Welcome to the culinary wonderland of Southern cooking! If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and downright satisfying, allow me to introduce you to Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience that embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality. Picture this: crispy breaded steak, smothered in a rich, velvety gravy that just begs to be paired with fluffy mashed potatoes or warm biscuits.
Did you know that Chicken Fried Steak actually has its roots in both Texas and the Southern United States? It’s said that the dish was created out of the need to make use of less expensive cuts of beef, turning them into something extraordinary! This comfort food is a favorite for families and often brings everyone together around the dinner table. If you love classic Southern flavors, don’t miss out on trying this dish! It’s every bit as comforting as my famous Biscuits and Gravy, another blog favorite that you won’t want to overlook. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What is Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy?
So, what the heck is Chicken Fried Steak, you ask? Is it chicken? Is it steak? It’s a delightful little mashup of both worlds! Despite the name, this dish doesn’t contain any poultry—it’s actually a breaded and fried beef steak. The “chicken-fried” term refers to the method of cooking, which is similar to that of fried chicken; it’s all about achieving that crispy, golden crust. It’s like taking a steak on an epic vacation to Chicken Town! Legend has it that this dish is so tantalizingly good that a classic saying rings true: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not treat your loved ones (or yourself) to this comfort food masterpiece?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Let me tell you why you’ll absolutely fall in love with Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy! First and foremost, the main highlight of this dish is its incredible flavor profile. The crispy coating gives you that satisfying bite, followed by the tender, juicy meat inside, all generously smothered in creamy gravy that’s rich and savory. You’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Secondly, making this dish at home is a budget-friendly choice. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a spectacular Southern meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, cooking at home means you get to control the quality and freshness of your ingredients.
Lastly, let’s talk about toppings! The creamy gravy elevates the steak to new heights, and you can even add freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of parsley for that extra zing. Not to mention, this dish is fantastic when paired with Southern sides like collard greens or macaroni and cheese. Explore more of the blog to discover similar hearty recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends! Time to roll up your sleeves and make this classic comfort food at home.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Quick Overview
Getting into the nitty-gritty of this amazing dish, Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy is both easy and rewarding to make. The prep time is around 20 minutes, and you’ll have a delectable meal on your table in just about an hour. This isn’t just simple cooking; it’s a labor of love that will leave everyone satisfied. You’ll enjoy crispy steak combined with a creamy sauce that’s so rich, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
To whip up this Southern delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups whole milk (for the gravy)
- 1/4 cup sautéed drippings (from frying)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In one, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In the second, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Finally, keep the third dish for the dry flour.
- Dredging the Steak: Dip each cube steak into the seasoned flour, making sure to coat it well. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour for an extra coating.
- Frying the Steaks: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded steaks to the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Making the Cream Gravy: In the same skillet, reserve about 1/4 cup of the drippings and whisk in 1/4 cup of flour. This will form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly browned, stirring constantly.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate your crispy chicken-fried steak and generously drizzle the cream gravy over it. Enjoy with your favorite Southern sides!
What to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
To truly make your Chicken Fried Steak meal shine, consider serving it alongside classic Southern sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite, allowing you to soak up that glorious gravy. You could also pair it with collard greens for a flavorful contrast or some cornbread to complement the savory goodness of the steak. Don’t forget a sweet tea or a freshly made lemonade to wash it all down!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for tenderized cube steak for optimum results. It’s perfect for frying and ensures tenderness.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before you fry—the sizzling sound is your cue! Test with a pinch of flour; if it sizzles, you’re ready!
- Prevent Sogginess: Drain the fried steaks on a paper towel to keep them crispy.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or fresh herbs into the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers (though I doubt it), let them cool completely before storing! Keep the Chicken Fried Steak and Cream Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the steak without the gravy; it will last about 2 months.
To reheat, the best method is using the oven at 350°F until heated through to retain that lovely crispiness. If you need to microwave it, cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent it from becoming rubbery. And remember, whether fresh or leftover, Chicken Fried Steak is always a crowd-pleaser!
So there you have it—an inviting introduction to Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy. With its crispy goodness and creamy perfection, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Get cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious smells and happy memories!
Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 pieces 8-ounce beef cube steaks Opt for tenderized cuts for best results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For breading the steaks.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs Whisked together with buttermilk.
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil For frying the steaks.
For the Cream Gravy
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup sautéed drippings From frying the steaks.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour To make the roux for gravy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Reserve the third dish for dry flour.
Dredging the Steak
- Dip each cube steak into the seasoned flour, ensuring it is well coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the coated steak into the egg mixture, then back into the flour for an extra coating.
Frying the Steaks
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded steaks to the hot oil.
- Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Cream Gravy
- In the same skillet, reserve about ¼ cup of drippings and whisk in ¼ cup of flour to form a roux.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until it is lightly browned, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Plate the crispy chicken-fried steak and generously drizzle the cream gravy over it.
- Enjoy with your favorite Southern sides!
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