The Perfect Chicken Fried Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

I. Introduction

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food that has made its way into many American households. Its crispy, golden-brown exterior, coupled with its tender and juicy interior, makes it a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve been looking for a recipe to make it at home, you’re in luck! This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Chicken Fried Steak.

II. The Easy and Perfect Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed:

• 4 beef cube steaks (tenderized)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Now that we have our ingredients let’s get started with the recipe!

1. In a shallow bowl or dish, mix together flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
3. Dredge the cube steaks in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
4. Dip each steak in the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated well.
5. Place each steak back in the flour mixture and coat it again, pressing the flour mixture into the steak.
6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a paper towel, which will absorb any excess oil.

That’s it! Now you have perfectly cooked Chicken Fried Steaks. You can serve them as they are or add a side of mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete comfort food meal.

A few tips for making sure your Chicken Fried Steak turns out perfectly:

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks.
• Use a meat tenderizer to ensure the steaks are thin and tender.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying, as this will cause the steaks to cook unevenly.
• Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil before serving.

III. How to Get Creative with Your Chicken Fried Steak

While the classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe is a favorite, there are some ways to switch it up and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Instead of the traditional seasoning blend, try using Cajun seasoning or a barbecue dry rub for a different flavor.
• Experiment with different breading options such as panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crispiness.
• Serve your Chicken Fried Steak as a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
• Top your steak with gravy and serve it with a side of green beans and mashed sweet potato for a Southern-style meal.

IV. Making Chicken Fried Steak Healthier: Tips and Tricks

While Chicken Fried Steak is a comfort food, it’s not the healthiest option out there. Here are a few tips to make it a little healthier:

• Use a lean cut of meat such as sirloin or top round instead of cube steak.
• Bake the steaks in the oven instead of frying them in oil.
• Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour.
• Use buttermilk instead of whole milk to reduce the amount of fat.

Here’s a recipe for a healthier version of Chicken Fried Steaks:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Non-stick cooking spray

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a separate dish, pour the buttermilk.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
5. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture.
6. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken breasts on it.
7. Spray the chicken breasts with non-stick cooking spray.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

V. The Secrets to Making the Perfect Gravy for Your Chicken Fried Steak

Gravy is an essential part of Chicken Fried Steak. Here’s the recipe for a delicious gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two until the mixture is browned and bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to whisk out any lumps.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the gravy to a boil, whisking constantly.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.

If you prefer a thinner gravy, add more broth, and if you prefer it thicker, cook for a few more minutes until it has reached your desired consistency.

VI. Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid While Making Chicken Fried Steak

While Chicken Fried Steak is a relatively straightforward recipe, there are a few mistakes that are easy to make. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid:

• Not getting your oil hot enough before frying the steaks. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading will be soggy.
• Frying too many steaks at once, which can cause them to cook unevenly.
• Pressing down on the steaks while frying, which can cause the breading to fall off.
• Not allowing the steaks to rest after frying, which can cause them to become soggy.
• Overcooking the steaks, which will make them tough and chewy.

Remember to take your time when cooking Chicken Fried Steak and be patient. Following the recipe carefully and avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve the perfect dish each time.

VII. Chicken Fried Steak: The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion

Chicken Fried Steak has been a favorite Southern comfort food for many years. It’s become a staple dish across the United States and is even seen in some high-end restaurants. The dish originated as a way to make cheap cuts of meat more appetizing, and it quickly became popular for its delicious flavor and satisfying crunch. Chicken Fried Steak is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a centerpiece for a family dinner.

VIII. Conclusion

Cooking Chicken Fried Steak might sound daunting at first, but with the right recipe and a few tips, you can make the perfect dish every time. We’ve covered the basic recipe, explored creative variations, learned how to make it healthier, mastered gravy making, and avoided common mistakes. Now, all that’s left to do is to try it yourself. Invite some friends and family over, serve them this classic Southern dish, and enjoy some good company and comfort food.