Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Crispy, savory, and wonderfully indulgent this Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is country comfort food at its finest.
In the heartland of America, Oklahoma has a rich culinary tradition, and one dish that stands out is the Chicken Fried Steak.
Folks enjoy this beloved comfort food as a Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich or covered in gravy paired with your favorite sides.
This hearty meal, fried to golden perfection, captures the essence of comfort food. Let’s dive into the details.
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Looking to try sandwiches from across the United States? Check out this viral Vermonter, Buffalo’s amazing Beef on Weck, or the messy yet delicious burger the Pueblo Slopper.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern comfort food delicacy that originated in the great state of Oklahoma. Contrary to its name, this dish does not contain chicken. Instead it is a cut of beef, typically a cube steak. The meat is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown.
Ingredients:
- Cube steak
- Flour
- Meat tenderizer
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Tenderize the Meat:
Begin by tenderizing the cube steak with a meat tenderizer. This step ensures a tender and flavorful result.
Prepare the Breading Station:
In one bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Next, in another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Then dip each piece of cube steak in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour for a double coating.
Fry to Perfection:
Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Next, carefully place the coated cube steaks into the hot oil and fry until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Why a Cast Iron Skillet?
The choice of a cast-iron skillet for frying Chicken Fried Steak is crucial. The skillet provides even heat distribution, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
What kind of meat is chicken-fried steak?
It is cube steak, which is a cut of beef tenderized to enhance its tenderness and flavor.
What is the difference between chicken-fried steak and country-style steak?
While both dishes involve coating meat in flour and frying, the key difference lies in the cut of meat. Chicken Fried Steak uses cube steak, whereas country-style steak may use a variety of cuts, often round steak.
Why is chicken-fried steak popular in Texas?
Chicken Fried Steak is a staple in Texas, reflecting the state’s love for hearty, comforting meals. Its popularity may also stem from its roots in Southern cuisine, which has a strong influence on Texan food culture.
Is chicken-fried steak a schnitzel?
While both dishes involve coating and frying meat, Chicken Fried Steak and schnitzel differ in their preparation and seasoning. Comparatively, Schnitzel is a German dish usually consisting of veal, pork, or chicken, and the breading may include breadcrumbs rather than flour.
Where did the chicken-fried steak originate?
Chicken Fried Steak has its roots in the state of Oklahoma, where it became a beloved comfort food. Its exact origin is debatable, but its popularity in the Southern United States is undeniable.
Indulge in the flavors of Oklahoma with this delightful Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this classic dish is sure to comfort. Enjoy the crispy exterior, tender meat, and luscious gravy that make Chicken Fried Steak an iconic Southern favorite.
Equipment
- 1 Meat tenderizer
- 1 Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb cube steaks (about 4 steaks)
- salt and pepper
For Dredge
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
For the Sandwich
- 4 buns
- lettuce
- tomato slices
- mayo
For the Gravy (if not making a sandwich)
- 4 cups milk
- ¼ cup flour
- salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Instructions
- Place steaks on a cutting board and using a meat tenderizer, pound to ¼ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, and ¼ cup of seasoned flour.
- Pour oil into a deep cast iron skillet and heat until 325℉.
- While the oil is heating, dredge a steak into flour to coat, shaking off excess. Dip into the buttermilk batter, allowing excess to drip off. Press in flour again to coat both sides. Set aside on a wire rack and repeat with remaining steaks.
- Fry in batches, if necessary and fry 3 – 4 minutes. Flip and fry another 3 – 4 minutes or until it's golden brown. Set aside an repeat with remaining steaks.
- Assemble sandwiches. Add mayo to buns and top with lettuce and tomato.
If making the gravy:
- Drain the oil from the skillet, reserving ¼ cup oil. Return skillet to medium low heat and add the ¼ cup oil back. Whisk in remaining flour, scraping the bottom to get any solids off.
- Stir in the milk and bring gravy to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, for 5 – 7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
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