Embrace the heart of cowboy cuisine with this traditional Chicken Fried Steak recipe that's sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Perfect for when you want to serve up some serious comfort food, this dish features tender cube steak with a crispy seasoned breading, all smothered in a rich creamy gravy. It's a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that calls the cowboys to the table and earns its place as a ranch favorite. Let's get to cooking!
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Seasoned salt, to taste
- All-purpose flour (for seasoned flour mixture and gravy)
- 2 eggs
- Milk (both for the egg mixture and gravy)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- Butter (for color and frying)
- Whole milk (for gravy)
Instructions:
1. Begin by evenly seasoning each cube steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Prepare your seasoned flour mixture by combining all-purpose flour with cayenne, paprika, seasoned salt, and a bit more salt and pepper to taste in a shallow dish.
3. In another dish, beat together eggs with a splash of milk to create an egg wash.
4. Dredge each seasoned steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and coat again in the flour mixture ensuring it's well-coated.
5. Set aside the breaded steaks.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough canola oil to coat the bottom. Place a bit of butter into the oil for added color.
7. Once the oil is hot, fry the steaks for approximately 2 to 2.5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to not overcrowd the pan.
8. As steaks finish cooking, set them aside and keep them warm.
For the Gravy:
1. Drain off most of the excess oil from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon along with the flavorful bits from frying.
2. Sprinkle enough of the seasoned flour mixture used for breading into the pan to create a paste consistency without excess oiliness.
3. Slowly pour in whole milk while continuously whisking over medium heat.
4. Keep whisking and bring your gravy to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the skillet as you whisk.
5. As the gravy thickens, continue to babysit it, stirring often until it reaches the creamy consistency you desire.
6. Season with additional salt and an ample amount of black pepper.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins (includes making gravy)
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow dishes (for breading)
Cooking Tips:
- Allow your breaded steaks to sit for a few minutes after coating to help the breading adhere better.
- Maintain your frying oil at a constant temperature for the best browning.
- Never leave your gravy unattended; constant stirring is key to a lump-free, velvety smooth sauce.
Recipe attributed to the Food Network. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, check out their YouTube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/@FoodNetwork.
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