Country Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour, fried until golden and crispy, and served with creamy white gravy. It’s hearty, crispy, and full of rich homestyle flavor—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan (cast iron preferred)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat mallet (for tenderizing)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Steak
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef cut)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cream Gravy
- 3 tablespoons pan drippings or butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
- Cube steak: Already tenderized, ideal for frying.
- Seasoned flour: Gives the crispy Southern-style crust.
- Milk gravy: Classic creamy topping that ties everything together.
- Oil: Use neutral oil like canola or vegetable for frying.
Instructions
1. Prepare Steak
- Lightly pound cube steaks if needed to tenderize further.
- In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
2. Coat the Steak
- Dredge steak in flour mixture.
- Dip into egg mixture.
- Dredge again in flour for a thick coating.
3. Fry
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make Gravy
- Remove excess oil, leaving about 3 tablespoons drippings.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk while whisking continuously.
- Cook until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve
- Pour gravy over fried steak and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 780mg
Tips
- Double-dredging creates an extra crispy crust.
- Keep oil at medium heat to avoid burning coating.
- Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Variations
- Spicy Country Fried Steak: Add cayenne pepper to flour mix.
- Chicken Fried Steak: Same recipe using chicken instead of beef.
- Creamy Pepper Gravy: Add extra black pepper for bold flavor.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.