Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Name: Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks (about 1 1/2 lb), or round steak pounded thin; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt, plus more for the gravy; 1 tsp black pepper, plus more for the gravy; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk; 3/4 cup neutral oil for frying; For the gravy: 1/4 cup reserved frying fat; 1/4 cup flour; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; mashed potatoes and green beans, to serve

Tenderized beef cutlets dredged in seasoned flour, fried until crunchy and smothered in peppery country cream gravy. A Texas diner classic for a family supper.

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

What you'll need

12-inch cast-iron skilletFor searing and oven finishes

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Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating

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Instant-read thermometerFor knowing when meat is done

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Ingredients

4 cube steaks (about 1 1/2 lb), or round steak pounded thin

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt, plus more for the gravy

1 tsp black pepper, plus more for the gravy

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

2 large eggs

3/4 cup buttermilk or milk

3/4 cup neutral oil for frying

For the gravy: 1/4 cup reserved frying fat

1/4 cup flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk

mashed potatoes and green beans, to serve

Steps

Season the steaks lightly with salt. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a shallow dish. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk in another.

Dredge each steak in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then press firmly into the flour again. Let rest on a rack 10 minutes so the coating sticks.

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet to 350°F. Fry two steaks at a time until deep golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on a rack and keep warm in a 200°F oven.

Pour off all but 1/4 cup fat, leaving the browned bits. Whisk in the flour over medium heat and cook 1 minute.

Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer, whisking, until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with plenty of pepper and salt.

Serve the steaks smothered in gravy, with mashed potatoes and green beans.

TipResting the breaded steaks before frying keeps the crust from sliding off in the pan.