Feeling stuck on what to make for dinner? How about trying this Southern-style country-fried steak for a change?
What’s Country-Fried Steak?
Country-fried steak is a Southern favorite. It’s made up of tenderized beef cutlets, dipped in egg and flour, and finally, pan-fried to golden perfection.
Country-Fried Steak vs Chicken Fried Steak
OK, let’s set the record straight: country-fried steak and chicken-fried steak are NOT the same. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.
One of which is the cooking method: Chicken-fried steak is typically deep-fried while country-fried steak is often pan-fried.
Another main difference is the texture. Chicken-fried steak has a crunchier coating, kind of like fried chicken, while country-fried steak has a less crispy finish.
The Best Steak Cut for This Recipe
For this recipe, cube steak works best because it’s already been tenderized. But, if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with cuts like round steak, sirloin, or eye of round.
Here’s what you shouldn’t get: brisket, ribeye, tenderloin, porterhouse, and t-bone. These cuts are either too tough, overly marbled, or a little too pricey.
Tips To Make The Best Country-Fried Steak EVER!
Ready to make the best country-fried steak ever? Here are some tips to help you out:
- Pound your steak as thin as possible. Tenderizing your steak using a meat hammer, rolling pin, or even an empty wine bottle quickens the cooking process and improves the steak’s texture.
- Firmly press the flour into your steak. It’s not enough to dab your steak in flour. You really have to press it in using the heel of your palm. That way, the flour sticks better.
- Shallow-fry your steaks. No deep-fryer? No problem. You can shallow-fry your steaks by spooning some hot oil over the top before flipping them over.
- Warm your steaks. After frying your tenderized beef, place it in an oven to keep it warm and fresh while you make the gravy.
Making the Creamy Gravy
You can’t have country-fried steak without a delicious side of gravy, and I’ve got an amazing creamy recipe for you!
After frying your steak, set aside a few tablespoons of the grease from the pan. Combine it with an equal amount of flour and let it cook for a few minutes.
Once it reaches a nice brown color, gradually whisk in some milk and cream to finish off your gravy.
Southern-Style Country-Fried Steak With Gravy
When you’re feeling stuck and need some meal inspiration, this Southern-Style Country-Fried Steak is the perfect recipe to make!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of cube steaks (or round steaks)
- Salt (to season the meat)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup of milk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt (for the breading)
- 1½ teaspoons of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne
- Oil for frying (like canola oil, corn oil, or vegetable oil)
To make the gravy:
- 3 tablespoons of leftover grease from the pan
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 1¾ cups of milk (you can opt for less if you like your gravy on the thicker side)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Tenderize your steak: Cover your steak cuts in plastic wrap and use a meat hammer to pound them as thin as possible (ideally less than ¼ inch). Then, season them with salt.
- Get two shallow dishes (like a Pyrex casserole dish) for your eggs and flour.
- In the first dish, whisk your eggs and milk. In the second dish, mix your flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Press your steak in the flour mixture until both sides are completely covered. Next, dip your steak in the egg wash, before dunking it in the flour for the second coating.
- Fry your steak: Pour oil on a large frying pan until you cover about ¼ inch. Heat the oil at 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready when you drop flour and it begins to sizzle.
- Working one steak at a time, carefully lay your tenderized beef into the pan. Then, take a metal spoon and drizzle some oil over the top to help the coating stick.
- Continue frying your steak until it turns golden brown. This should take about 2 minutes. Flip your steak over and do the same on the other side.
- Once your steak is cooked through, remove it from the heat and transfer it to your oven at 200°F to keep warm while you make the gravy.
- Prepare the gravy: Leave about 3 tablespoons of oil in the pan and get rid of the rest. Then, add 3 tablespoons of flour and stir constantly until it starts to turn into a milk chocolate color.
- After that, slowly add your cream and milk, whisking continuously. When you reach the consistency you want, you can remove the pan from the heat.
- Finally, take your steak out of the oven and serve with a side of your homemade gravy!
Notes
Image credit to @theres_something_about_kari.
Featured image credit to @foodobservations.
