Downhome Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Recipe Introduction: Proper Country Fried Steak
Fancy some proper Southern comfort food, then? Honestly, how do you make country fried steak better than this? This recipe is the real deal.
It's got that perfect mix of crispy, tender, and creamy, like a warm hug on a plate.
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how do you make country fried steak that tastes like it came straight from Grandma's kitchen? This recipe nails it.
We're talking southern comfort food recipes galore, with a crispy, savoury steak smothered in creamy, peppery gravy.
Brief Overview
Country fried steak recipe , also known as chicken fried steak recipe depending on where you are, is a Southern classic.
Tender beef, crispy coating, rich gravy. It’s a bit of effort but totally worth it. Expect about 45 minutes from start to finish, with a yield of four servings, enough for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
One of the best things? It's proper soul food. It's the ideal pick-me-up, and is one of the best Skirt Beef Recipes and Cube steak recipes , especially when you need a little cheering up.
This recipe’s special because it uses crushed Ritz crackers in the breading adds a subtle buttery flavour that's just chef's kiss .
How to Prepare Skirt Steak
Right then, first things first, let's chat about the skirt steak, if that's what you're using. A key part of How to Tenderize Skirt Steak is the prep.
If you're not using cube steak, give it a good whack with a meat mallet. Get it nice and thin.
No one wants a tough steak! Season it generously with salt and pepper don’t be shy.
Ready to Prep?
Now, you know, before we get to the fun part. I'm like, you need to set up your breading station.
You got your flour mix, your egg wash, and your Ritz cracker crumble. Get all that prepped and ready to go.
Having everything ready beforehand makes the whole process a breeze.
Right then, let's talk grub. We are diving headfirst into what makes Country Fried Steak the legend it is. Forget fancy pants recipes; this is honest-to-goodness Southern comfort food recipes at its finest.
Ingredients & Equipment
First, we are breaking down everything you need. No fancy jargon, just simple stuff. These are the essentials to how do you make country fried steak magic happen.
Main Ingredients
Alright, so for our star of the show, the steak. You'll need 4 cube steaks, each around 4-6 oz (115-170g) .
When choosing, look for steaks that are already somewhat tenderized. This step will save you some elbow grease. You'll also need 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour.
And we will need, 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk and 1/2 cup (60g) crushed Ritz crackers, and 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil.
For indicators, look for a vibrant pink color in your meat, not brown.
Seasoning Notes
Now, for the flavor bomb. I'm talking 2 teaspoons paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , and 1 teaspoon onion powder .
A cheeky pinch of 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper is optional if you are feeling brave. Don't forget 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme .
Salt and pepper are a must, naturally. For an extra boost, add a little parmesan with the cracker, about 1/2 cup (60g) .
Honestly, don’t skimp on pepper. A good kick is a must! You can use a pinch of Italian seasoning too, if that rocks your boat.
Equipment Needed
Right, onto the gear. You need a meat mallet, or even a rolling pin will do. A few shallow dishes for your breading station.
A decent sized skillet cast iron if you have it. Tongs are essential to flip Easy Grilled Steak Recipes without a disaster.
A wire rack is also needed. Honestly, who hasn’t used a plate lined with paper towels in a pinch?
And if you're feeling extra, the instant read thermometer can help checking the Grilling Steak Recipes doneness, and if you are checking the how to tenderize skirt steak .
Down Home Country Fried Steak: Proper Comfort Food
Right, let's talk country fried steak . Oh my gosh , this is proper Southern comfort food. You know, the kind that makes you wanna kick back and relax.
It's easy grilled steak recipes that your nan would be proud of. How do you make country fried steak? Well, let's get into it!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first. You need your gear prepped. Get your cube steaks out. These need to be about 1/2 inch thick.
Then, get your flour, seasonings, eggs, milk and Ritz crackers sorted. Honestly , having everything ready saves time.
Time saving tip? Bash those cube steaks first. Get them to about 1/4 inch thick. It helps them cook evenly, trust me.
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking
Right, now for the fun bit.
- Tenderize those steaks! Use a meat mallet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season well.
- Set up your breading stations. Flour, then egg wash, then Ritz cracker crumbs.
- Coat each steak in flour, then egg, then the Ritz mixture. Press that breading in firmly.
- Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Fry the steaks 3- 4 minutes per side , till golden brown. Aim for 145° F ( 63° C) internal.
- Remove the steak. Now, make the gravy using that leftover oil.
- Add flour to the oil, cook for 1- 2 minutes . Slowly add 3 cups of milk , whisking non-stop.
- Season gravy. Serve it hot over those glorious steaks.
Pro Tips for Proper Fried Steak
Here's some secret weapons for you!
- Don't crowd the pan. Honestly , it lowers the oil temperature.
- To tenderize skirt steak , score it lightly before flattening. This helps break down the fibers. It also works for how to prepare skirt steak .
- make-ahead gravy? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Skirt beef recipes are made infinitely better when you get a little bit ahead, dont you know?
Honestly , this Country fried steak recipe is a winner every time. Enjoy your Southern comfort food recipes , you deserve it.
Chicken fried steak recipe is pretty much the same thing with a different name, you know? Now go have at it and show me what you made!
Recipe Notes for Your Down Home Country Fried Steak
Right, let's talk shop about this country fried steak recipe . This ain’t rocket science, but a few pointers can make all the difference.
I've made this more times than I can count. Honestly, it's a family fave. I've learned a few tricks along the way.
Serving it Up Proper: Plating & Sides
Think about presentation, yeah? A generous dollop of that cream gravy recipe over your crispy steak is a must. For sides, you can't go wrong with classic mashed potatoes.
Some green beans would be banging. Maybe even a bit of creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Iced tea's always a winner, or a nice cold beer if you're feeling naughty.
How do you make country a meal into something special? It's all about the sides.
Storing Leftovers: Keep it Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that country fried steak in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for about three days.
For the cream gravy recipe , do the same. It's best to store the steak and gravy separately. Honestly, freezing isn't ideal.
The breading can go a bit soggy. But if you must, wrap the steaks tightly in cling film before freezing.
To reheat, oven is your best bet for the steak. Microwave for the gravy.
Tweaking the Recipe: Your Way
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! Want to lighten things up? Bake the breaded steak instead of frying for easy grilled steak recipes .
Trust me, it’s still delicious. Also, for something unique when deciding how to tenderize skirt steak , go the distance by marinating and then following the recipe.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's keep this simple. This skirt beef recipes is hearty, innit? It's got protein from the steak. Carbs from the breading.
And some fat. Not exactly a health food, but it's good for the soul! The protein helps you feel full.
And let's be honest, the southern comfort food recipes are all about comfort, not kale. You know? It's like a warm hug on a plate.
Happy Cooking!
See? Nothing to be afraid of when you prepare skirt steak ! Now go forth and create some deliciousness. Whether you're after the perfect cube steak recipe or even just a simple grilling steak recipes, you’re going to nail it! Don’t be scared to experiment.
And remember, cooking should be fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, so how do you make country fried steak crispy and not soggy?
The secret's in the details, innit? First, make sure your oil is properly hot that's crucial. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches so the oil temperature doesn't drop. Also, use a wire rack to drain the steaks after frying. This lets the excess oil drip off, keeping the breading nice and crisp.
Can I prepare the country fried steak ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can get ahead! You can bread the steaks and keep them in the fridge for a couple of hours before frying. The gravy can also be made in advance; just reheat it gently on the hob when you're ready to serve. Just remember, freshly fried is always best for that ultimate crispy experience.
Is there a healthier way how do you make country fried steak without all the frying?
You betcha! For a lighter version, bake the breaded steaks in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C), spray the steaks with cooking spray, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won't be exactly the same as fried, but it's a decent compromise.
You could also air fry them for a similar, less oily texture.
What kind of steak is best for country fried steak?
Cube steak is traditionally used it's already been tenderized, which is a big help. If you can't find it, you can use round steak or sirloin, but you'll need to tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
The more tender the steak, the easier it is to eat, and the more the breading adheres.
How do I store leftover country fried steak and gravy?
Store any leftover steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The steak is best eaten within 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the steak in the oven to help it crisp up again. Reheat the gravy gently on the hob, adding a splash of milk or stock if it gets too thick.
You might find the steak is never quite as crispy as when it was first cooked, but it'll still be tasty!
Can I freeze country fried steak?
Yes, but with a few caveats! Freeze the cooked steak after it has cooled completely. Wrap each steak individually in cling film, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze the gravy separately in a freezer safe container. The quality of the steak will degrade slightly during freezing, so try to use it within 2-3 months.
Defrost both thoroughly before reheating, making sure the steak is piping hot before eating.
Downhome Country Fried Steak With Cream Gravy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
