Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that features tenderized beef steak, breaded and fried to a crispy golden perfection, then topped with a rich and creamy gravy. This dish is comfort food at its best, with crispy, crunchy meat that’s tender on the inside, complemented by a savory gravy that makes every bite mouthwatering. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, Country Fried Steak is the perfect hearty meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Country Fried Steak is a simple yet indulgent dish that offers the best of Southern comfort food. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the steak combined with the creamy gravy are a match made in heaven. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This dish is great for feeding a crowd or as a special treat for a weekend dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting, flavorful meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 pieces of cube steak (about 1 lb total)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 cups buttermilk (for tenderizing the steak)

• 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole milk or your preferred variety)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Steak:

1. Tenderize the Steak: If the cube steaks are not already tenderized, you can use a meat mallet to pound them until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. This step helps break down the fibers and makes the steak more tender.

2. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the steaks soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Bread the Steak:

3. Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

4. Coat the Steak: Remove each steak from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Repeat with all the steaks.

Fry the Steak:

5. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C). You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch.

6. Fry the Steaks: Carefully add the breaded steaks to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the steaks, making sure both sides are evenly browned. Once cooked, remove the steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Gravy:

7. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, remove any excess oil, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This step will thicken the gravy.

8. Add Milk and Season: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. For extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serve:

9. Top the Steaks: Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, pour it over the fried steaks. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the breading mix or gravy for an extra kick.

• Garlic Butter Gravy: For a richer flavor, add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter before making the roux for the gravy.

• Add Vegetables: Serve the Country Fried Steak with sautéed greens (like spinach or collard greens) or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Country Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to the gravy to thin it out if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like round steak or sirloin, but make sure to tenderize it by pounding it with a meat mallet before cooking.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I make this dish without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded steaks in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy. To get them crispy, spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a little oil on top before baking.

How do I know when the steak is cooked through?

The steak should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, simply cut into the steak to check for doneness—it should be brown and juicy, not pink.

Conclusion

Country Fried Steak is the epitome of comfort food, with its crispy, golden breading and creamy, savory gravy. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a hearty weeknight dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table. With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.