Chicken Fried Steak | New Soul Kitchen

Instructions

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steaks:

• 4 6 oz pieces of cube steaks (about ½–¾ inch thick)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredients for Creamy Gravy:

• 4 tbsp pan drippings (from frying)
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper (more to taste)

Method:

1. Wash the steak and pat it dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
2. Dip each steak into seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour. Press flour firmly into the meat for a thick crust. Place on a sheet pan to rest 10 minutes (helps coating stick)
3. Next, Heat ½ inch of oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F. Fry steaks one or two at a time, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
4. Carefully drain the skillet, reserving about 4 tbsp of drippings. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Spoon creamy gravy over crispy chicken-fried steak. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a full Southern plate.