3 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Chicken Fried Steak
Easy,Steps,Make,Delicious,Chicken,Fried,SteakChicken Fried Steak
Hey there, food lovers! Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying? Let's talk about chicken fried steak! Did you know that chicken fried steak has been a beloved comfort food for over a century? It's time to dust off that skillet and learn how to make this classic dish right in your own kitchen. Ready to impress your family and friends with a meal they'll be talking about for days? Keep reading to discover the secrets to creating the perfect chicken fried steak!
We've got you covered with three simple steps that will have you whipping up this culinary masterpiece in no time. So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into the world of crispy, golden-brown goodness! You won't believe how easy it is to create restaurant-quality chicken fried steak at home. Read on to the end to discover the tips and tricks for making this dish truly irresistible.
3 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Chicken Fried Steak
Craving a crispy, juicy, and undeniably satisfying meal? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This Southern classic is a beloved dish for good reason – a tenderized steak coated in a crispy, golden brown crust, served with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes or fries. Sounds heavenly, right?
You might think this dish is reserved for fancy restaurants, but the truth is that chicken fried steak is surprisingly easy to make at home. Ready to impress your family and friends? We'll guide you through the process with these three simple steps.
Step 1: Tenderize and Season Your Steak
The first step is to ensure your steak is tender and flavorful.
Choose Your Steak:
- Cut: While traditionally made with cube steak, you can also use a thin-cut ribeye, sirloin, or even a pounded pork chop.
- Thickness: Aim for a steak that's about ½ inch thick. If you're using a thicker cut, pound it to an even ½ inch thickness.
Tenderize:
There are a few different ways to tenderize your steak:
- Pounding: Simply place the steak between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it with a mallet until it's evenly thin.
- Marinade: A marinade can help break down tough fibers and add flavor. Try a simple marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and garlic.
- Meat Tenderizer: Commercial meat tenderizer can be used to break down tough fibers and make the steak more tender.
Seasoning:
Once tenderized, season your steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder.
Step 2: Dredge and Fry Your Steak
This is where we create that iconic crispy crust.
Dredging:
- Flour: Coat the steak thoroughly in seasoned flour. If using a seasoned flour blend, make sure it includes salt and pepper.
- Egg Wash: Dip the flour-coated steak into an egg wash. This helps the breading adhere to the steak.
- Breadcrumbs: Coat the steak with a generous layer of breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Optional: For an extra crispy crust, you can repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb process.
Frying:
- Heat the oil: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the steak: Carefully place the breaded steak in the hot oil.
- Cook time: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired temperature.
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-well: 150-155°F
- Well-done: 160°F
Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the steaks in batches to avoid lowering the temperature of the oil, which can result in soggy breading.
Step 3: Make the Gravy and Serve
The gravy is an essential part of the chicken fried steak experience.
Making the Gravy:
- Remove the steak: Once cooked, carefully remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the gravy: Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk constantly until golden brown. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk or chicken broth, stirring until the gravy thickens. You can add seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Simmer: Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy should be smooth and creamy.
Serving:
- Plate: Place the cooked chicken fried steak on a plate.
- Gravy: Pour the gravy over the steak.
- Sides: Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, creamy grits, or French fries.
Tips for a Perfect Chicken Fried Steak:
- Don't skip the tenderizing: This step is crucial for a tender and juicy steak.
- Don't overcook the steak: The steak should be cooked to your desired level of doneness, but overcooking will make it tough and dry.
- Use the right oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Frying the steaks in batches will ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different seasonings, breading, and gravy recipes to find what you like best.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken fried steak is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste. Here are some popular variations:
- Chicken Fried Chicken: Instead of steak, use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Chicken Fried Pork Chop: Replace the steak with a pounded pork chop.
- Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for a kick.
- Chicken Fried Steak with Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a richer flavor.
- Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy: Make a thicker gravy using a roux and chicken or beef broth.
FAQ
Q: What can I do if my chicken fried steak is too dry?
A: You can add a little bit of moisture to the steak by topping it with a little gravy or a slice of tomato.
Q: What can I do if my chicken fried steak is too greasy?
A: If your chicken fried steak is too greasy, you can drain off some of the excess grease from the pan before making the gravy.
Q: Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make chicken fried steak ahead of time and reheat it. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, as microwaving can make the breading soggy.
Q: What are other dishes that taste good with chicken fried steak?
A: You can pair your chicken fried steak with other Southern favorites like mac and cheese, collard greens, or succotash.
Conclusion
Making a delicious chicken fried steak at home is easier than you might think! With these three simple steps, you can enjoy this classic dish any night of the week. Experiment with different seasonings, breading, and gravies to find your perfect combination. Remember, a little tenderizing, a crispy crust, and a generous portion of gravy are the key ingredients to a truly satisfying chicken fried steak.
Call-to-Action: Ready to try your hand at making this iconic dish? Share your chicken fried steak creations with us on social media! Use the hashtag #ChickenFriedSteak and tag us so we can see your culinary masterpieces.
There you have it! Three easy steps to making delicious chicken fried steak. With a few key ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a truly satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Remember to choose a good quality cut of steak, such as a chuck or round steak, and be sure to pound it flat for even cooking. The breading is essential, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add spices, herbs, or even cheese to the breading for added dimension.
Once your steak is breaded, you can fry it in a pan until it’s golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to add your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans all pair perfectly with chicken fried steak. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try serving it over a bed of creamy grits or a crunchy salad. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of chicken fried steak, go forth and conquer the culinary world! Share your creations with your loved ones, and let them enjoy the deliciousness that you've cooked up. Let me know if you try these steps and what you thought in the comments. Happy cooking!