Country Fried Steak Recipe
Country fried steak has roots in European schnitzel, brought over by German and Austrian immigrants in the 19th century. While similar to traditional fried steak dishes, the Southern version involves breading beef, pan-frying, and serving with white gravy. The popularity of this dish has only grown, making it a fixture on menus throughout the United States.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- WhiskTongs
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 cubed steaks (about 4 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Station: In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs together. In a separate dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bread the Steaks: Dip each cubed steak into the buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. For an extra crispy crust, dip it back into the buttermilk and flour for a second coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test the oil’s readiness, drop a pinch of flour into the oil – it should sizzle.
- Fry the Steaks: Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently, avoiding splattering. Once cooked, transfer steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: Discard most of the oil in the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the flour, cooking for about a minute to eliminate the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the fried steaks hot, topped with the creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a full Southern meal.