chicken fried steak recipe

Crispy and Delicious: How to Make the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

We all have those dishes that just bring us back to our roots. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a beloved dish from our hometown, food has a way of connecting us to our past. In the Southern United States, one dish that is beloved by many is chicken fried steak. This classic comfort food consists of a tenderized steak that is breaded and fried to perfection. It’s then typically served with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes chicken fried steak so special, how to make it from scratch, and tips for serving it up like a pro.

Introduction

Understanding the background and history of chicken fried steak helps to appreciate this flavorful dish even more. Chicken fried steak refers to a piece of beef that has been pounded flat, breaded, and then fried until crispy. It’s similar in preparation to German schnitzel or Italian scaloppine but with a Southern twist.

The origins of chicken-fried steak are unclear, although many people believe it started in Texas during the late 19th century. Legend has it that German immigrants who had settled in the area missed their beloved schnitzel and adapted the recipe using local ingredients like beef instead of pork.

Regardless of its exact origin story, chicken-fried steak has been an iconic dish in the Southern region of the United States for decades. It’s often associated with times when families would gather around meals made with affordable ingredients and shared laughter-filled moments at dinner tables across the South.

Preparing the Steak

The key to making great chicken-fried steak starts with selecting the right cut of meat, trimming off any excess fat or gristle.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat: For chicken-fried steak, the best cut of meat to use is a tenderized cut, such as round steak or cube steak. You can purchase these cuts of meat from your local grocery store or ask your butcher to tenderize the beef for you.

How to Tenderize the Meat: While some people prefer traditional methods for tenderizing beef by using a mallet, modern techniques like using a meat tenderizer tool or marinating in buttermilk are also popular.

Seasoning the Steak: After you have chosen and tenderized your cut of meat, it’s time to season it with dry ingredients that will enhance its natural flavor. Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and rub this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the beef before breading.

Breading and Frying

The next step is breading and frying your chicken-fried steak. Here’s how to do it:

Preparing the Breading Mixture: To make the classic breading mixture for chicken-fried steak, mix flour with salt and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like cayenne pepper for a spicier kick or cornmeal to create a more textured crust. Another alternative is to use pre-made seasoned breadcrumbs instead of flour.

Tips for Successful Breading: To ensure that your chicken-fried steak is evenly coated with breading and achieves maximum crispiness, follow these tips:

• Pat excess moisture off of the steak before coating in flour or breadcrumbs.
• Dip in an egg wash (optional) before coating with breadcrumbs.
• Use one hand for dipping in wet ingredients and another hand purely for dry ingredients when breading.
• Coat the steak evenly on all sides.
• Avoid creating large clumps or air pockets of breading.

Cooking the Steak: The final and most important step is frying the steak to crispy perfection. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat, add oil, and when it’s hot, add the breaded steaks. Fry on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Note:
To ensure that your chicken-fried steak doesn’t become soggy or greasy, avoid over-crowding your skillet. Depending on the size of the pan, you may need to fry them two at a time. After frying each batch, let them drain on a paper towel before serving.

Making the Gravy

No chicken-fried steak is complete without gravy! In fact, it’s this creamy sauce that brings everything together with a touch of richness and flavor.

Classic Sawmill Gravy Recipe: To make classic sawmill gravy, follow this recipe:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pan drippings from your cooked chicken-fried steak

Directions:

1. After you’ve removed cooked steak from the pan and placed it on a serving platter, keep the pan on medium-high heat with the remaining oil.
2. Scoop out excess oil until you’re left with only two tablespoons.
3. Whisk in flour into your pan and cook until browned.
4. Gradually stir in milk then allow to boil as you continuously stir.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Variations on Sawmill Gravy: For those looking to switch things up, try experimenting with these different gravy recipes:

• Mushroom Gravy - add sauteed mushrooms to your sawmill gravy for an earthier flavor.
• Creamy White Pepper Gravy - instead of black pepper, season this gravy with a pop of white pepper that will appeal to those who enjoy robust flavors with a slightly milder kick.

Serving Suggestions

To complete a delicious chicken-fried steak meal, serve it up with some classic Southern sides and beautiful presentation. Some of our favorite accompaniments for chicken-fried steak include:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Collard Greens
• Baked Beans
• Corn on the Cob

Presentation Tips:

• Plating the food with an aesthetically pleasing look can make the experience more enjoyable. Add some color to your plate by using fresh herbs or bright vegetables like roasted carrots or beets.
• Serve the chicken-fried steak on a bed of greens or next to roasted veggies instead of mashed potatoes for a lighter affair.
• Topping off your plate with crisp bacon bits or grated parmesan cheese can help elevate the overall flavor profile.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken-fried steak:

Overcooking or Undercooking: It’s important not to overcook or undercook your chicken-fried steak. Check for doneness by cutting through and examining if no pink can be seen.

Soggy Breading or Burnt Exterior: Your breading may become soggy because of excess moisture from the steak. Dry the steak before breading and frying and ensure you control your pan’s heat. Conversely, if your exterior is burnt, reduce contact time with high heat.

Lumpy Gravy or Seasoning Imbalance: The thickness of your gravy may depend on the flour-to-milk ratio. If lumpy gravy appears, incorporate a small amount of milk gradually as you whisk until smooth. While seasoning is personal preference, ensure there is a proper balance between salt and pepper.

Health Considerations

Chicken-fried steak is not a meal that will fit everyone’s dietary plan, but just because it’s indulgent doesn’t mean we can’t opt for healthier modifications. Here are some ways to enjoy this dish with fewer calories and more nutrients:

Substitute: Leaner cuts of beef are good options for this dish since they contain less fat than other cuts. You can use chicken breasts instead of beef as well.

Baking Instead of Frying: To skip frying your chicken-fried steak, try baking it in the oven instead. Dredge the steaks and then place them in an oiled baking sheet, roast in preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-30 minutes turning halfway through bake time or until cooked through.

Making Smaller Portions: When serving up plates, slice your meat into smaller portions and serve it alongside additional vegetable sides to ensure utmost satisfaction while consuming fewer calories.

Vegan Alternatives

Vegans don’t have to miss out on enjoying the comforts of Southern cuisine! There are many vegan alternatives to chicken-fried steak recipes that use plant-based protein such as seitan or tofu. One popular version involves using breaded portobello mushrooms instead of beef cutlets. Try these dishes made with innovative ingredients:

• Vegan Seitan Fried “Steak” Recipe
• Crispy Tofu Steak Recipe
• Portobello Mushroom “Steak” Recipe

Conclusion – Recap of Key Points

Chicken-fried steak is a beloved Southern comfort food enjoyed not only for its flavorful crust and tender meat but also the memories it creates. When making it at home, select a tenderized beef cut, season well, and coat with breadcrumbs before frying in hot oil. Creating sawmill gravy or other variations can bring extra creaminess and flavor to your dish.

Remember not to overcook the steak and regulate the frying pan’s temperature to obtain crispy breading while preserving the meat’s tenderness. Don’t forget about sides, plate presentation, personal modifications to suit different dietary lifestyles.

Thanks for reading our ultimate guide to chicken fried steak! We hope you are inspired to try making it in your kitchen now that you understand how to do so properly. Additionally, with bonus recipes for homemade biscuits alongside sweet tea recipes included, there’s no need to wait in line for Southern soul food at the restaurant when you cook up a feast straight from your very own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Q: What is chicken fried steak?

A: Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that consists of a tenderized piece of beef steak that has been coated in seasoned flour, fried until crispy, and then served with gravy. Despite the name, there is no actual chicken involved in this recipe.

Q: What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

A: The best cut of meat for chicken fried steak is cube steak, which is a thinly pounded piece of beef round or chuck. This cut is already tenderized, making it easy to cook and perfect for this dish.

Q: How do I tenderize the meat before making chicken fried steak?

A: To tenderize the meat before making chicken fried steak, use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the steak until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This not only helps to tenderize the meat but also ensures even cooking.

Q: Can I make chicken fried steak without a deep fryer?

A: Yes, you can make chicken fried steak without a deep fryer. Simply heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Q: How do I make the gravy for chicken fried steak?

• A: To make gravy for chicken fried steak, use the drippings from frying the steaks.
• B: Add about 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the drippings and whisk until smooth.
• C: Slowly add in 1-2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
• D: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Q: Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make chicken fried steak ahead of time. Simply fry the steaks as directed and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a 350-degree F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Q: What are some common side dishes to serve with chicken fried steak?

• A: Mashed potatoes with gravy
• B: Green beans or other steamed vegetables
• C: Cornbread or biscuits
• D: Mac and cheese