Best Country Fried Steak Recipe
Introduction
Country Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food that delivers crispy, golden-brown breading encasing juicy, tender steak. The decadent peppered gravy that crowns the dish ensures every bite is rich and deeply satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ability to elevate everyday ingredients into a meal that’s always a family favorite. Served with creamy mashed potatoes or fried green beans, this dish quickly becomes the star of any table, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
What Makes This Country Fried Steak Truly the Best?
The magic of Country Fried Steak is its contrast of textures – a shatteringly crisp coating against fork-tender beef. This recipe lets you achieve that sought-after golden crunch thanks to a well-seasoned dredge and a simple shallow fry. Meanwhile, the pan-drippings create a peppery gravy that pulls the entire meal together.
Careful ingredient selection, proper seasoning, and an uncomplicated cooking method are all you need for sensational comfort food done right.
Prep Made Easy for Busy Cooks
Country Fried Steak comes together quickly when you have a well-organized prep station. A sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board Set streamlines meat trimming and prep, while an Lodge Cast Iron Skillet ensures even, reliable frying for the perfect crust.
For dredging and breading, use shallow bowls or trays to keep flour and buttermilk mixtures tidy and efficient. Keeping your meat thin and even guarantees fast, uniform cooking.
The Crunchy Coating & Creamy Gravy Secret
Achieving the ideal crust is all about the sequence: flour, buttermilk, then back into the flour for maximum crunch. After frying, use those flavorful drippings (don’t toss them!) to whisk up a creamy, peppery gravy.
Monitoring your steak’s temperature is easy with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer, so you stay in the safe zone without overcooking. And for a fuss-free cleanup under your fried treats, line your resting plate with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
Serving & Sides to Impress
Once fried and topped with gravy, serve your Country Fried Steak piping hot alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. For crisp freshness, prep your salad quickly using a Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper.
Garnish the steak with cracked black pepper or fresh parsley for a finishing touch that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous portions. Each steak with gravy contains approximately 525 calories, 25g protein, 32g fat, and 37g carbohydrates, making it a substantial main course best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
The Best Country Fried Steak Recipe (Recap)
Country Fried Steak is the ultimate comfort food: crispy, golden, and creamy all at once. With straightforward prep, a flavorful breading, and an unforgettable peppery gravy, this recipe raises the bar for down-home dining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set up your dredging station. In one shallow bowl, combine 2 cups flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
- Pat your cube steaks dry using paper towels. Working with one steak at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then return to the flour. Press gently to coat thoroughly.
- Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in your Lodge Cast Iron Skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add steaks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and steak is cooked through (an instant-read ThermoPro TP19H Thermometer should read 145°F inside). Transfer to a plate lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper to drain.
- For the gravy: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan, reduce heat to medium, and add 3 tablespoons butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 cup flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, scraping the skillet’s bottom. Simmer until thickened, 3–5 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Spoon gravy over the steaks, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot. Pair with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes