Chicken Fried Steak - Simply Recipes

13 Comfort Food Recipes Just Like Mom Used to Make FEATURED IN:

A Southern Favorite

What evil genius came up with the idea for chicken-fried steak? Just when I'm trying to be good, eating my greens, avoiding sweets, the notion to make chicken-fried steak takes hold in my brain and doesn't let go until the deed is done. Dear brain, what are you doing?

If you are unfamiliar with the dish, chicken-fried steak is a Southern favorite. Tenderized beef cutlets are dipped in egg and flour and fried, much like fried chicken, but with steak.

What Cut To Use to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is made most often with cube steak, or steak that has already been tenderized, or a cheap cut like round steak. It was originally created to make a cheap cut of meat taste better. No matter which cut you use, you have to pound it thin with a meat mallet.

Although most chicken fried steaks are made with beef, you can substitute with a thin cut of pork.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fried Steak

• Pound the steak thin. We use a meat hammer for this, but you could use a rubber mallet, a rolling pin, or even an empty wine bottle. A thin steak will cook quicker and be less chewy
• Press the flour into the meat. We dredge the steak cutlets in flour twice, first before, then after an egg wash. The first time you dredge the steaks into the flour, use the heel of your hand to really press it in. That way, the coating will adhere better.
• Spoon hot oil over the steaks in the pan. You don't need to deep fry the chicken-fried steaks. You can easily shallow fry them in less oil. Help firm up the coating on top by spooning hot oil over the top before flipping the steaks.
• Use a warming oven. After you fry the steaks, keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you make the gravy.

Use the Drippings in the Pan To Make Gravy

Isn't it all about the gravy? Chicken fried steak is usually served with a creamy country gravy, made with some of the drippings from the pan. After you cook the steaks and while you are keeping them warm, remove all but a few tablespoons of fat from the pan. Add an equal amount of flour and cook for several minutes, until it turns a warm brown color. Then stream in milk and cream to finish the gravy.

Of course, as is the case with almost any regional dish, variations abound. If you make chicken fried steak at home, what is your favorite way to prepare it? Please tell us about it in the comments.

Simple Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Steak

• Perfect Mashed Potatoes
• Southern Cornbread
• Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
• Southern Style Collard Greens