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Crispy Country Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy Gravy

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A comforting Southern classic featuring tender cube steaks with a crispy buttermilk and seasoned flour crust, smothered in rich, creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 beef cube steaks (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each), tenderized and thin
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying), such as canola or peanut oil
  • 3 tablespoons pan drippings or butter (about 42 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 grams)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
  2. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Dip each steak into the buttermilk, coating both sides fully. Then press into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to cover every inch. For an extra crispy crust, dip again into the buttermilk and back into the flour. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately upon contact.
  4. Carefully place steaks in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip gently. If oil starts smoking, reduce heat slightly. Remove steaks and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  5. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of oil from the skillet, leaving the browned bits. Add butter or use the pan drippings. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, cooking over medium heat for 2 minutes until golden and nutty-smelling.
  6. Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
  7. Spoon creamy gravy generously over the crispy country fried steaks and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Use cube steaks for best results or tenderize round steak yourself. Double dredge steaks for extra crispy crust. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt coating. Drain fried steaks on a wire rack to keep crust crispy. Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend and use gluten-free thickener for gravy. For dairy-free, use almond milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: country fried steak, crispy fried steak, creamy gravy, Southern comfort food, easy dinner, buttermilk batter, homemade gravy

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/crispy-country-fried-steak-recipe-with-creamy-gravy-easy-and-perfect/