Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Old Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak. Featuring tenderized cube steak coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy golden breading, this dish is served hot with a rich, velvety gravy made from savory pan drippings. It is a nostalgic, restaurant-quality meal that is budget-friendly, deeply satisfying, and perfect for a cozy weekend family dinner.
Ingredients
4 cube steaks (1/3 pound each)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil for frying
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup corn starch
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons reserved pan drippings
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup half and half
Instructions
Place cube steaks between plastic wrap and tenderize with a mallet until 1/2 inch thick.
Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and 3 teaspoons salt in a bowl; soak steaks for 1-2 hours.
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, corn starch, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
Press steaks firmly into the breading mixture.
Place breaded steaks on a wire rack and rest for 20 minutes to set the breading.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry steaks until golden brown on both sides.
Remove steaks and reserve 3 tablespoons of pan drippings.
In the same pan, melt butter with drippings, then stir in flour to create a roux.
Add minced garlic and cook for one minute.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, and half and half.
Add thyme, pepper, seasoned salt, and cayenne; simmer until thickened.
Serve hot gravy over the crispy steaks.
Notes
Always ensure the meat is patted very dry before marinating so the breading adheres properly. Resting the breaded steaks on a wire rack is key to preventing the crust from falling off during frying. Feel free to adjust the cayenne or add garlic powder to the flour mixture for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American