3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

what is chicken fried steak recipe

3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: What is Chicken Fried Steak? Easy,Chicken,Fried,Steak,Recipes,What,Chicken,Fried,SteakChicken Fried Steak

Hey there, food lovers! Ever heard of chicken-fried steak? It might sound like a culinary paradox, but trust me, it's a delicious reality. Ready to discover the secrets of this Southern comfort food? Keep reading to find three simple recipes that'll have you craving more.

3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Craving a crispy, juicy, and oh-so-comforting meal? Look no further than chicken fried steak. This classic American dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining a tender, flavorful steak with a crispy, golden-brown breading. But what exactly is chicken fried steak? And how can you make this iconic dish at home? We've got you covered with a guide to chicken fried steak, plus three easy recipes to try.

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken fried steak, often called CFS or chicken-fried steak, is a dish that features a cut of beef, typically a round steak, pounded thin and then coated in seasoned flour, dipped in egg, and finally dredged in breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. The steak is then deep-fried or pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. It's traditionally served with cream gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans or another side dish.

But chicken fried steak isn’t just a great-tasting dish – it has a rich history. While its origins aren’t entirely clear, it likely originated in Texas or the Southern United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. Some believe it was a way to utilize less expensive cuts of beef, while others suggest it was inspired by the German dish Wiener Schnitzel.

Why is it Called Chicken Fried Steak?

You might be wondering why it's called "chicken fried" when it's made with beef. That's a great question! The answer lies in the breading process. The thin, tenderized steak is coated in a batter that creates a crispy exterior, similar to the way chicken is sometimes prepared. This crispy coating is what gives the dish its characteristic "chicken-fried" texture.

3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes to Try

Ready to make this delicious dish at home? Here are three easy recipes that will have you serving up a satisfying meal in no time.

1. The Classic Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This recipe is a straightforward take on the classic chicken fried steak. It uses pantry staple ingredients and yields a hearty, flavorful dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound round steak, cut about 1 inch thick
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cream gravy (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Tenderize the steak: Pound the steak with a meat mallet until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Season the flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Dip and dredge: Dip the steak into the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat this process for a double-breaded crust.
4. Fry the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it and topping with the cream gravy.

2. Chicken Fried Steak with a Kick

This recipe takes the classic CFS and adds a bit of heat with the addition of cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cube steak
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cream gravy (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Tenderize your steak: Pound the steak with a meat mallet until it is thin and even.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip and dredge: Dip the steak in the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat for a double-breaded crust.
4. Fry the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and topping with the cream gravy.

3. Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich

This recipe turns the classic chicken fried steak into a delicious sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound round steak
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4 hamburger buns
• Cream gravy (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Tenderize your steak: Pound the steak with a meat mallet until thin.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish.
3. Dip and dredge: Dip the steak in the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat for a double-breaded crust.
4. Fry the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steak in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a generous portion of fried steak on each bun. Top with cream gravy.

Cream Gravy Recipe

No chicken fried steak is complete without a generous serving of creamy gravy. Here's a simple recipe to make your own:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Cook until thickened: Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the gravy has thickened.
6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success:

• Tenderize the steak: Make sure to pound the steak thin to ensure a tender and flavorful result.
• Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Fry over medium-high heat: This will help create a crispy crust.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet: This will drop the oil temperature and prevent the crust from getting crispy.
• Let the steak rest: This will help the juices distribute evenly.

Chicken Fried Steak Variations

There are endless variations of chicken fried steak. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spicy chicken fried steak: Add some cayenne pepper or other hot spices to your breading mix.
• Chicken fried steak with cheese: Melt cheese on top of your chicken fried steak.
• Chicken fried steak with mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the gravy.
• Chicken fried steak with onions: Caramelize some onions and add them to the gravy.
• Chicken fried steak with a dipping sauce: Serve your chicken fried steak with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

Where to Find Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a popular menu item at many restaurants, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern United States. You can find it at:

• Dinner restaurants
• Diner-style restaurants
• Steak houses
• Comfort food restaurants

FAQ

Q: What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

• A: The best cuts of meat for chicken fried steak are those that are lean and tender, such as round steak, cube steak, or flank steak.

Q: Can I bake chicken fried steak instead of frying it?

• A: Yes, you can bake chicken fried steak. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place the breaded steak on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken fried steak?

• A: Chicken fried steak pairs well with classic comfort food sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.

Conclusion

From its rustic origins to its modern-day popularity, chicken fried steak remains a beloved comfort food classic. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal. With our simple recipes and tips, you can easily make this dish at home and impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of chicken fried steak!

Call to Action: Try one of our easy chicken fried steak recipes today! Let us know in the comments which one you make and how it turns out.

So there you have it – three easy chicken fried steak recipes to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Chicken fried steak is truly a culinary masterpiece that combines the tenderness of beef with a crispy, golden-brown crust. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special Sunday brunch. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to be simple and straightforward, allowing you to impress your family and friends with ease. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary experience that will have everyone raving about your cooking skills!

But what exactly is chicken fried steak? Well, as the name suggests, it's a cut of beef that's coated in a light batter and then fried to a crispy perfection. The origin of this beloved dish dates back to the 19th century, when settlers in the American South used readily available ingredients to create hearty and flavorful meals. While the exact details may be lost to history, one thing's for sure: chicken fried steak has stood the test of time and remains a cherished comfort food for many. The dish holds a special place in American cuisine and is often served with a side of creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and a generous portion of fresh vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of heavenly.

Now that you have a better understanding of what chicken fried steak is, we encourage you to try out one of our recipes and experience the magic for yourself. We're confident that this dish will become a favorite in your household, and you'll be whipping up batches of it on a regular basis. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to leave us a comment below. We're always happy to help our readers achieve culinary success!

.Discover 3 easy Chicken Fried Steak recipes! Learn what Chicken Fried Steak is & how to make this classic Southern comfort food at home.