How to Make Chicken Fried Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Classic Southern Dish

Introduction

Are you tired of ordering chicken fried steak at restaurants and wish you could make it at home? Maybe you’ve never even tried it before but are curious about this beloved Southern dish. Either way, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to making the perfect chicken fried steak. Not only will we provide you with a recipe and instructions, but we’ll also give you video tutorials, information on alternative cooking techniques, regional variations, serving suggestions, and a brief history of the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. For the steak, you’ll need:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the gravy, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Now, let’s get started with the recipe!

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
4. Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Shake off any excess flour and then dip the steak into the buttermilk mixture, coating both sides evenly.
6. Dip the steak once again into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the steak to ensure a thick, even coating.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
8. Carefully place the coated steak into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Transfer the steak to a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm while you make the gravy.
10. In the same skillet used for frying, whisk together the reserved oil and flour over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
11. Gradually whisk in the milk until the gravy comes to a simmer and thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Serve the steak hot with the gravy drizzled on top.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken fried steak!

Video Recipe Tutorial

For those who prefer visual instructions, check out this video tutorial on how to make chicken fried steak:

Some tips for achieving the perfect golden brown crust include:

• Make sure you have a thick flour coating on the steak to help it brown and crisp up.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan for even heat distribution.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steak to prevent it from becoming greasy.

If you’re looking for alternative cooking techniques, such as using an air fryer or oven, read on.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

If you don’t have a deep fryer or simply prefer not to use one, there are other ways to achieve crispy chicken fried steak.

Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Coat the steak in the flour mixture as directed and then place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Coat the steak in the flour mixture as directed and then place it on the wire rack. Spray the steak with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

While these methods may not be as traditional as frying, they are healthier options and still produce a tasty end product.

Regional Variations

Chicken fried steak is a dish that varies widely depending on where you are in the United States. Here are a few regional variations:

Texas-style: This is perhaps the most famous variation of chicken fried steak, as it’s a staple in Texan cuisine. The steak is typically larger and spicier than other versions, and is often served with cream gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Midwest-style: In the Midwest, chicken fried steak is often made with ground beef instead of cube steak. It’s sometimes called “chicken-fried hamburger” and is typically served with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn.

Other states: Other states have their own take on chicken fried steak, such as Oklahoma’s version, which is often served with a side of fried okra, or Tennessee’s version, which sometimes includes a hot sauce in the gravy.

Here’s a recipe for Texas-style chicken fried steak:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the cream gravy:

• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Follow the same instructions for the steak and gravy as in the previous recipe, but serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Regardless of the variation, chicken fried steak is a delicious and filling comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken fried steak is typically served with a variety of side dishes that complement the rich and hearty flavors of the dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Biscuits
• Corn on the cob
• Fried okra
• Green beans
• Mac and cheese

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade mashed potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

As for sauces, cream gravy is the traditional accompaniment to chicken fried steak, but you could also try barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or even honey mustard for a twist.

History of Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak has a long and interesting history that spans across multiple cultures and regions. The dish has its roots in German and Austrian cuisine, where schnitzel (a thin, breaded cutlet) was a popular dish. When German immigrants began settling in Texas in the late 1800s, they brought their love of schnitzel with them and adapted the dish using the available ingredients of the region – namely, beef. The dish was originally called “Wiener schnitzel” but became known as “chicken fried steak” due to its similarity to fried chicken.

Despite its name, chicken fried steak doesn’t actually contain any chicken. The “chicken” part of the name refers to the preparation method, which involves coating the steak in a flour mixture and then frying it, much like fried chicken.

Today, chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern staple and is enjoyed all across the United States. It’s typically served in diners, cafes, and family restaurants, and is often a part of comfort food menus.

If you want to enjoy chicken fried steak in its original context, try serving it with German potato salad and sauerkraut.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make chicken fried steak, you can enjoy this classic Southern dish from the comfort of your own home. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or try a regional variation, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this hearty and flavorful dish.