Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Texas cuisine with this legendary Lone Star Chicken Fried Steak! This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble cube steaks into a crispy, golden masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a Southern food enthusiast or just craving some seriously delicious comfort food, this chicken fried steak will transport you straight to the Lone Star State's most beloved dinner tables.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 beef cube steaks, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 cups of milk (for the gravy), 2 tablespoons of flour (for the gravy), and 1 teaspoon of black pepper (for the gravy).
- In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
- In another shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Take each beef cube steak and dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Next, dredge the coated steak in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour and set the steak aside on a plate. Repeat this process for all 4 steaks.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded cube steaks to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven while you prepare the gravy.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If necessary, add a little more oil to the skillet to ensure there is enough fat for the gravy.
- Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour into the skillet and whisk it into the drippings, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the gravy has thickened, season it with 1 teaspoon of black pepper and additional salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
- To serve, place the chicken fried steak on a plate and generously ladle the gravy over the top. Enjoy your Lone Star Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil is at the right heat (around 350°F) before frying to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Fry steaks in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispy coating.
- Buttermilk Magic: Let the steaks soak in buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor if you have time.
- Gravy Perfection: Whisk constantly when making the gravy to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the fried steaks rest on a paper towel to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they're essential for authentic Southern flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed hot and fresh, with gravy poured right on top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
