mixed. Keep a skillet ready with oil for frying.
Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
Take each seasoned steak and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Afterwards, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, then return the steak to the flour for a final coating. This will give your steak a deliciously crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded steaks to the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Use the drippings left in the skillet to make your gravy. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, serve your crispy chicken fried steak hot with the rich gravy poured generously on top. Enjoy your meal with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience.
In conclusion, this traditional chicken fried steak and gravy recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and heartwarming memories. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing the results with loved ones. I invite you to try this recipe, and please share your experience or any feedback! If you liked this dish, feel free to explore more of my other recipes to make your cooking journey even more exciting.
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Traditional Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food dish featuring crispy coated beef cubed steaks served with a rich, creamy gravy.
Ingredients
- 4 beef cubed steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the beef cubed steaks generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, and beat the eggs and milk in another.
- Dredge each steak in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again with flour.
- Fry the steaks in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Make the gravy using drippings by whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk and cooking until thick.
- Serve the crispy chicken fried steak hot with gravy on top.
Notes
Ensure to drain the fried steaks on paper towels to remove excess oil. Stir continuously when adding milk to the gravy to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
