Name: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Vegetable oil (for frying); 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided); 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + splash of vinegar); 4 cube steaks (or thin round steaks, 6–8 oz each); 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons butter or reserved pan drippings; 2 cups milk (regular or unsweetened almond milk); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Description

Crispy, golden chicken fried steak smothered in creamy homemade gravy. A Southern classic that delivers big comfort and bold flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

→ For the Steak:

Vegetable oil (for frying)

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)

1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + splash of vinegar)

4 cube steaks (or thin round steaks, 6–8 oz each)

1 teaspoon paprika

→ For the Gravy:

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons butter or reserved pan drippings

2 cups milk (regular or unsweetened almond milk)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Buttermilk Soak:
Place cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Prep the Dredging Stations:

Bowl 1: 1/2 cup plain flour

Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

Bowl 3: 1/2 cup flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper

Bread the Steaks:
Remove steak from buttermilk. Dredge in plain flour, then dip in egg, then coat in seasoned flour. Press to adhere well.

Fry the Steaks:
In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch oil over medium-high (about 350°F/175°C). Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Make the Gravy:
Discard excess oil, leaving 3 tablespoons in the pan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking. Stir in garlic powder. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:
Spoon gravy generously over each steak and enjoy immediately with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.

Notes

Soaking the steaks in buttermilk helps tenderize and flavor the meat.

Double dredging ensures a crunchy, golden crust.

Use pan drippings instead of butter for richer gravy flavor.

Let steaks rest on a wire rack—not paper towels—to retain crispness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Hearty Mains
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Southern