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The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak

Tender cube steaks fried to golden perfection with a crispy coating, topped with creamy, flavorful gravy. A quintessential Southern comfort meal perfect for breakfast or dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce (original)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • For the gravy:
  • 4 tablespoons grease (from frying)
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 2 to 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, TABASCO® sauce, and eggs.
  3. Dip each cube steak first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry steaks until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. For the gravy, pour off all but 4 tablespoons of the grease from the skillet.
  7. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  8. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
  9. Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the chicken fried steak topped with the creamy gravy.

Notes

Use fresh buttermilk for the best flavor and tender coating. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the steaks for a crispy crust. The gravy can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.

  • Author: Sophie Lane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg