Description
Crispy, golden cube steak drenched in silky, peppery gravy? Yes, please. This classic Southern favorite is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and pure edible nostalgia. Whether you’re fixing dinner after a long week or showing off your skillet skills, Chicken Fried Steak is your go-to hug in food form. Just add mashed potatoes and crank up some country tunes—your kitchen’s about to get cozy.
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
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4 cube steaks (½ lb each)
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour (reserve ¼ cup for gravy)
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp black pepper + ¾ tsp salt
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1½ cups buttermilk
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1 tbsp hot pepper sauce
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1 large egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
For Frying:
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3 cups vegetable shortening or peanut oil
For the Gravy:
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4 cups whole milk
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Reserved ¼ cup flour
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Salt & lots of black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Dredge It Right: Mix 2 cups flour, baking powder/soda, salt, and pepper in one bowl. In another, whisk buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and garlic. Dip steaks in flour → buttermilk → flour again. Press well for max crunch. Rest 5 mins.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat shortening in a skillet to 325°F. Fry steaks 3–4 mins per side until golden. Drain on a rack, not paper towels.
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Gravy Time: Keep ¼ cup oil + browned bits in skillet. Add reserved flour, whisk 1 min. Gradually pour in milk, whisking nonstop. Simmer 5–7 mins until thick. Season like you mean it!
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Plate It Up: Lay steak on warm plate, drape with gravy, and serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, and green beans.
Notes
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No cube steak? Pound thin chuck or sirloin.
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No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice into 1½ cups milk.
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Want less mess? Oven-bake at 425°F with oil spray for a lighter twist.
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Leftover gravy? Reheat with a splash of milk and stir smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 680Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 38g