Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak
Tender cube steak in seasoned buttermilk crust, finished with rich country-style gravy. Comfort food classic.
- Prep Time 30 Minutes
- Cook Time 25 Minutes
- Total Time 55 Minutes
- By: Susan
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Southern
Yield: 4 Servings (4 individual steaks with gravy)
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Steak
- 01 4 beef cube steaks, approximately 1 cm thick
- 02 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- 03 2 large eggs
- 04 1.5 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 05 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
- 06 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper, optional
- 07 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
- 08 1 teaspoon (3 g) onion powder
- 09 Salt, to taste
- 10 Black pepper, to taste
- 11 Vegetable oil, for shallow frying
→ Gravy
- 12 0.25 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 13 2.5 cups (600 ml) whole milk
- 14 Salt, to taste
- 15 Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 01
Arrange cube steaks between layers of plastic wrap and gently pound to a thickness of 0.5 cm for even tenderization. Evenly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 02
Whisk buttermilk and eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate dish, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper if desired, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 03
Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, ensuring full coverage. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, then return to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even coating.
Step 04
Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet until depth reaches about 1.25 cm. Heat over medium-high until shimmering. Fry steaks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until crust is golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 05
Carefully pour off most of the oil from the pan, leaving approximately 30 ml and the browned bits. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to form a light roux. Gradually whisk in milk, scraping up any fond, and continue whisking until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper.
Step 06
Arrange fried steaks on plates and generously ladle hot country gravy over each portion. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For even crispness, ensure oil temperature remains consistent when frying steaks in batches.
Tools You'll Need
- Heavy-bottomed skillet
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
The most important part is just ahead — click NEXT »»
