Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Chicken fried steak is a classic southern dish that consists of a tenderized steak coated in seasoned flour, then dipped in a batter made of egg and milk, and finally fried until crispy and golden brown. Despite its name, chicken fried steak is not made with chicken; rather, it gets its name from the fact that the preparation method is similar to that used for frying chicken.
After being fried, the steak is usually served with a generous helping of creamy white gravy, which is made by whisking together flour, milk, and seasonings in the pan drippings. The result is a hearty and comforting dish that is often served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and other classic southern sides. Chicken fried steak is a beloved dish in many parts of the United States and has become a staple of southern cuisine.

SERVINGS: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes

FRIED STEAK INGREDIENTS:

• 4 beef round steak cutlets, pounded thin (about 1-inch thick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• Canola oil for frying

GRAVY INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

FRIED STEAK STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Season both sides of the steak cutlets with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and some salt and pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and some salt and pepper.
5. Dip each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each cutlet is evenly coated.
6. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat with enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the cutlets and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

GRAVY STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk together to form a smooth paste.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the gravy over the fried steaks.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
• For a crispy crust, make sure the oil is hot before adding the cutlets to the pan.