Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy


Experience the crispy, golden-brown glory of authentic Chicken Fried Steak smothered in creamy peppered gravy - a legendary Southern dish that turns budget-friendly cube steak into a soul-satisfying masterpiece. Our perfected recipe delivers that iconic crunchy coating and velvety gravy that'll transport you straight to a Texas roadhouse!

Ingredients

(Professional Tip: Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak for maximum juiciness.)

Steak:

  • 4 (6-8 oz) cube steaks (or round steak, pounded thin)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar; for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs , beaten
  • Vegetable oil , for frying

Gravy:

  • 3 tbsp pan drippings (or butter)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak:
    Place steaks in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

  2. Prep the Breading:
    Mix ½ cup flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
    Place remaining ½ cup flour in a second bowl.
    Beat eggs in a third bowl.

  3. Bread the Steak:
    Remove steaks from buttermilk (let excess drip off). Dredge in plain flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned flour. Press gently to adhere.

  4. Fry the Steak:
    Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350–375°F/175–190°C). Fry steaks 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a rack or paper towels.

  5. Make the Gravy:
    Pour off all but 3 tbsp of oil. Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and garlic powder. Simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.


 

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