Description
Crispy, golden, and smothered in creamy gravy, Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is the ultimate Southern comfort food. This recipe brings together tender cube steaks, a perfectly seasoned crust, and rich, flavorful gravy to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cube Steaks:
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. - Set Up the Breading Station:
In one shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. - Bread the Steaks:
Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the flour mixture again. Press the flour into the steak to create a thick crust. - Fry the Steaks:
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the steaks in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Make the Gravy:
Carefully pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup and any browned bits. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Serve:
Spoon the gravy generously over the fried steaks and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- To Keep Steaks Warm: Place fried steaks in a 200°F oven while making the gravy.
- Spicy Option: Add extra cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Storage: Leftover steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the fried steaks without gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 miutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: s