Hey there, food lovers! Tired of the same old chicken fried steak routine? Looking for an easier way to create that crispy, juicy goodness?
Well, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to take your tastebuds on a ride with 3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes in your Instant Pot.
Ever wondered if you could make crispy food in your Instant Pot? We're about to blow your mind! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe. Read on to find out how to make your next meal unforgettable!
3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes in Your Instant Pot: A Delicious Shortcut
Craving the crispy, savory goodness of chicken fried steak, but dreading the time it takes to fry it up in a skillet? Your Instant Pot just might be your new best friend. This beloved Southern classic is surprisingly easy to make in your electric pressure cooker, offering a delicious shortcut without sacrificing the iconic flavors and textures.
In this article, we'll explore three unique and simple chicken fried steak recipes that you can whip up in your Instant Pot. We'll delve into the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure a perfect, crispy, and juicy result every time.
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these tasty and convenient Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak recipes!
Understanding Chicken Fried Steak
Before diving into the recipes, let's understand the basics of chicken fried steak. It's a beloved American dish featuring a tenderized, breaded, and fried cut of beef, typically the round steak or a similar budget-friendly cut. The key to a great chicken fried steak lies in the tenderizing process (to make the tougher cut of meat more palatable), the breading technique (to achieve a crispy crust), and the perfect frying method (to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior).
Recipe #1: Classic Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak
This recipe captures the essence of the classic chicken fried steak, offering a simplified and flavorful experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Tenderize the steak using a meat mallet or fork. Season liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk the egg and milk. Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the flour mixture again.
- Instant Pot Cooking: Place the butter in the Instant Pot and heat on the sauté setting until melted. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side to create a crispy crust. Pour the water into the Instant Pot, cover, and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Remove the steak from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Tenderize thoroughly: This step is crucial for achieving a tender and flavorful chicken fried steak.
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: If you're making multiple steaks, cook them in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: The pressure cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the thickness of your steak.
Recipe #2: Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy
For a richer and more indulgent experience, consider this recipe featuring a creamy gravy that perfectly complements the chicken fried steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the classic recipe.
- Instant Pot Cooking: Follow step 3 from the classic recipe.
- Make the gravy: While the steak rests, whisk together the milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the water, then simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Season with black pepper and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve: Slice the steak and pour the creamy gravy over it.
Tips for Perfect Gravy:
- Use cold milk: Using cold milk helps prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
- Cook the flour mixture slowly: This ensures the gravy thickens properly without becoming clumpy.
- Don't overcook the gravy: Once the gravy reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Recipe #3: Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak with Spicy Chipotle Glaze
This recipe adds a touch of spice and smoky flavor to the classic chicken fried steak, making it a truly unique and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound round steak, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Follow steps 1 and 2 from the classic recipe, adding smoked paprika and chili powder to the flour mixture.
- Instant Pot Cooking: Follow step 3 from the classic recipe.
- Make the glaze: While the steak rests, combine the adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve: Slice the steak and drizzle with the chipotle glaze.
Tips for Spicy Glaze:
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the amount of adobo sauce or omit the chili powder from the breading.
- Use fresh chipotle peppers: For an even more intense flavor, substitute the canned chipotle peppers with fresh, roasted ones.
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another cut of meat besides round steak?
A: While round steak is a common and budget-friendly option, you can use other cuts of meat like chuck steak or even sirloin. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make the breading crispier?
A: After breading the steak, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps solidify the breading, resulting in a crispier crust.
Q: Can I make the chicken fried steak ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the steak and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to prepare the dish during the week.
Q: How do I store leftover chicken fried steak?
A: Store the chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Convenience of Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to preparing delicious chicken fried steak. These three recipes offer a quick and easy way to enjoy this iconic dish, with variations to suit every taste preference. Whether you're craving a classic preparation, a creamy gravy, or a spicy kick, these recipes are sure to become weeknight staples in your kitchen.
Ready to try these easy Instant Pot Chicken Fried Steak recipes? Head to the kitchen and get cooking!
And there you have it, three delicious and easy chicken fried steak recipes that you can make in your Instant Pot! These recipes are perfect for a weeknight dinner, or for a special occasion. As always, you can feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. You can also use different cuts of meat. For example, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using pork chops instead of chicken fried steak. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can always bake or grill your chicken fried steak instead of frying it.
There are so many ways to enjoy this classic dish. You might be surprised at how easy it is to cook chicken fried steak in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot does a great job of cooking the meat evenly and quickly, so you can have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, the Instant Pot is so easy to clean up, which is always a bonus.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and I hope you'll try one of these recipes soon! What is your favorite way to enjoy chicken fried steak? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check back soon for more delicious recipes.
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