Recipe For Country Fried Steak

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Country Fried Steak: A Southern Comfort Food Classic

Country fried steak is a beloved Southern dish, and for good reason! It's crispy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe breaks down how to make this classic comfort food from scratch, ensuring a juicy, flavorful steak every time. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Steak:

  • 1.5 lbs cube steak (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

• For the Gravy (optional, but highly recommended!):

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Steak:

1. Tenderize the Steak: Using a meat mallet, gently pound the cube steak to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps to tenderize the meat and ensures even cooking. Don't pound it too thin, or it'll become tough.

2. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoned flour is key to the steak's crispy exterior.

3. Coat the Steak: Dip each piece of steak into the milk, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.

4. Create a Crispy Crust: For extra crispy results, you can repeat steps 2 & 3, giving the steak a double-coating.

Frying the Steak:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a pinch of flour dropped in sizzles immediately.

2. Fry the Steak: Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

1. Make a Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux, the base of your gravy.

2. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

3. Season to Taste: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your country fried steak hot, drizzled with the creamy gravy (if made). Pair it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or green beans. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, steaks.
• Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the steak reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to your preferences.

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of crispy exterior and tender interior makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your homemade country fried steak!