Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
A delightful Southern classic featuring crispy breaded beef steaks smothered in rich and creamy 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!
Notes
Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread. For added flavor, consider topping with freshly ground black pepper or chopped parsley.