What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak (also called cubed steak) is ideal because it's already tenderized. Each steak should be about 1/3 pound for proper cooking and serving.

Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

Bread the steaks up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray. Fry just before serving for the crispiest crust.

Why do you use cornstarch in the breading?

Cornstarch mixed with flour creates extra crispiness and crunch. It absorbs less oil than flour alone and stays crispy longer.

What temperature should the oil be for frying?

Heat the oil to 350-375°F. Use a thermometer to ensure consistent browning and prevent greasy or undercooked breading.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but buttermilk's acidity helps tenderize the meat and adds tang to the coating. If substituting, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk.

Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy

Name: Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks (each about 1/3 pound); 1 ½ cups vegetable oil; 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions); 2 large eggs; 3 teaspoons salt; 1 cups flour; 1/3 cup corn starch; 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 Tablespoons butter; 3 Tablespoons flour; 3 Tablespoons pan drippings; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 ½ cup milk; ¾ cup half and half

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Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy | CookOS

Ingredients

4 cube steaks (each about 1/3 pound)
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons salt
1 cups flour
1/3 cup corn starch
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour
3 Tablespoons pan drippings
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ cup milk
¾ cup half and half

Instructions

1
Place saran wrap over each cube steak and use the rough end of a meat tenderizer to pound it thin, about ½ inch thick or so. This really makes a nice difference in the consistency of the meat even though cube steak has already been tenderized.
2
Pat the steaks completely dry. Combine the marinade ingredients in a large casserole dish.
3
Cover and marinate the steaks in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or up to 12. (The longer the better.)
4
Combine breading ingredients. Generously coat each steak. PRO TIP: Transfer the breaded steak to a wire cooling rack and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes prior to frying. This helps the breading adhere to the meat better.
5
Add enough oil to cover the steak by 1/3 and heat it to 350° F. (Make sure it’s properly preheated or the breading will fall off.)
6
Cook the steaks in batches of 2, leaving room around each. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Use kitchen tongs to carefully check the bottom and flip.
7
Remove and transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow excess oil to drip out from the bottom. This keeps the bottom nice and crispy.
8
Once all the steaks are fried, keep them warm in a 200° F oven while you prepare the gravy.
9
Transfer the pan drippings into a small heat-proof bowl. Don’t clean the pan.
10
Allow the black flecks to fall to the bottom and skim 3 tablespoons of clean oil off the top. Set aside.
11
Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat.
12
Whisk in the flour for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
13
Add the oil drippings and minced garlic. cook for 1 minute.
14
Add the seasonings, and then the chicken broth in splashes, stirring continuously.
15
Add milk and half and half in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
16
Let it simmer and thicken until desired consistency is obtained.