Texas Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe
Texas Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food featuring tenderized cube steak, seasoned and coated in a crispy flour batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, peppery milk gravy. This recipe offers a satisfying combination of crunchy exterior and juicy meat, ideal for a hearty family meal.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Steak and Coating
- 1.5 pounds cube steak (4 patties)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup oil and drippings (from frying)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 200℉ and place a wire rack on top of a large baking sheet to keep the steaks warm after frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, enough to reach about 1/4 inch depth for frying. Heat the oil until it’s hot but not smoking; test by sprinkling flour, which should sizzle immediately.
- Season Steaks: Ensure the cube steaks are tenderized (they usually come pre-tenderized). Season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
- Bread the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it in to form a thick coating. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and dip again into the flour mixture for a double coating.
- Fry Steaks: Working in batches, carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 5 minutes on one side while spooning hot oil over the top to maintain the coating. When you see juices through the breading, flip the steaks.
- Cook Other Side: Fry the second side for another 5 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove steaks and transfer to the wire rack on the baking sheet placed in the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining steaks.
- Make Gravy: Measure out 1/4 cup of the drippings from the skillet. Use a slotted spoon to remove any bits of steak. Return drippings to the skillet and whisk in 1/3 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Simmer the gravy for 5-8 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the gravy and add additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve the crispy chicken fried steaks hot, generously topped with the creamy peppery gravy.
Notes
- Cube steak is typically pre-tenderized but ensure it is thin and soft for best results.
- Double dipping the steak in flour-egg-flour helps achieve a thick, crunchy coating.
- Maintain oil temperature between medium-high to avoid greasy or undercooked coating.
- Keep fried steaks warm in a low oven on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer a thinner gravy, add milk gradually and stop when desired consistency is reached.
Keywords: chicken fried steak, southern recipe, comfort food, crispy beef steak, homemade gravy, fried steak