![To make the best chicken fried steak, you need some key items: - 4 beef cubed steaks (about 4 ounces each) - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 egg, beaten - Vegetable oil for frying These ingredients come together to create a dish that is crispy and full of flavor. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and adds a tangy taste. The flour and spices create a crunchy coating that makes every bite satisfying. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. For those who need gluten-free options, try using rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. These alternatives work well and still give you that crispy texture. When serving chicken fried steak, think about delicious sides. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. They are creamy and pair well with the steak. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch and freshness. Don't forget the gravy! A rich, creamy gravy drizzled over the steak takes the dish to the next level. You can make it from scratch or use a store-bought option for ease. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To start, marinate the cubed steaks in buttermilk. This step is key for flavor and tenderness. Let them soak for at least one hour. For the best results, try to marinate overnight. While the steaks soak, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 1 teaspoon salt Whisk these together until well combined. This mixture gives your Chicken Fried Steak a great taste. Now, it’s time to cook. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil gets hot. Next, take the marinated steaks from the buttermilk. Let the extra buttermilk drip off. Dip each steak into the egg mixture, then coat it well with the seasoned flour. Press down to make sure it sticks. Carefully place the breaded steaks in the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps drain any extra oil. For plating, use a warm plate to serve the Chicken Fried Steak. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic touch. This meal not only tastes great but also looks inviting. If you want the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Marination is key. Soak your cubed steaks in buttermilk for at least one hour. For the best results, let them marinate overnight. This process makes the meat tender and flavorful. When coating the steaks, use a shallow dish. Whisk flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. After marinating, dip each steak in an egg mixture. Then, coat it well with the flour mix. Press down to help the coating stick. Avoid overcrowding your frying pan. If you add too many steaks at once, they won’t fry evenly. This leads to soggy spots instead of a crispy crust. Make sure your oil is hot enough. If not, the coating absorbs too much oil. Heat the oil to medium-high before frying. You can test it by dropping a small bit of flour in. If it sizzles, you’re ready to cook. To add more heat, mix in extra cayenne pepper or try hot sauce. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right level for your taste. If you want less spice, balance flavors with a little sugar or honey. This helps to tone down the heat while still keeping the dish delicious. Remember, cooking is all about finding your perfect blend! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can enjoy chicken fried steak in different ways. - Oven-baked Chicken Fried Steak: This method is great for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Instead of frying, place the coated steaks on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives a crispy texture without the extra oil. - Air fryer method for a healthier option: The air fryer is another smart choice. Preheat it to 400°F. Arrange the breaded steaks in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method cuts down on fat while keeping the taste. Spice up your chicken fried steak with unique flavors. - Incorporating cheese or herbs in the coating: You can mix shredded cheese, like cheddar, into the flour. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also add a nice twist. This makes the coating even more flavorful. - Different spice blends for a flavor twist: Try adding different spices to the mix. Cajun seasoning brings heat and depth. A bit of Italian seasoning can add a fresh taste. Experimenting with spices can change your dish completely. Chicken fried steak has many regional styles. - Southern-style vs. Western-style Chicken Fried Steak: Southern-style is often richer, with a thick, creamy gravy. Western-style may be lighter, using less oil and simpler seasonings. Each style has its own loyal fans. - Popular restaurant interpretations: Many restaurants put their spin on this classic dish. Some might use different cuts of meat or fancy sauces. You can try these versions for new and exciting flavors. With these variations, you can make chicken fried steak your own. The full recipe is just the beginning! To keep your Chicken Fried Steak fresh, place it in an airtight container. This method helps to lock in moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the steak. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This way, it can last up to three months. When reheating, aim to keep the steak crispy. The best method is using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the steak on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. This helps restore the texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid sogginess. Chicken Fried Steak lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it may spoil. Look for signs like a bad smell or a slimy texture. If you see these signs, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses; they are your best guide for food safety. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. The best cuts for chicken fried steak are beef cubed steaks. These cuts come from the round or chuck, which are tough but become tender when cooked. They usually weigh about 4 ounces each. Using cubed steaks ensures that the meat stays juicy and flavorful. Each piece has a nice texture, which works well with the crispy coating. Yes, you can make chicken fried steak ahead of time. You can marinate the steaks in buttermilk the night before. This gives them more flavor and tenderness. After frying, let them cool. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F. This keeps the coating crispy. To check if chicken fried steak is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. This ensures the meat is safe to eat. If you cut into the steak, the juices should run clear, not pink. This also shows that the steak is cooked well. Classic sides for chicken fried steak include: - Mashed potatoes - Creamy gravy - Coleslaw - Green beans - Corn on the cob You can also try creative pairs like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. These sides add color and balance to your meal. Yes, you can make chicken fried steak without buttermilk. If you don't have it, use regular milk mixed with vinegar. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to sour. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little water for a similar effect. This keeps the steak moist and flavorful. In this post, we covered how to make Chicken Fried Steak. Key ingredients include beef cubed steaks, buttermilk, and spices. We explored variations, cooking techniques, and recommended sides. Remember, proper marination and cooking methods are vital for great flavor. With tips to avoid common mistakes, you can enjoy this dish at its best. Experiment with different cooking styles or add unique flavors to make it your own. Whether baking, frying, or using an air fryer, Chicken Fried Steak can impress any crowd. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bb649bee-4c5f-4282-a6aa-4688264e7850-300x300.webp)
Amazing Chicken Fried Steak
Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with this easy recipe! Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish combines tender beef cubed steaks with a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a crispy, seasoned coating. In just a few steps, you'll have a golden-brown, mouthwatering dinner that pairs beautifully with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. Click to explore this recipe and impress your family with a comforting classic!