Chicken Fried Steak Southern Style (Printable)

Crispy breaded steak with creamy white gravy, a Southern comfort classic

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Steak

01 - 4 beef cube steaks (about 5–6 oz each)
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp onion powder
08 - 1 tsp paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the Creamy White Gravy

13 - 3 tbsp pan drippings (from frying) or unsalted butter
14 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
15 - 2 cups whole milk
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Garnish

17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs and 1/2 cup milk; and one with breadcrumbs.
03 - Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
04 - Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
05 - Cook the steaks in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm.
06 - Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute over medium heat to cook out the raw flour taste.
07 - Gradually whisk in the milk while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Continue whisking and cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Plate the fried steaks immediately, topped generously with the creamy gravy and garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between that crackly crust and tender steak inside is something else entirely
  • Making gravy from the actual pan drippings creates depth you cant get from a packet
  • Its the kind of meal that makes people lean back in their chairs and stay at the table longer
02 -
  • Don't crowd your pan or the oil temperature will drop and you'll end up with soggy, sad steaks
  • The gravy will seem too thin for the first two minutes, then suddenly thicken all at once, so don't walk away
  • Letting the breaded steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and creates the most flavorful fond
  • Season your gravy at the very end after it's thickened, as salt becomes more concentrated as liquid reduces
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