Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
A classic Southern dish featuring crispy breaded cube steak served with creamy gravy.
Equipment
- Large Skillet For frying the steak.
- Mixing bowls For preparing the breading and egg mixture.
- Whisk To mix ingredients and make gravy.
- Paper Towels For draining excess oil.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.75 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 pound cube steak (tenderized round steak)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 to 4 cups whole milk (for gravy)
- 0.5 teaspoon seasoned salt (for gravy)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for gravy)
- 1 serving mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Set up an assembly line of dishes. In one dish, mix the milk with eggs. In another, combine flour with seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Place the meat in a third dish, and have a clean plate at the end to receive the breaded meat.
- Season each piece of meat with kosher salt and black pepper. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the milk/egg mixture, and finally coat again with the flour mixture. Place the breaded meat on the clean plate and repeat with the remaining meat. Tip: Make sure to shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Test the oil by sprinkling a few drops of flour; if it sizzles, it's ready. Cook the meat in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.
- Pour off excess grease into a heatproof bowl. In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add 1/4 cup of the grease back. Tip: Be cautious of hot grease when pouring.
- For the gravy: Sprinkle flour evenly over the grease and whisk to create a golden-brown paste. Adjust flour or grease if needed. Cook until the roux turns a deep golden brown.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking. Add seasoned salt and black pepper. Cook and whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5-10 minutes. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Serve the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and pour the creamy gravy over the top. Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy.
Notes
For a richer gravy, you can use half milk and half chicken or beef broth. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.