country fried steak recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
country fried steak recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best country fried steak recipe

Country fried steak is a classic American dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that consists of a breaded and fried cut of beef, typically served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

My kids love it when I serve it for dinner, and my husband requests it regularly. I’ve even made it for large family gatherings and potlucks, where it’s always the star of the show. There’s something about the crispy exterior and tender interior of country fried steak that just can’t be beat.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is some beef, breading, oil, and seasonings – not to mention some patience while the steak fries up in the skillet.

The aroma alone will make your mouth water, and trust me when I say that this dish never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as a comfort food fix, country fried steak is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!

The history of country fried steak is unclear, but its origins are likely tied to European immigrants who brought their own versions of breaded meats to America. Over time, these recipes evolved into what we know today as country fried steak. This dish is often associated with Southern cuisine, but its popularity spans the entire United States.

Some people argue that country fried steak is more like chicken-fried steak because they use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of beef – but both ways are delicious in their own right! There are many variations on this recipe too – some folks like to add spices or herbs while others prefer to keep things simple by only using salt and pepper for seasoning.

Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak

4.6 from 1396 votes

Country fried steak is a classic Southern dish featuring breaded and pan-fried steak, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a rich and savory gravy, it’s a comforting and hearty meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Steak

1 1/2 lbs cube steak
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Breading

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs

For the Gravy

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the cube steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Set aside.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
4In a shallow dish, beat the eggs and milk together to create an egg wash.
5Dip each steak into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6Ensure the steak is fully coated and shake off any excess flour.
7Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
8Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers and is hot.
9Add the breaded steaks to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
10Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the steak is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11The steak should be cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
12Remove the steaks from the pan and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
13Keep them warm in a low oven while you prepare the gravy.
14In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
15Add 2 tbsp of butter and melt.
16Stir in 2 tbsp of flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
17Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
18Cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
19Season with salt and pepper to taste.
20Pour the gravy over the steaks and serve immediately.
21Enjoy your country fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete Southern meal.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Shallow dish
Skillet or cast-iron pan
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Country Fried Steak Works

Country fried steak is one of those comforting recipes that never fails me when I’m in a hurry or need something hearty for my family.

Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully – just pop them in the oven until crispy again!

If you’re looking for ways to mix things up beyond serving mashed potatoes alongside (as delicious as that combo is), consider trying different vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach instead.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Country Fried Steak

Q: What type of beef should I use for country fried steak?

In general, you’ll want to use a leaner cut of beef such as top round or sirloin for country fried steak. Avoid using overly fatty cuts like ribeye or porterhouse as they can be difficult to coat evenly.

Q: Can I make country fried steak ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare the breading mixture and let it sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before frying.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make country fried steak?

Nope! A large skillet with at least 1/2 inch depth is all you need.

Q: Can I substitute breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs?

Yes – panko breadcrumbs provide an excellent crunch without adding extra calories from oil.

Q: Is there anything else I can serve with country fried steak besides mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Try pairing it with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts – or even serve over rice if you prefer!

Similar Posts