simple country fried steak recipe

simple country fried steak recipe

The Best simple country fried steak recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – country fried steak. This classic American dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

The crispy exterior and tender interior of the steak, paired with the savory flavor of the gravy, make for a truly satisfying meal. My kids love helping me prepare this recipe, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking.

We often serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting and filling meal. I’ve also found that country fried steak is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion – it’s easy to make ahead and reheat when needed.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other fried foods, as long as we’re not overloading the steak with too much oil. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can serve it as a main course or as part of a larger spread at a family gathering.

And let me tell you, my husband loves when I make this recipe for him – he says it’s his favorite comfort food. As for me, I love that this recipe brings back memories of my childhood and family gatherings.

My grandmother used to make this dish all the time when I was growing up, and it always felt like home whenever we sat down to eat it together.

Simple Country Fried Steak

Simple Country Fried Steak

4.5 from 765 votes

A classic Southern comfort dish featuring tenderized cube steak coated in a seasoned flour mixture and pan-fried until golden brown. Served with a creamy white gravy, this hearty meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Steak

4 cube steaks (about 4 ounces each)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons reserved pan drippings
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pound each cube steak to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch using a meat mallet.
2This tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking.
3In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
4In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
5Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 350°F.
6The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles upon contact.
7Dip each steak into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8Shake off any excess flour.
9Carefully place 2 steaks in the hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
10The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
11Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining steaks.
12Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the pan drippings, leaving the browned bits in the skillet.
13Reduce heat to medium and whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1 minute until the mixture turns a light golden color.
14Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
15Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens and bubbles.
16Season with salt and pepper to taste.
17Serve the country fried steak immediately with the gravy spooned over the top.
18For best results, enjoy while hot and crispy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Shallow dish
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra tenderness, let the coated steaks rest for 5 minutes before frying. You can also use boneless chicken breast pounded thin as a substitute.

Watch Video Of How Simple Country Fried Steak Works

Country fried steak is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish that’s sure to impress your guests. We love serving this recipe with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to reheat – simply place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm them gently until hot through. This way, we can enjoy country fried steak whenever we want without having to cook from scratch every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Country Fried Steak

Q: What type of steak is best for country fried steak?

A: You can use either top round or top sirloin steak for country fried steak. Top round is leaner and more tender, while top sirloin has more marbling and flavor. Both options work well, so choose the one that suits your taste preferences.

Q: How do you get the breading to stay on the steak?

A: To ensure the breading stays on the steak, make sure to coat it evenly before dredging it in flour or breadcrumbs. You can also try chilling the coated steak in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.

Q: Can you bake country fried steak instead of frying it?

A: While traditional country fried steak is pan-fried, you can definitely bake it in the oven if you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid frying altogether. Simply coat the steak as usual, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Q: How do you store leftover country fried steak?

A: Store leftover country fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer-term storage. Reheat gently over low heat until warmed through.

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

A: Yes, you can prepare the coated steak ahead of time by chilling it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and makes cooking easier.

Similar Posts