Description
Southern comfort shines in this hearty chicken fried steak, delivering a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece of tenderized beef. Creamy pepper gravy completes this classic Texas diner favorite that satisfies deep hunger and southern culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) beef steak (round steak or cube steak)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Immerse beef cuts in tangy buttermilk, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes, ideally refrigerating overnight for enhanced tenderness.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with aromatic salt, cracked black pepper, pungent garlic powder, and vibrant paprika in a wide, shallow dish.
- Whisk eggs in a separate container, creating a smooth, golden binding agent for the meat coating.
- Extract marinated beef from buttermilk, gently dredge each piece through whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Thoroughly coat egg-dipped meat in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a crisp, even layer of breading.
- Preheat cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil to precisely 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully lower breaded steaks into hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich, golden-brown crust within 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer fried steaks onto absorbent paper towels, letting excess oil drain and preserving the crispy exterior.
- Serve immediately alongside homemade country gravy and complementary side dishes for a classic southern-style meal.
Notes
- Tenderize tough cuts of beef by marinating in buttermilk, which helps break down muscle fibers and adds tangy flavor.
- Ensure seasoned flour coating is even and thick by using a shallow dish and pressing flour mixture gently onto meat surface.
- Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning while achieving crispy golden exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Adapt recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg