Description
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tenderized beef steak marinated in buttermilk, then coated with seasoned flour and deep-fried to a crispy golden perfection. Served best with creamy gravy and your favorite sides, this recipe yields a deliciously crispy and juicy meal ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound beef steak (round steak or cube steak)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the Meat: Place the beef steak in a bowl or resealable bag with the buttermilk and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Steaks: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each marinated steak first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to create a thick, even coating.
- Heat the Oil and Fry: In a skillet, heat the vegetable or canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each coated steak into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried steaks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with homemade gravy and your favorite side dishes for a classic Southern meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight in buttermilk enhances tenderness and flavor significantly.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 145°F if you prefer precise doneness.
- Drain cooked steaks on paper towels to keep them crisp and less greasy.
- Serve with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
