Chicken Fried Steak Recipes If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's quintessentially Southern, then look no further than chicken fried steak. This dish is a beloved classic that's been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations, and it's not hard to see why. With its crispy, golden-brown crust, and tender, juicy meat, chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this dish, explore the different variations and preparations, and share some tips and tricks for making the perfect chicken fried steak at home.
History of Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak has a rich history that's closely tied to
the American South. While its exact origins are somewhat murky, many food
historians believe that the dish was inspired by German and Austrian immigrants
who settled in Texas in the mid-1800s. These immigrants brought with them a
traditional dish called wiener schnitzel, which consisted of a thinly pounded
piece of veal that was coated in breadcrumbs and fried. Over time, this dish
was adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients, and the chicken fried steak
that we know and love today was born.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
At its core, chicken fried steak is a piece of beef that's been
pounded thin, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until crispy and golden
brown. The steak is typically served with a creamy white gravy made from the
pan drippings, which adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. While
traditional chicken fried steak is made with cube steak, which is a cut of beef
that's been mechanically tenderized, you can use just about any cut of beef
that you like. Some cooks even use pork or chicken instead of beef, which can
give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
Making chicken fried steak at home is easier than you might
think, but there are a few key steps that you'll want to keep in mind to ensure
that your steak turns out perfectly every time. Here's a step-by-step guide to
making chicken fried steak:
1. Choose your meat: As we mentioned earlier, you can use just
about any cut of beef for chicken fried steak, but cube steak is the most
traditional choice. You'll want to pound the steak thin with a meat mallet to
help it cook evenly and tenderize the meat.
2. Season the meat: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper,
garlic powder, and any other seasonings that you like. Dredge the steak in the
seasoned flour, making sure that it's coated evenly.
3. Dip the steak in an egg wash: In another shallow dish, beat
together one or two eggs with a splash of milk or buttermilk. Dip the steak in
the egg mixture, making sure that it's coated on both sides.
4. Coat the steak in breadcrumbs: In a third shallow dish, combine
breadcrumbs with more of the seasoned flour mixture. Dredge the steak in the
breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the meat to help them adhere.
5. Fry the steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and
add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully
add the steak to the pan and fry it for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's
golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the gravy: Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside
on a plate. Pour off most of the oil from the pan, leaving behind the browned
bits on the bottom. Add some flour to the pan and whisk it together with the
oil to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream until the gravy reaches
your desired consistency, then
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