When you think of comfort food, country fried steak often comes to mind, doesn't it? You might be surprised at the variety of ways to prepare this dish, from the classic Southern style that's a staple at family gatherings to a spicy Cajun twist that'll awaken your taste buds. There's even a healthier baked option that doesn't skimp on flavor. Each recipe brings its own unique flair, making it hard to pick just one favorite. So, which version will you try first, and what secret ingredient might you add to make it your own?
Classic Southern Country Fried Steak
Classic Southern Country Fried Steak is a cherished dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking. This comfort food features tenderized beef steak coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to a crispy golden brown, and often served smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, Country Fried Steak is bound to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by tenderizing the cube steaks using a meat mallet, if necessary, to guarantee they're extra soft.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the milk.
Dip each steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steaks and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
To make the gravy, drain most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet, as it retains heat well and creates a perfect crust.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to achieve that crispy exterior.
You can also experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture to suit your taste.
If you want to save time, prepare the gravy while the steaks are frying.
Finally, serve your Country Fried Steak with mashed potatoes and a side of greens for a truly Southern experience!
Spicy Cajun Country Fried Steak
Spicy Cajun Country Fried Steak is a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining the tender, breaded beef with a zesty Cajun seasoning that adds a kick to each bite. Perfect for those who appreciate a little heat in their comfort food, this recipe delivers a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, all smothered in a rich and spicy gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes or collard greens for a hearty meal that packs a flavorful punch.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by marinating the cube steaks in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize the meat.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the steaks from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to guarantee an even coating.
Fry the steaks in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the gravy, discard any leftover oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
Add butter and heat until melted.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a light brown color.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using), stirring until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the crispy Cajun country fried steaks topped with the spicy gravy.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor, consider adding some finely chopped green onions or bell peppers to the gravy for additional color and taste.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the hot sauce.
Pair this dish with a side of cornbread for a true Southern experience, and don't forget to let the steaks rest for a few minutes after frying to lock in their juices.
Enjoy your spicy Cajun twist on this beloved classic!
Buttermilk Country Fried Steak
Buttermilk Country Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort dish that combines tenderized beef with a crispy, golden-brown crust, all smothered in a creamy gravy. The buttermilk marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, making each bite juicy and delicious. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a filling dinner, served alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite Southern sides.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the cube steaks in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Remove the steaks from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, coating thoroughly.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded steaks in the skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider seasoning the buttermilk with a splash of hot sauce or additional spices to your taste.
When frying, maintain the oil temperature by adjusting the heat as necessary; too hot can burn the crust before the meat cooks through, while too low can result in soggy steaks.
If you like a thicker gravy, reserve some of the drippings from the skillet after frying and whisk in a little more flour to create a roux before gradually adding milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Enjoy your Buttermilk Country Fried Steak with a side of homemade gravy for a truly authentic Southern experience!
Mushroom Gravy Country Fried Steak
Mushroom Gravy Country Fried Steak is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the crispy goodness of breaded beef steak with a rich and savory mushroom gravy. This classic Southern recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The tenderized steak is pan-fried to golden perfection, then smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy that raises the dish to a new level of deliciousness. Get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering combination of flavors!
Ingredients:
- 4 beef round steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed saltines)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the beef steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and the third with breadcrumbs.
Dredge each steak in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and fry the breaded steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the steaks and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir, cooking for about a minute before gradually adding the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens.
Serve the fried steaks hot, generously topped with the mushroom gravy and garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the steaks marinate in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before cooking; this will help tenderize the meat and improve the flavor.
You can also use a meat mallet to pound the steaks thinner for a more tender result. For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour or breadcrumbs.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add more flour, and for a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Pair this dish with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a true Southern experience!
Healthier Baked Country Fried Steak
Healthier Baked Country Fried Steak is a delicious twist on the traditional fried version, offering all the flavors you crave without the added grease. This recipe uses lean cuts of beef and a baked coating that gives you the crispy texture of fried steak without the guilt.
Paired with a light gravy made from scratch, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal that won't derail your health goals.
Ingredients:
- 4 lean beef cube steaks
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In one bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each cube steak first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to attach.
Place the coated steaks on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steaks are golden brown and cooked through.
Extra Tips:
For an even healthier version, you can use almond flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for whole wheat flour.
Additionally, feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture for a personalized flavor. If you want to make the dish even lighter, consider using a homemade mushroom gravy with low-sodium broth instead of a heavier cream-based gravy.
Enjoy your guilt-free Country Fried Steak with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!