There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried steak, making your mouth water with anticipation. As I heated the oil in my skillet, memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners flooded back. A simple cube steak transformed into a comfort food classic, topped with a rich gravy that brings back the essence of home cooking. This dish, often overlooked in favor of fast food convenience, stands ready to elevate your weeknight meals with a touch of nostalgia and hearty flavor.
Cooking has never felt more rewarding than when you’re aiming to recreate the joy of a restaurant-style dish, right in your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a golden-brown chicken fried steak sizzling away in no time. This recipe effortlessly marries simplicity with indulgence, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family or friends craving something comforting yet delicious. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish that will surely impress!
Why is Chicken Fried Steak a must-try?
Comfort Food Bliss: This recipe brings the heartwarming taste of home cooking to your table.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in under an hour!
Rich Gravy Goodness: The homemade gravy is a game-changer, enhancing the steak’s natural flavors.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Versatile Dish: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a salad for a wholesome meal.
Skip Fast Food: Elevate your weeknight dinners and say goodbye to boring takeout with this tasty alternative!
Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients
• All you need for this classic dish!
For the Steak
- Cube steak – A tender cut that fries up beautifully, creating that sought-after texture.
- Flour – Essential for dredging, giving the steak that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Eggs, beaten – The perfect binder to help the flour adhere to the steak.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the egg mixture for a richer coating.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the steak.
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth to your dish.
- Garlic powder – Offers an aromatic flavor boost, balancing the savory notes.
- Vegetable oil – Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, perfect for achieving crispiness.
For the Gravy
- Drippings from frying – The secret ingredient for a rich, flavorful gravy that complements the steak.
- Flour – Used to create a roux, giving the gravy its thick and luscious consistency.
- Milk – The base for the gravy, making it creamy and delicious.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, ensuring your gravy balances perfectly with the chicken fried steak.
With these chicken fried steak ingredients, you’re on your way to a home-cooked meal that radiates love and warmth. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
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Dredge the cube steak in flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour so your steak can fry up perfectly crispy. Have fun with this step—it’s a messy delight!
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan—about a half-inch depth works well. Wait until the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking.
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Cook the coated cube steak in the skillet until browned on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden-brown color—it’s a sign of deliciousness!
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Remove the cube steak from the skillet and set it aside. Make sure to reserve those flavorful drippings because they’re the heart of our gravy!
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Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to the drippings in the skillet until smooth. You’re aiming for a roux consistency—think creamy and not too thick.
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Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously. Keep at it until the gravy thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll see it become wonderfully creamy and luscious!
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a little kick, don’t be shy to sprinkle in some extra spices!
Optional: Serve your chicken fried steak with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cube Steak with Gravy?
Creating the perfect meal doesn’t stop at just a delicious steak; it’s about building harmony on your plate.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes soaks up the rich gravy perfectly, creating a comforting bite. Pairing a scoop of these fluffy potatoes alongside your steak elevates the overall experience to blissful indulgence.
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Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a vibrant crunch and a hint of garlic, balancing the heartiness of the steak with fresh flavor. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the entire dish, bringing in that refreshing note.
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Buttered Corn: Sweet corn complements savory dishes beautifully. The slight sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the steak, and its delightful pop creates a fun texture on your plate.
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Biscuit or Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm biscuits or dinner rolls are the perfect vessel for mopping up any leftover gravy—you won’t want to leave a drop behind! Plus, their buttery goodness adds an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a crisp and crunchy element, cutting through the richness of the steak and gravy. The acidity will awaken your taste buds, ensuring every bite remains exciting!
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing iced tea or glass of lemonade offers a cool contrast to the warmth of the dish. The sweetness and slight acidity can elevate each mouthful, making your meal feel complete.
These sides transform your hearty cube steak into a memorable family feast, filled with textures and flavors that sing together on the table!
Make Ahead Options
These chicken fried steaks are perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped in advance to save you time! You can bread and fry the steak up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply cook, then allow the steaks to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. For the gravy, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge, sealing tightly to maintain the flavor. Just before serving, reheat the steak in a skillet and warm the gravy in a separate pot, whisking in a bit of milk to achieve a creamy consistency. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Chicken Fried Steak
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Perfect Dredging: Make sure to coat the cube steak evenly with flour, shaking off excess to prevent a gummy crust during frying.
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Oil Temperature: Wait for the oil to shimmer before frying. If it’s too hot, your steak will burn; too cool, and it will be greasy.
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Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Frying in batches ensures even cooking and that golden crust we all love.
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Gravy Consistency: Whisk constantly when adding milk to drippings to achieve a smooth, lump-free gravy. Adjust the thickness by adding extra flour or milk as needed.
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Taste Along the Way: Don’t forget to taste the gravy as you season. A pinch of salt or pepper can transform the flavor and enhance your chicken fried steak!
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Rest Your Steak: Let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Chicken Fried Steak Variations
Customize your chicken fried steak experience with these tempting twists that every home chef will adore!
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Pork Steak: Swap out the cube steak for pork cutlets for a deliciously different flavor and texture. It’s just as satisfying!
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for an extra layer of heat that will ignite your taste buds. A little goes a long way!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for dredging and gravy, letting everyone enjoy this classic dish worry-free.
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Herbed Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour for a fragrant twist that elevates the dish. Each bite will surprise you with flavor!
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Cheesy Delight: Mix grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese into the flour for dredging. This adds a rich, cheesy crust that takes your chicken fried steak to the next level.
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Onion Gravy: Instead of traditional gravy, sauté sliced onions in the drippings until caramelized, then continue with the gravy process for a sweeter flavor profile.
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Buttermilk Brine: Marinate the cube steak in buttermilk for a few hours before frying to enhance tenderness and add a tangy flavor that melts in your mouth.
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Vegetable Side: Serve your chicken fried steak with a side of sautéed greens, like spinach or kale, for a nutritious balance to the rich, flavorful steak.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Fried Steak
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken fried steak separate from the gravy to maintain texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken fried steak for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the steak overnight in the fridge. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep it crispy. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Leftover Gravy: Keep the gravy stored separately in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 2 months for future meals.
Cube Steak with Gravy Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cube steak?
Absolutely! Look for cube steaks that are bright red in color with a firm texture. Avoid any that show dark spots or have a grayish hue, as these can indicate they are past their prime. Fresh cube steak should feel slightly moist but not slimy.
How should I store leftover chicken fried steak?
Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the gravy from the steak to prevent the coating from becoming soggy. To maintain the best flavor and texture, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave.
Can I freeze chicken fried steak? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze chicken fried steak, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date, and they will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
What if my gravy is too thick?
No worries! If your gravy turns out too thick, just whisk in a little more milk over low heat till it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can create a quick paste with a bit of flour and milk mixed together, then slowly add that to the gravy while stirring. It’s all about getting that perfect smoothness, so keep at it!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make chicken fried steak gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies. The same goes for the gravy—use the gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a deliciously rich sauce!
Is cube steak safe for my pet?
When prepared without any seasoning or sauce, plain cooked cube steak can be a treat for your pet. However, avoid giving them cooked bones or any drippings with seasonings. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary guidelines for your furry friends!
Heavenly Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dredge the cube steak in flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Cook the coated cube steak in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove the cube steak from the skillet and set aside, reserving the drippings.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to the drippings until smooth to create a roux.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.