Name: The Best Chicken Fried Steak for Comfort Food Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces Beef Cube Steaks (Use ½ pound steaks for a hearty serving); 2.25 cups All-purpose Flour (For dredging); 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Helps the crust puff up); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Adds leavening for a light texture); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (For a hint of spice); 0.75 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the steak’s natural flavors); 1.5 cups Buttermilk (Tenderizes the meat); 1 tablespoon Hot Pepper Sauce (For added kick; substitute if preferred); 1 large Egg (Binds the mixture); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for aromatic goodness); 3 cups Vegetable Shortening (For frying); 4 cups Milk (Served on the side); Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper (Season to taste)

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Chicken Fried Steak is a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, embodying the very essence of comfort food. This classic American dish features tender, breaded beef steaks, deep-fried to crispy perfection and often served with a rich gravy. It’s a meal that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart with each bite. Let’s dive into making the best Chicken Fried Steak that will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak

This Chicken Fried Steak is not just any meal; it’s a culinary masterpiece that offers numerous reasons to love it. First, it’s a Southern Fried Steak classic that’s easy to make at home. Second, the combination of crispy coating and tender meat creates a delightful texture that satisfies every palate. Third, it pairs beautifully with Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, making it a perfect comfort food dish. Fourth, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it with various sides, including mashed potatoes or green beans. Fifth, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. Finally, this Homemade Chicken Fried Steak recipe is quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak

Gather these items:

4 pieces Beef Cube Steaks (Use ½ pound steaks for a hearty serving)
2.25 cups All-purpose Flour (For dredging)
2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Helps the crust puff up)
1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Adds leavening for a light texture)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (For a hint of spice)
0.75 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the steak’s natural flavors)
1.5 cups Buttermilk (Tenderizes the meat)
1 tablespoon Hot Pepper Sauce (For added kick; substitute if preferred)
1 large Egg (Binds the mixture)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced for aromatic goodness)
3 cups Vegetable Shortening (For frying)
4 cups Milk (Served on the side)
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper (Season to taste)

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and salt.
Step 2: In another bowl, blend together the buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, egg, and minced garlic until smooth.
Step 3: Coat each beef cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture. Coat them once more in the flour for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable shortening in a large frying pan over medium heat until it shimmers.
Step 5: Fry the coated beef cube steaks in the hot shortening until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 6: Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Plate your Chicken Fried Steak with a side of milk and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

Keep these in mind:

Use a meat tenderizer for the beef cube steaks for a more tender bite.
Let the coated steaks sit for a few minutes before frying to help the crust stick.
Maintain the oil temperature; too low will make them greasy, too high will burn them.
For a gourmet touch, serve with a side of Crispy Steak with Gravy for that classic diner feel.

The Best Chicken Fried Steak for Comfort Food Bliss - Chicken Fried Steak - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Fried Steak

Pair your Chicken Fried Steak with these delicious sides:

Mashed potatoes with gravy
Green beans or collard greens for a Southern flair
Homemade biscuits to soak up the gravy

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

To store your Chicken Fried Steak, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy exterior, ensuring you don’t lose that delightful crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Fried Steak

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Fried Steak?

The secret lies in the seasoning and the frying technique. Ensuring the oil is hot enough will give you that golden, crispy crust. A double dredge in flour also enhances the crunchiness, making it a Classic Chicken Fried Steak Dish!

Can I make Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steaks in advance by breading them and storing them in the refrigerator. Just fry them right before serving for the best results, keeping that crispy steak with gravy texture intact.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Fried Steak?

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to ensure that each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy. Also, don’t skip the seasoning; use a good amount of salt and pepper for flavor!

Variations of Chicken Fried Steak You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Country Fried Steak: Use a thicker gravy for a heartier dish.
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add more hot pepper sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
Vegetable Fried Cutlet: Substitute meat with a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian twist.