Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for some seriously delicious comfort food? We've got you covered with 3 easy chicken fried steak recipes using cube steak that will have you saying "yum" with every bite. And trust us, you won't believe how simple and delicious these recipes are!
Did you know that chicken fried steak is actually a Texas invention? Yep, you heard that right. This iconic dish, made with a crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy meat, is a true Texan treasure. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of chicken fried steak. Read on and see what culinary delights await you!
3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes Using Cube Steak
Craving a juicy, crispy, and oh-so-comforting meal? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, especially if you use cube steak. With its tender texture and convenient pre-cut size, cube steak makes for a perfect base for a golden-brown, flavorful chicken fried steak that will satisfy any craving. Ready to get your hands dirty? Let's dive into three delicious and easy chicken fried steak recipes using cube steak!
Why Cube Steak Is Perfect for Chicken Fried Steak
Cube steak is a thin, tender cut of meat that's specifically designed for quick cooking. It's already been pounded (usually with a mallet) to break down muscle fibers, making it exceptionally tender and easy to cook. This pre-pounding eliminates the need for extra tenderizing steps, making it a breeze to prepare your chicken fried steak.
Recipe #1: The Classic Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
This recipe is a true classic, capturing the essence of the dish with its crispy golden crust and juicy, flavorful interior.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Pat the cube steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge the steak: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika for your breading mix. Dip each steak into the beaten egg, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Fry the steak: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded steak into the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the cooked steak to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Fried Steak:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking too many steaks at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken fried steak. Cook them in batches, ensuring plenty of space in the pan.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked steak, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the steak rest: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender result.
Recipe #2: Spicy Southern Chicken Fried Steak
Kick things up a notch with this spicy take on chicken fried steak! The addition of cayenne pepper and a touch of garlic powder adds a fiery kick to this Southern classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Pat the cube steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge and fry: Follow the same breading and frying steps as in the Classic Crispy Chicken Fried Steak recipe.
- Serve with spicy accompaniments: Serve this spicy Chicken Fried Steak with creamy mashed potatoes, a side of collard greens, and a dollop of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Recipe #3: Creamy Mushroom Chicken Fried Steak
Looking for a more decadent twist? This recipe delivers a rich and savory flavor with a luscious mushroom gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Pat the cube steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge and fry: Follow the same breading and frying steps as in the Classic Crispy Chicken Fried Steak recipe.
- Make the gravy: While the steak is frying, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
- Thicken the gravy: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with the gravy: Spoon the creamy mushroom gravy over the cooked chicken fried steak and serve immediately.
Mastering the Art of Chicken Fried Steak
No matter which recipe you choose, these tips will help you create perfect chicken fried steak every time:
- Use high-quality oil: Choose a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil for frying. Lower smoke point oils can create an unpleasant flavor and smoke.
- Don't over-cook: Overcooked steak can become dry and tough. Cook it to medium-rare or medium for the most tender and juicy results.
- Season generously: Don't be afraid to season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and other spices for a flavorful result.
FAQ about Chicken Fried Steak
Q: Can I use other cuts of meat for chicken fried steak?
A: While cube steak is a popular choice, you can also use cuts like sirloin steak or even tenderized pork chops. Just remember to pound them thin and tenderize them before breading.
Q: What can I serve with my chicken fried steak?
A: Chicken fried steak pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. Get creative and explore different side dishes to complement your meal.
Q: Can I make chicken fried steak in advance?
A: You can bread the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, frying it fresh is best.
Q: What's the difference between chicken-fried steak and country-fried steak?
A: Typically, chicken-fried steak is breaded with flour and fried, while country-fried steak is usually coated with cornmeal.
Q: Is chicken-fried steak healthy?
A: Chicken fried steak is not considered a "healthy" dish due to its high calorie and fat content from the breading and frying process. However, you can make healthier choices by using leaner cuts of meat and avoiding overly heavy sauces.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer a classic, spicy, or creamy version, chicken fried steak is a comfort food that's sure to satisfy! With a few simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade chicken fried steak!
Call to Action: Ready to give these recipes a try? Share your chicken fried steak creations on social media using the hashtag #ChickenFriedSteak.
So there you have it, three easy chicken fried steak recipes using cube steak that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking for a classic comfort food, a spicy kick, or a crispy, golden-brown crust, these recipes have something for everyone. And the best part is that they are all incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Remember, don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your perfect flavor combination. You can also easily adjust these recipes to suit your dietary needs. For example, use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, or serve with a side of cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes for a lower-carb meal.
With a little bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. And if you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more easy and delicious recipes. We've got you covered, from appetizers to desserts. And remember, cooking should be fun! Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment in the kitchen. You never know what delicious discoveries you might make!
We hope you enjoyed these recipes and that you'll try them out soon. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite chicken fried steak recipe is, or if you have any questions about these recipes. And don't forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media using the hashtag #ChickenFriedSteak. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious meal!
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