Have you ever tried Crispy Chicken Fried Steak? It’s this amazing comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance! Tender steak, a crunchy coating, and rich gravy—it’s a total winner for family dinners! And trust me, if you think you can’t cook, this dish is so easy, even I can whip it up! But wait, there’s more! Let’s plunge into what you need to make this deliciousness happen!
Why You’ll Love this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
You know that feeling when you bite into something so crispy and delicious that it makes you smile? That’s exactly what you get with this crispy chicken fried steak!
The delicious crunch of the golden crust is pure joy. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth!
And when you drizzle on that savory gravy, it takes things to a whole new level.
Trust me, you won’t want to stop eating!
Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish hits the spot every time.
You’ll be craving it again before you even finish your plate!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the deliciousness, let’s gather what we need!
First up, we’ll need some chicken seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for that extra kick.
Got your flour? Perfect! You’ll also want two large eggs and some buttermilk to keep things moist.
And don’t forget the star of our show: six cube steaks!
For frying techniques, grab about five cups of peanut oil.
I know, it sounds like a lot—but trust me, it’s worth it!
Ready to get cookin’? Let’s make this crispy chicken fried steak unforgettable! Woohoo!
Cooking Tools For This Recipe
Having the right tools makes all the difference when whipping up a delicious crispy chicken fried steak!
First, grab a sturdy deep pan or Dutch oven; it’s a must for frying techniques. You’ll need tongs to flip those steaks without losing your cool.
Don’t forget a wire cooling rack for that perfect crispy finish!
And mixing bowls—get a couple, one for dry and one for wet ingredients.
A whisk for the gravy is essential too!
Trust me, these kitchen essentials help everything come together smoothly. A premium enameled Dutch oven is particularly great for even heat distribution and optimal cooking results.
Now, let’s get frying! Who’s ready for some mouthwatering steak?
Ingredients For Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
To create a mouthwatering crispy chicken fried steak, you’ll need to gather a selection of key ingredients that work together to deliver that perfect crunch and rich flavor. The base of this dish consists of cube steaks, which are tenderized pieces of meat that soak up the delicious coating and gravy.
The dredging process is vital, as it involves multiple layers that contribute to the steak’s crispy exterior. With the right blend of spices and a creamy gravy to top it off, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
You’ll want to verify that you have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This not only makes the process more efficient but also allows you to focus on achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. The combination of buttermilk and eggs in the batter adds moisture and flavor, while the frying oil must be heated to the right temperature to achieve that desired crispiness.
Follow the ingredient list below to gather everything you’ll need for this delectable dish.
- 4 cups flour
- 5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 6 cube steaks
- 5 cups peanut oil
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for gravy)
When cooking this crispy chicken fried steak, it’s imperative to keep an eye on the temperature of the oil. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the steak will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Conversely, if the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the meat is cooked through.
Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for peak frying results. Additionally, letting the fried steaks rest on a wire rack in the warm oven guarantees they stay crispy and warm while you finish your gravy. Enjoy your cooking!
How To Make this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
To make the delectable Crispy Chicken Fried Steak, start by preheating your oven to a warm temperature of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help keep your finished steaks warm and crispy while you prepare the gravy. Prepare your workspace by either placing a wire cooling rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet or lining a baking sheet with paper towels, which will be used to drain the fried steaks later.
Next, mix together 4 cups of flour, 5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a shallow dish to create the dredging mixture. In another dish, combine 2 large beaten eggs with 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of buttermilk, whisking until well combined. This egg mixture will add moisture and flavor to your steaks.
Gently take a cube steak and pat it dry with a paper towel, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Follow this by dipping the steak into the egg mixture and then back into the flour mixture for a double coating, which will provide that signature crispy crust.
Once all the steaks are prepared, heat 5 cups of peanut oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place each steak in the hot oil and fry for about 2 ½ minutes on each side, or until they’re a deep golden brown. Make sure the oil maintains the correct temperature for ideal frying.
After frying, let the steaks drain on paper towels for a moment before transferring them to the wire rack in the warm oven. With the steaks resting, you can prepare the gravy by browning 1 finely minced onion in 2 tablespoons of the hot oil, followed by the addition of 2 minced garlic cloves.
Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to brown, then gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 cups of whole milk, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Serve the crispy chicken fried steaks with the rich gravy poured generously over the top for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Substitutions and Variations
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak is such a comforting dish, but what if you want to switch things up a bit?
You can totally try vegetarian alternatives! Ever thought about using eggplant or portobello mushrooms? They soak up flavors and fry up beautifully!
And if you’re looking for gluten-free options, just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy!
But hey, don’t stress about it—cooking should be fun, right?
You could even make a spicy version with some hot sauce in the batter! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Additionally, consider serving it with suitable sides to enhance your meal experience.
Let’s get cooking!
What To Serve With this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
When you’re serving up Chicken Fried Steak, you want side dishes that really shine alongside it!
How about some creamy mashed potatoes? They’re a classic!
And don’t forget a side of coleslaw for that crunchy contrast.
If you’re feeling fancy, roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice touch, too.
But wait, have you considered cornbread? It’s a sweet little addition that pairs perfectly!
For something light, a fresh garden salad works wonders.
These sides suggestions are all about balance and flavor.
Plus, a delicious Cheesy Twice Baked Potato can be an excellent addition to your meal, offering creamy cheese and savory seasonings that complement the steak.
Trust me, your meal will be a hit! Who wouldn’t want to plunge into that plate? Enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers can be a real treasure!
After enjoying my crispy chicken fried steak, I always save the extras. For leftover storage, I pop them in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge.
And reheating tips? I’ve learned the hard way!
Use an oven at 350°F for the best results. It keeps that crispy crust intact.
Microwaving? A total no-go unless you like soggy steak!
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Type of Oil for Frying?
Absolutely, you can use different oil alternatives for frying! I’ve tried canola and vegetable oils, and they work great.
Just remember, peanut oil has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for frying.
But hey, don’t stress about it too much! It’s all about what you have on hand.
Just keep an eye on the temperature to get that perfect golden crust! Happy frying!
How Do I Know When the Oil Is Hot Enough?
I’ve been there—waiting for the oil to heat up!
To check the oil temperature, drop a small piece of bread in. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready!
And if you’ve got a thermometer, aim for 375°F.
But hey, don’t stress too much! Just remember, patience is key.
If the oil’s too cool, your food will soak it up like a sponge!
Happy frying!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely, you can make this dish gluten-free! Just swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour. It’s that easy!
And if you’re worried about binding, try using alternative binders like ground flaxseed or a bit of cornstarch.
I’ve done it, and trust me, you won’t miss the gluten!
Just remember to keep an eye on your frying temperature. Happy cooking, my friend! You’ve got this!
What Cut of Meat Is Best for Chicken Fried Steak?
For chicken fried steak, I love using tender cuts like cube steak! It’s affordable and perfect for frying.
You can also try round steak or sirloin if you’re feeling fancy.
But hey, if you want meat alternatives, go for plant-based options! They’re super tasty these days!
Really, whatever you choose, just make sure it’s tender. No one likes chewing on tough meat, right?
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
How Can I Make the Gravy Dairy-Free?
To make the gravy dairy-free, try using almond or oat milk instead of whole milk! They’re great dairy substitutes.
And if you want a richer flavor, coconut milk works wonders too.
Just whisk in some flour to thicken it up, and don’t forget to season!
I mean, who knew dairy-free could taste so good? You’ll impress everyone at dinner!
Give it a shot and let me know how it goes!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Crispy Chicken Fried Steak is a total game-changer for dinner! You’ll love the crunch and that creamy gravy—yum! Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. And hey, if I can make it, so can you! Don’t forget to share with friends or family. Trust me, they’ll be begging for seconds! Happy cooking, my friend!
