The 5 Best Ever Chicken Fried Steak Recipes

best ever chicken fried steak

The 5 Best Ever Chicken Fried Steak Recipes Best,Ever,Chicken,Fried,Steak,Recipeschicken fried steak

Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more? Ever wondered what the secret to the perfect, crispy, juicy Chicken Fried Steak is? Well, wonder no more! Today, we're diving into the world of this beloved dish, and we're bringing you the **5 Best Ever Chicken Fried Steak Recipes**! You might be thinking, "Chicken fried steak? Isn't that just a fancy name for a breaded steak?" But let me tell you, there's a whole lot more to it than meets the eye.

From the golden-brown crust to the tender, flavorful meat, these recipes are a testament to the art of Southern cooking. So, if you're ready to learn the secrets of the pros, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey you won't forget! Keep reading to discover your next favorite recipe, and trust me, you won't be disappointed!

The 5 Best Ever Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: A Guide to Crispy, Delicious Perfection

Craving a classic comfort food dish that's both satisfying and utterly delicious? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This American staple, with its crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy meat, is a true culinary delight. But with so many recipes out there, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow food enthusiasts, because we've compiled the 5 best ever chicken fried steak recipes that will elevate your home cooking game to new heights.

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken fried steak, often called "CFS," is a dish consisting of a breaded and fried piece of beef, typically a cut from the round or chuck. The meat is pounded thin, coated in a flavorful batter or breading, and then pan-fried or deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. While its origins are debated, CFS is believed to have emerged in the American South or Southwest during the early 20th century.

Why These Recipes are the Best

We've carefully curated this list of chicken fried steak recipes based on several key factors:

• Flavor: Each recipe boasts an irresistible combination of savory and crispy flavors, ensuring a truly satisfying experience.
• Texture: The recipes prioritize creating a perfectly tender steak, encased in a gloriously crisp and crunchy breading.
• Ease of Preparation: We've chosen recipes that are relatively simple to follow, meaning even beginner cooks can master the art of chicken fried steak.

1. The Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe is a true testament to Southern comfort food. The key lies in using buttermilk in the batter, which adds a tangy flavor and helps create a light and airy breading.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef round steak
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Pound the steak: Use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat the steak: Dip the steak into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Fry the steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

Tips:

• For extra crispy crust, you can dredge the steak in seasoned flour before dipping it in the buttermilk mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter breading, you can use a combination of flour and cornstarch.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the steak, as it can lower the oil temperature and prevent the breading from crisping up.

2. The "No Fail" Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants to ensure a perfect result. The key lies in preheating the oil and using a good quality steak.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin steak
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Pound the sirloin steak to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the cold water and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
3. Coat the steak: Dip the steak into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
4. Fry the steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the steak. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
• For a more flavorful crust, use a seasoned flour blend that includes herbs, spices, or even garlic powder.

3. The "Crispy and Delicious" Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe utilizes a crispy breading technique that ensures a delightfully crunchy texture. The use of breadcrumbs adds a satisfying textural element that elevates the overall experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef cube steak
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Pound the cube steak to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Coat the steak: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breading mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Fry the steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• For a double-crusted steak, you can dip the steak in the egg mixture, then dredge it in flour, followed by another dip in the egg mixture and a final dredging in the breading mixture.
• You can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or herb-seasoned breadcrumbs, to add more flavor and texture.

4. The “Healthier” Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe offers a slightly healthier alternative to traditional chicken fried steak by using olive oil and a lighter breading.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef round steak
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Pound the round steak to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the low-fat milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
3. Coat the steak: Dip the steak into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
4. Fry the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• You can use a nonstick skillet to further reduce the amount of oil needed for frying.
• To make the breading even lighter, you can use a combination of whole wheat flour and cornstarch.

5. The "Spicy" Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe adds a fiery kick to the classic chicken fried steak dish. It utilizes spicy seasonings like chili powder and cayenne pepper to create a truly exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef cube steak
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Pound the cube steak to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the steak: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breading mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Fry the steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
• You can add other spicy ingredients to the breading, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for chicken fried steak?

A: While beef is the traditional choice, you can use pork, chicken, or even fish for a variation on the classic dish.

Q: How do I know when the chicken fried steak is cooked through?

A: The internal temperature of the steak should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it's cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Q: Is chicken fried steak healthy?

A: Chicken fried steak is a high-calorie, high-fat dish. However, you can make healthier versions by using leaner cuts of meat, using a lighter breading, and cooking in a healthier oil like olive oil.

Q: What are some good side dishes for chicken fried steak?

A: Chicken fried steak pairs well with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of making chicken fried steak is within everyone's reach. By using these top-rated recipes and following the tips and tricks provided, you'll be able to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer a classic, spicy, or healthier version, there's a recipe on this list that will satisfy your cravings. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying world of chicken fried steak!

Call to Action: Ready to take your chicken fried steak game to the next level? Check out our other recipes and cooking tips on our website for more delicious inspiration!

So there you have it, five of the best chicken fried steak recipes the internet has to offer! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes are sure to please. Each one brings its own unique twist to the classic dish, from the buttermilk-soaked, crispy-fried goodness of the classic recipe to the more adventurous flavors of the Korean-inspired or the Tex-Mex-infused versions. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to be wowed by the juicy, tender steak coated in a golden-brown, crispy crust. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible!

Now, don't be afraid to experiment with these recipes! Try different seasonings, add your favorite toppings, or even try using a different type of meat. The possibilities are endless! And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. If you're looking for a fun and delicious weekend project, try one of these chicken fried steak recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!

Be sure to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media with #ChickenFriedSteak and let us know which recipe you tried and what you thought. We're always looking for new inspiration, and we'd love to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking!

.Craving crispy, juicy chicken fried steak? Discover the 5 best ever recipes, from classic to innovative, and find your new favorite!