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Chicken Fried Steak (Pioneer Woman Style)

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Southern

Description

Crispy, tender cube steak coated in a seasoned breading, fried to perfection, and topped with homemade country gravy.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Steak:

  • 4 cube steaks (about 1/2-inch thick)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

  • 3 tablespoons pan drippings (from frying)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Breading Station:

  1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

2. Bread the Steaks:

  1. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  3. Coat again in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

3. Fry the Steaks:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
  2. Fry the steaks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.

4. Make the Gravy:

  1. Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth.
  4. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Place the chicken fried steak on a plate and pour the creamy gravy over the top.
  2. Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal!

Notes

  • No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Extra crispy? Double dip in the flour and let the coated steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying.
  • Want spice? Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg