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To make Easy Chicken Fried Steak, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb beef cube steak - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup buttermilk - 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - Optional: fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients create a tasty, crispy dish. Each spice adds its own flavor, while the buttermilk helps the coating stick. You can find the full recipe in the guide above. Enjoy cooking this comfort food! - Tenderizing the cube steaks: Start by using a meat mallet to pound the cube steaks. This makes the meat tender. If your steaks are already tenderized, you can skip this step. - Preparing the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together two large eggs and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Make sure it's smooth. This mix helps the coating stick to the meat. - Dredging process for coating: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Dip each steak into the egg mix, then coat it in the flour mix. Press down lightly to get good coverage. - Heating the oil properly: In a large skillet, pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers to know it’s ready for frying. - Frying the steaks to perfection: Carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep them crispy. - Draining the fried steaks: When the steaks are done, place them on paper towels. This helps remove extra oil and keeps them crisp. - Using leftover flour mixture: After frying, keep some of the flour mixture in the skillet. This adds flavor to the gravy. - Whisking with milk: Gradually whisk in milk until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it thicken. - Seasoning to taste: Add salt and pepper to the gravy. Taste and adjust as needed. Pour this over your chicken fried steak for extra flavor. For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. To get a great crispy coating, start with flour seasoning. Mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This mix gives your steak flavor. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference. Next, focus on the egg mixture. Whisk together the eggs and buttermilk well. This creates a nice base for the flour to stick. Make sure the steaks are wet enough when you dip them into the flour. This helps the coating stay on better. Frying temperature is key. Heat your oil until it shimmers. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the steak will soak up oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Aim for medium-high heat for the best results. To make your chicken fried steak even better, consider adding spices. You can try cayenne pepper for heat or even some Italian herbs for a twist. Just a little can change the taste. Marinating the beef cube steak is another option. Use buttermilk or a simple marinade with soy sauce and garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the meat become more tender and flavorful. For garnishing ideas, fresh herbs like parsley work well. They add a pop of color and fresh taste. You can also serve with lemon wedges for a bright bite. These little touches make your dish look and taste great. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided above. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different meats. Chicken works well for a lighter meal. Simply use chicken breasts or thighs in place of the beef. Pork is another tasty option. Pork chops can easily replace cube steak in this dish. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using tempeh or seitan. Both options soak up flavors well and can mimic the texture of meat. You can also use portobello mushrooms. They provide a hearty bite and pair nicely with the seasonings. You can bake chicken fried steak for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the coated steaks on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps the steak crispy without frying. If you own an air fryer, you can make it even easier. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. The air fryer gives a crispy texture similar to frying but uses less oil. For a full meal, serve your chicken fried steak with classic sides. Mashed potatoes with gravy are a favorite. You can also serve it with green beans or corn on the cob. Both add color and nutrition to your plate. Salads are great too! A simple green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the steak. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots also make a healthy, tasty addition. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing side! After enjoying your chicken fried steak, store any leftovers properly. Place the steaks in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Always let them cool down before sealing. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the steaks. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating fried steaks can be tricky. The goal is to keep them crispy. The best method is to use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steaks on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Check to see if they are heated through. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This helps keep the coating crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the steaks soggy. Enjoy your meal again just like the first time! Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish. It features breaded and fried beef cube steak. The dish dates back to the 19th century. It combines the flavors of fried chicken with the heartiness of beef. Typically, it is served with gravy, making it a comfort food favorite. Yes, you can prep some parts in advance. Tenderize the cube steaks and coat them a few hours before cooking. You can also mix the flour and spices ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to fry. This saves time on busy days. To make chicken fried steak gluten-free, swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands offer gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. Check the labels to ensure they match your needs. You can also use cornstarch for the coating. This will still give you a crispy texture. Absolutely! To air fry, first, coat the steaks just like the original recipe. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded steaks in a single layer. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. Yes, store-bought gravy works well if you're short on time. Look for brands that offer a rich flavor. You can add some black pepper for extra taste. Pour it over your chicken fried steak for a quick and easy meal. Chicken fried steak pairs nicely with many sides. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. You can also add a side salad for freshness. Don't forget to serve it with extra gravy for dipping! Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, I covered how to make chicken fried steak. We talked about the ingredients you'll need, like beef cube steak and spices. I walked you through the steps to prepare and cook the steak perfectly. You also learned tips for a crispy coating and ways to make variations. Try different proteins or cooking methods to find your favorite! Enjoying this dish can become a fun tradition. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Fried Steak

Savor the taste of Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak with this easy recipe! Learn how to prepare tender, juicy cube steaks coated in a flavorful blend of spices and fried to golden perfection. This classic dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for a quick dinner. Click through to discover the full recipe and transform your meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb beef cube steak

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by tenderizing your cube steaks with a meat mallet if they aren't pre-tenderized. This helps to ensure they cook evenly.

    In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

      In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.

        Dip each cube steak into the egg mixture first, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure good coverage. Repeat for all steaks.

          Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's shimmering.

            Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

              Once cooked, remove the steaks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

                For an optional twist, you can make a quick gravy by whisking some of the leftover flour mixture with milk in the skillet after frying the steaks. Stir until thickened and season to taste.

                  Serve the chicken fried steak hot, drizzled with the gravy, and garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4