This Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern classic that combines tender, juicy beef steaks with a golden, crispy coating, all smothered in rich and creamy country gravy. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish is packed with flavor and texture, making it a comforting favorite for any occasion.
📋 Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks , approximately 1 cm thick
- 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour , divided
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper , optional
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) onion powder
- Salt , to taste
- Black pepper , to taste
- Vegetable oil , for shallow frying
For the Gravy:
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups (600 ml) whole milk
- Salt , to taste
- Black pepper , to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
- Arrange the cube steaks between layers of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each steak to a thickness of 0.5 cm for even tenderization.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper .
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs .
- In a separate dish, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour , paprika , cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder , onion powder , and a pinch of salt and black pepper .
Step 3: Bread the Steaks
- Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coverage on both sides. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured steak into the buttermilk mixture , allowing any excess to drip off.
- Return the steak to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, thick coating. Place the breaded steaks on a plate while you prepare the skillet.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
- Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet until it reaches a depth of about 1.25 cm . Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
- Fry the steaks in batches for 3–4 minutes per side , turning once, until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Country Gravy
- Carefully pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 30 ml and the browned bits (fond).
- Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes .
- Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Arrange the fried steaks on plates and generously ladle the hot country gravy over each portion.
- Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Tips for Success
- Buttermilk Soak (Optional): For extra tenderness and flavor, soak the steaks in buttermilk for 1–2 hours (or overnight) before breading.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn; if it’s too cool, the steaks will absorb excess oil.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to reduce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a flavorful, indulgent dish that brings the best of Southern comfort food to your table. The buttermilk-soaked steaks are incredibly tender, while the double-coated breading creates a satisfying crunch. Paired with creamy, savory country gravy, this dish is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Dive into this crispy, creamy delight and let it become a staple in your kitchen!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽 Servings:
4 servings
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~550 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and sides)
