Easy Country Fried Steak Recipe: A Southern Comfort Food Classic
Country fried steak is a beloved Southern comfort food, known for its crispy, flavorful crust and tender, juicy interior. This recipe simplifies the process, making it achievable for even beginner cooks while still delivering that satisfying, restaurant-quality taste. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that's sure to become a family favorite!
What You'll Need: Ingredients for the Best Country Fried Steak
This recipe focuses on simplicity and fresh ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
For the Steak:
- 1 lb cube steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or shortening
For Serving (Optional):
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy (made from the pan drippings)
- Green beans or other Southern-style sides
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Delicious Country Fried Steak
Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked country fried steak every time!
Preparing the Steak: Tenderizing and Seasoning
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Tenderize the Steak: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the cube steak to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps to ensure tenderness. Don't over-pound, or you'll risk tearing the meat.
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Seasoning is Key: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each steak thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated.
Cooking the Steak: Achieving Crispy Perfection
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Milk Dip: Dip each floured steak into the milk, ensuring it's evenly coated. This adds moisture and helps create a crispier crust.
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Sizzling in the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil or shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (it should shimmer), carefully place the steaks in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
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Golden Brown Goodness: Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Reduce heat slightly if browning too quickly.
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Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Making the Gravy (Optional): A Flavorful Finish
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Pan Drippings: Once the steaks are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Create the Base: Pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux.
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Simmer and Thicken: Gradually whisk in about 2 cups of milk or beef broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve it Up!: Serve the country fried steak hot, topped with the gravy (if desired), and alongside your favorite sides.
Tips for the Perfect Country Fried Steak
- Don't skip the tenderizing: This step is crucial for a tender final product.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference: Feel free to add other spices or herbs, like paprika or cayenne pepper, for a customized flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the temperature and result in stewed, rather than fried, steak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Addressing Your Queries
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat? A: While cube steak is traditional, you can experiment with other thin cuts, like sirloin or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: It's best to cook this dish fresh, as the crispiness diminishes upon reheating.
Enjoy your delicious and easy country fried steak! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
