Chicken fried steak is often hailed as the ultimate comfort food. With its crispy coating, tender meat, and creamy gravy, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite among many. In this article, we will explore the history and popularity of chicken fried steak, as well as provide tips and tricks on how to make the perfect version at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering chicken fried steak that will leave you craving for more.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food.
- A perfect crispy coating for your steak requires a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices.
- The secret ingredient for tender and juicy meat is buttermilk.
- The best seasoning blend for a flavorful chicken fried steak includes paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- To fry your steak to perfection every time, use a cast-iron skillet and heat the oil to 350°F.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak has a rich history in American cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the southern United States, where it was created as a way to make tough cuts of meat more palatable. The dish gained popularity during the Great Depression when families were looking for affordable and filling meals. Today, chicken fried steak can be found on menus across the country, from diners to high-end restaurants.
The appeal of chicken fried steak lies in its simplicity and comforting flavors. The combination of a crispy coating and tender meat, smothered in creamy gravy, is a winning combination that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, chicken fried steak is sure to bring comfort and joy to anyone who tries it.
How to Make the Perfect Crispy Coating for Your Steak
The key to a perfect chicken fried steak lies in its crispy coating. To achieve this, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
Start by pounding your steak to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and stays tender. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
Next, prepare your coating mixture. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika. In a separate dish, beat an egg with a splash of milk.
Dip the seasoned steak into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, transfer it to the flour mixture and press it down firmly to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the steaks.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
The Secret Ingredient for Tender and Juicy Meat
While the crispy coating is important, the secret to a truly delicious chicken fried steak lies in the tenderness and juiciness of the meat itself. The secret ingredient that will make your steak tender and juicy is buttermilk.
Before coating your steak with the flour mixture, marinate it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To marinate your steak, place it in a shallow dish and pour enough buttermilk over it to fully submerge it. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for the desired amount of time. When you’re ready to cook, remove the steak from the buttermilk and proceed with coating and frying as usual.
The Best Seasoning Blend for a Flavorful Chicken Fried Steak
To elevate the flavor of your chicken fried steak, it’s important to use a well-balanced seasoning blend. While salt and pepper are essential, you can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the taste.
A classic seasoning blend for chicken fried steak includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices add depth and a hint of heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount of each spice to suit your personal preference.
In addition to the dry spices, you can also add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the coating mixture. These herbs will infuse the steak with a fragrant aroma and add a touch of freshness to the dish.
Experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favorite combination. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavors. The key is to find a balance that complements the meat and enhances its natural flavors.
How to Fry Your Steak to Perfection Every Time
Frying the steak properly is crucial to achieving a crispy coating and a juicy interior. Here are some tips to help you fry your steak to perfection every time.
First, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. The ideal temperature for frying chicken fried steak is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is not hot enough, the coating will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn before the meat is cooked through.
To test if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, then it’s ready for frying.
When adding the steaks to the hot oil, be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary, leaving enough space between each steak for even cooking. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy steaks.
Once the steaks are in the skillet, resist the temptation to flip them too soon. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Flipping them too early can cause the coating to stick to the skillet and result in a patchy crust.
After frying, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the coating crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Tips for Making the Creamiest Gravy to Accompany Your Steak
No chicken fried steak is complete without a creamy gravy to accompany it. The gravy adds richness and flavor to the dish, tying all the elements together. Here are some tips for making the creamiest gravy.
Start by using the drippings from frying the steaks to make the gravy. The drippings will have absorbed all the flavors from the meat and coating, adding depth and richness to the gravy.
To make the gravy, remove the cooked steaks from the skillet and set them aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet and discard any excess oil. Place the skillet over medium heat and sprinkle in an equal amount of flour, stirring constantly until it forms a paste.
Slowly pour in milk or cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more milk or cream to thin it out.
Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of coating.
Serve the creamy gravy over the chicken fried steaks, allowing it to soak into the crispy coating and add an extra layer of flavor. The combination of tender meat, crispy coating, and creamy gravy is what makes chicken fried steak truly irresistible.
The Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Your Chicken Fried Steak
To complete your chicken fried steak meal, it’s important to choose the perfect side dishes that will complement the flavors and textures of the main dish. Here are some suggestions for side dishes that pair well with chicken fried steak.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with chicken fried steak. The smooth and buttery texture of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the crispy coating and tender meat.
Green beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans provide a fresh and vibrant element to the meal. Their crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor help balance out the richness of the steak and gravy.
Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is a comforting addition to any chicken fried steak meal. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Macaroni and cheese: Indulge in some cheesy goodness by serving macaroni and cheese alongside your chicken fried steak. The creamy and cheesy pasta pairs well with the crispy coating and adds a comforting element to the meal.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can provide a crunchy and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the steak. The cool and crisp cabbage, combined with a creamy dressing, adds a refreshing element to the meal.
Choose side dishes that you enjoy and that complement your personal taste preferences. The key is to create a well-rounded meal that balances flavors, textures, and colors.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Chicken Fried Steak
If you have any leftover chicken fried steak, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure that it stays crispy, it’s best to store the steak separately from the gravy.
Place the leftover steaks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat them.
To reheat the chicken fried steak, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steaks on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to revive the crispy coating and ensure that the meat is warmed evenly.
While the steaks are reheating, you can warm up the gravy on the stovetop. Place it in a small saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.
Once everything is heated through, you can serve the leftover chicken fried steak with the warmed gravy and any desired side dishes. While it may not be as crispy as when it was freshly cooked, it will still be delicious and satisfying.
Variations on the Classic Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
While the classic chicken fried steak recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try to add a twist to this comfort food favorite.
Spicy chicken fried steak: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mixture. This will give your steak a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy gravy.
Cheesy chicken fried steak: Take your chicken fried steak to the next level by adding a layer of melted cheese on top. After frying the steaks, place a slice of cheese on each one and broil them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Herb-crusted chicken fried steak: Instead of using a traditional coating mixture, try using crushed herb crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with fresh herbs. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your chicken fried steak.
Chicken fried steak sliders: Turn your chicken fried steak into bite-sized sliders by cutting it into smaller pieces and serving them on mini buns. Top each slider with a dollop of creamy gravy and some pickles for added flavor.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of chicken fried steak. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the dish to suit your personal taste preferences.
Impress Your Guests with this Mouthwatering Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Now that you’ve learned all the tips and tricks for making the perfect chicken fried steak, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Impress your guests with this mouthwatering chicken fried steak recipe that is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef cube steaks
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Vegetable oil, for frying
For the gravy:
– 2 tablespoons drippings from frying the steaks
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk or cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Remove the steaks from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dip each steak into the flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the steaks.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. To make the gravy, remove the cooked steaks from the skillet and set them aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet and discard any excess oil. Place the skillet over medium heat and sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly until it forms a paste.
6. Slowly pour in milk or cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the chicken fried steaks with the creamy gravy and your choice of side dishes.
Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food that brings joy and satisfaction to anyone who tries it. With its crispy coating, tender meat, and creamy gravy, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite across the country.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create the perfect chicken fried steak at home. From creating a crispy coating to making a creamy gravy, every step is important in achieving a delicious result.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering chicken fried steak that will have them coming back for seconds.
If you’re looking for more helpful tips and tricks in the kitchen, you might want to check out this article on “How to Cook Salmon” from Learn How Do It. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a delicious and healthy salmon dish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this article will surely help you elevate your culinary skills. So why not give it a try and expand your repertoire of mouthwatering recipes? Learn How Do It
FAQs
What is chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a dish made from a thin, tenderized cut of beef that is breaded and fried, similar to fried chicken.
What ingredients are needed for the best chicken fried steak?
The best chicken fried steak recipe typically calls for ingredients such as beef cutlets, flour, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oil for frying.
What is the cooking process for chicken fried steak?
To make chicken fried steak, the beef cutlets are first tenderized, then coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, and finally fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
What makes this chicken fried steak recipe the best?
This particular chicken fried steak recipe is considered the best by many because it uses a combination of flour and cornmeal for the breading, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. Additionally, the recipe includes a homemade gravy made from the pan drippings, which adds even more flavor to the dish.
Can chicken fried steak be made ahead of time?
Yes, chicken fried steak can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave. However, it is best served fresh and hot out of the frying pan.
