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Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy White Gravy

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A comforting and crispy chicken fried steak served with rich, creamy white gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 beef cube steaks (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded thin
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g), plus extra for dredging
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml) (use dairy-free milk with 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (enough for ½ inch depth)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 57 g)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (600 ml), warmed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. Pat your cube steaks dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the steaks gently until they’re about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook evenly. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In one shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120 g) of flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk until smooth. (5 minutes)
  3. Dip each steak first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and return to the flour mixture for a double coating. Press the flour gently onto the meat for a thick, crispy crust. Set aside on a plate. (10 minutes)
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one, or test by dropping a pinch of flour in the oil—it should sizzle immediately. (5-7 minutes)
  5. Carefully place steaks into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd) and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to maintain temperature. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. (10 minutes)
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup (30 g) flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like. (15 minutes)
  7. Pour the creamy white gravy over the crispy chicken fried steak and enjoy while hot.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady between 350-375°F to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Use a wire rack to drain steaks to keep crust crispy. If gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, crispy steak, creamy white gravy, comfort food, southern recipe, easy dinner, fried steak