When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it has to be country fried steak, with its golden crust and tender meat smothered in creamy gravy. Imagine biting into that crispy exterior, while the savory flavors dance on your taste buds like they’re at a country hoedown. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory maker. I can still hear my grandma’s laughter as she whipped up this delightful feast in her cozy kitchen. The aroma would waft through the house, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a family gathering, country fried steak brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delectable country fried steak is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors of crispy meat paired with creamy gravy are downright irresistible
- Visually appealing and hearty, it will impress any crowd at gatherings
- You can even serve it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal!
You know that feeling when your family gathers around the table and you see their faces light up? That’s exactly what happened when I served this recipe for the first time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Beef Round Steak: Choose tender cuts for the best texture; about 1 inch thick works perfectly.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use for coating; this helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all adore.
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Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the flour to the meat for better adherence.
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Milk: Whole milk adds richness to your gravy; don’t skimp on creaminess.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential spices enhance flavor; season generously but taste as you go!
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Oil (for frying): Vegetable or canola oil works well; use enough to cover the bottom of your pan.
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Butter: A couple tablespoons will enrich your gravy; trust me, butter makes everything better!
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Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Sprinkle these spices into your flour mixture for an extra flavor punch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by gathering all ingredients and tools: a heavy skillet, mixing bowls, and a whisk. Ensure everything is within reach for smooth cooking.
Tenderize the Steak: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the beef round steaks until they’re about half an inch thick. This step helps ensure tenderness!
Create Your Coating Station: In one bowl combine flour with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. In another bowl whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
Dredge the Steaks: First dip each steak into the egg mixture so it’s fully coated, then dredge them in the seasoned flour. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for maximum crispiness!
Fry Them Up!: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add steaks one at a time without overcrowding. Fry until each side turns golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Make the Gravy: Remove steaks from skillet and drain excess oil leaving about two tablespoons behind. Add butter to melt before whisking in flour scraps from frying until golden brown—around 2 minutes. Gradually stir in milk while whisking continuously until thickened.
Now you’ve created a comforting dish that embodies all that is good about home-cooked meals! Enjoy this classic Southern favorite along with some mashed potatoes or greens for an unforgettable experience!
You Must Know
- Country fried steak is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal
- Its crispy texture combined with rich gravy creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Don’t forget to serve it with mashed potatoes for the perfect pairing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by tenderizing the steak, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover country fried steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat mallet for perfect tenderizing; it ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption
- Let your oil reach 350°F before frying to achieve that golden crust without making it greasy
- Lastly, don’t crowd the pan; give each piece space for even frying!
Sharing my first attempt at country fried steak brings back fond memories; I served it during a family gathering, and my aunt declared it “the best comfort food ever.” Their smiles made every effort worthwhile!
FAQ
What kind of steak is best for country fried steak?
Use cube steak or round steak for tenderness and flavor in this classic dish.
Can I make country fried steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate before frying, but fry just before serving for best results.
How do I know when my oil is hot enough?
Drop a small amount of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying!
Country Fried Steak
Country fried steak is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef coated in a crispy golden crust and smothered in rich, creamy gravy. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and hearty meals. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this country fried steak recipe will have everyone at the table smiling and asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef round steak (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Tenderize the beef round steak to about half an inch thick using a meat mallet.
- Set up a coating station: Combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dredge each steak first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry steaks one at a time for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
- For the gravy, leave about two tablespoons of oil in the skillet, add butter, and whisk in leftover flour scraps until golden brown. Gradually stir in milk while whisking until thickened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (203g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
