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If you’re craving a dish that brings together golden crunch, tender beef, and creamy comfort all on one plate, the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This Southern classic takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a meal that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with a luscious homemade gravy that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for two or looking to impress with a comforting dinner, this recipe has all the flavors and textures to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with a few key ingredients, and this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe is no exception. These staples work in harmony to build the perfect crust, tenderize the meat, and give the gravy its signature rich flavor.
- 1 pound beef steak (round steak or cube steak): Choose a cut that’s tender and perfect for frying to get that ideal bite.
- 1 cup buttermilk: The acidic tang of buttermilk tenderizes the steak and adds moisture for a juicy interior.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This creates the crispy coating that delivers that satisfying crunch.
- 2 large eggs: Help the flour mixture stick perfectly to the marinated beef for even frying.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with a subtle depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky note and a hint of color to the crust.
- 2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying): Important for frying to that perfect golden brown without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
The magic starts with marinating your beef steak in buttermilk for at least one hour, though overnight is even better. This step is essential because the buttermilk breaks down the proteins, tenderizing the meat to keep it juicy and flavorful once fried. It also adds a slight tang that balances beautifully with the seasoned breading.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While the steak marinates, mix together the flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This blend creates that irresistible seasoned crust that adds both taste and texture. Make sure to whisk it well so the seasoning is evenly distributed, guaranteeing every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. This egg wash acts as an adhesive layer, helping the seasoned flour cling tightly to the marinated steak. Dip each piece into the eggs, then dredge it into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat generously on all sides.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat your vegetable or canola oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature ensures a crispy golden crust without burning. Fry each steak for roughly 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning carefully to maintain the crust’s integrity. You’ll know it’s done when the exterior is beautifully golden and the meat feels tender to the touch.
Step 5: Drain and Prepare to Serve
Once fried, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps the crust crisp rather than soggy. Serve your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe while still hot, and get ready for the grand finale — the luscious gravy that ties everything together.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions on top adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and subtle herbaceous notes that brighten the dish. These simple garnishes take the plate from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans complement the hearty flavors of the chicken fried steak beautifully. The potatoes make a perfect base to soak up every bit of the homemade gravy, while sautéed vegetables provide a crisp contrast to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your crispy steak open-faced on a toasted buttermilk biscuit topped with a generous ladle of gravy, turning this classic into a delightful sandwich. Alternatively, slicing the steak into strips turns it into a sharable appetizer perfect for casual dinners or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe, store the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and keeps the gravy tasting fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, but remember to keep the gravy frozen separately in a freezer-safe container. Both will keep well for about one month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm, then pour over the steak before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-skillet experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cube steak and round steak are traditional choices because they tenderize well, but you can also use sirloin or even tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?>>
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This will mimic the acidity and tenderizing effect of buttermilk perfectly.
How do I make the homemade gravy to go with it?
The best homemade gravy starts with the pan drippings after frying the steak. Add a bit of flour to the hot oil to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk or broth until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a rich, creamy gravy that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the steak?
While frying delivers the iconic crispy crust, you can bake the steak by coating it as usual and placing it on a baking rack in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I keep the crust crunchy when serving later?
Drain the steaks on paper towels after frying and store them uncovered on a wire rack once cooled to keep airflow around the crust. Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve that crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal. Its crunchy crust, tender beef, and creamy gravy make it a dish you’ll want to share again and again. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every flavorful, comforting bite of this absolute classic!
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Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern-style Chicken Fried Steak featuring tenderized beef steaks marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to a crispy golden brown. Perfectly paired with creamy homemade gravy for a comforting hearty meal.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1 pound beef steak (round steak or cube steak)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: Place the beef steaks in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, ideally overnight, to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Coat Steaks: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Remove steaks from buttermilk, dip each piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coating.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying to achieve a crispy crust without greasiness.
- Fry Steaks: Carefully place each coated steak into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried steaks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with homemade gravy and your choice of sides for a classic meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight in buttermilk significantly improves tenderness and flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal crispiness and to prevent oil absorption.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately.
- Serve with traditional white sausage gravy or your favorite homemade gravy.
- Cube steak is preferred for its tenderness and texture in this recipe.
