Elevating Your Chicken-Fried Steak: Master a Flavorful Recipe

Chicken-fried steak can sometimes turn out bland, especially if the seasoning is lacking, the ingredients are low-flavor, or the gravy isn't rich enough. However, with this updated and more flavorful recipe, you can ensure your dish is nothing short of delicious and satisfying.

Flavorful Chicken-Fried Steak Recipe

The key to a great chicken-fried steak lies in the perfect blend of flavors, tender meat, and rich, creamy gravy. Follow these steps to create a meal that will impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

4 4-ounce cube steaks or tenderized round steak 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon milk Oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil

For the Gravy:

1/4 cup pan drippings from frying the steak or butter if needed 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 2 cups milk Salts and pepper to taste Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Set Up Breading Station:

In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Bread the Steaks:

Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then return to the flour coating well. Press the flour onto the meat for a thicker crust.

Fry the Steaks:

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded steaks in batches if necessary and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Gravy:

In the same skillet, leave about 1/4 cup of the drippings or add butter if there are not enough drippings. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder to taste.

Serve:

Serve the chicken-fried steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy.

Tips for More Flavor

Marinate:

Consider marinating the steaks in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight for added flavor and tenderness.

Seasoning Variations:

Experiment with different seasonings in the flour, such as Italian herbs or Cajun spices, to add depth.

Gravy Add-ins:

To enhance the flavor, sauté some diced onions or mushrooms in the drippings before adding the flour for the gravy.

This recipe should give you a delicious and flavorful chicken-fried steak that’s anything but bland! Enjoy your cooking!