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Crispy Country Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy Gravy

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A nostalgic southern comfort food featuring tenderized cube steaks coated in a crispy seasoned flour batter and topped with a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cube steaks (about 6 oz / 170g each), pounded to tenderize
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar as a quick swap)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (enough to fill skillet about ½ inch deep)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Tenderize each cube steak with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ¼ inch thick, about 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare dredging stations: In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs and buttermilk together.
  3. Coat each steak by dipping first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside on a wire rack or plate, about 7 minutes.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about ½ inch depth over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), about 5 minutes.
  5. Fry steaks in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed. Drain on paper towels, total frying time about 10 minutes.
  6. Remove excess oil from skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons with browned bits. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour over medium heat and cook 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or hot sauce.
  8. Serve steaks immediately topped with creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes or preferred sides.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Double dredging is key for a crunchy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy coating. Rest steaks on a rack or paper towels before serving to drain excess oil. If gravy thickens too much, add warm milk gradually. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour. Baking option available at 425°F for 20 minutes on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: country fried steak, creamy gravy, southern comfort food, crispy steak, easy dinner, family meal, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-country-fried-steak-recipe-with-creamy-gravy-easy-and-perfect/