This Southern Country Fried Steak is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly paired with a rich and creamy homemade gravy. The beef is coated in a seasoned flour mixture that gives it a golden, crunchy crust, making each bite satisfying. Paired with mashed potatoes or green beans, it’s a comfort food lover’s dream.
If you’re looking for a classic Southern meal, this dish will bring warmth and nostalgia to your table. The gravy adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a hearty and indulgent experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Country Fried Steak is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 beef round steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Begin by preparing the steak. Tenderize the beef round steaks with a meat mallet and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate dish, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat again with the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove steaks and drain on paper towels.
- For the gravy, discard excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add butter and the remaining flour. Whisk constantly until the mixture turns golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in milk while stirring, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the crispy fried steak topped with the creamy gravy. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Southern Comfort: Country Fried Steak with Gravy
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings the warmth of Southern cuisine to your table, look no further than Country Fried Steak with Gravy. This beloved classic is the epitome of comfort food—crispy, tender, and smothered in creamy homemade gravy. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of home-cooked dinners and family gatherings, where every bite is as comforting as the last.
The Origins of Country Fried Steak
Country Fried Steak is a dish deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Though it has many variations across the United States, its origins can be traced back to the early settlers in the South, who found clever ways to make inexpensive cuts of beef more tender and flavorful. The classic preparation involves dredging beef steaks in seasoned flour, frying them to golden perfection, and serving them with a creamy, savory gravy made from the drippings. This technique not only enhanced the flavor of the meat but also provided a hearty meal that could feed a family without breaking the bank.
Over the years, this dish has become synonymous with Southern comfort food. Whether it’s served at a family dinner, a Sunday meal, or even a casual get-together, Country Fried Steak has remained a staple on many Southern menus. It’s the perfect dish to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, and it’s ideal for anyone who loves deep, rich flavors and hearty, satisfying meals.
Why This Recipe is the Best: Tender, Crispy, and Full of Flavor
What makes this particular Country Fried Steak recipe stand out is the combination of texture, flavor, and simplicity. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a crowd favorite:
- Tender and Flavorful Meat: The key to perfect Country Fried Steak is the beef itself. In this recipe, round steaks are tenderized to perfection, ensuring a soft, juicy center once fried. The seasoned flour crust gives each bite an irresistible crunch, while the beef inside remains tender and moist.
- Golden, Crispy Crust: Achieving the perfect fried crust is a fine balance of heat and time. This recipe uses a two-step coating process—dredging the steaks in seasoned flour, dipping them into buttermilk, and then coating them again with the flour mixture. This double-coating technique creates a crispy, golden exterior that seals in all the juices of the steak and adds to the richness of the dish.
- Homemade Gravy: A truly great Country Fried Steak isn’t complete without the gravy. The recipe features a simple yet flavorful gravy made from the leftover frying oil and butter, thickened with a bit of flour, and seasoned with milk, salt, and pepper. It’s creamy, velvety, and perfectly complements the crunchy steak, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavors and decadent nature, this Country Fried Steak recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The Healthier Side of Comfort Food
While Country Fried Steak with Gravy may not be the lightest meal, it does offer some benefits that make it a great choice for an occasional indulgence. Here are a few reasons why you can feel good about enjoying this dish:
- High in Protein: Beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and is a key building block of bones and muscles. This dish provides a good amount of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
- Rich in Iron: Beef is also an excellent source of iron, a vital nutrient that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. For those who are looking to maintain healthy red blood cells and prevent iron deficiency, Country Fried Steak can be a great addition to your diet.
- Simple, Whole Ingredients: This recipe uses whole, unprocessed ingredients, such as fresh beef, flour, and buttermilk. Unlike many pre-packaged meals, this dish is made from scratch, meaning you know exactly what’s going into your food. There are no preservatives or artificial flavors, which makes it a cleaner choice for a comfort food meal.
- Customizable Sides: To make the meal even healthier, you can pair Country Fried Steak with nutrient-packed sides like steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed sweet potatoes. This balances out the richness of the dish with fresh, fiber-packed options.
How to Serve Country Fried Steak
Country Fried Steak is typically served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice. The creamy gravy is perfect for spooning over the steak and the sides, creating a mouthwatering combination. It’s a dish that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly and savored, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a comforting meal at the end of a long day.
For a true Southern experience, you can add some of these side dishes to complete the meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes complements the crispy steak and gravy beautifully.
- Southern Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits are perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy.
- Collard Greens or Green Beans: Add some greens to the meal for a touch of freshness and nutrients.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delicious contrast to the savory steak.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is not only perfect for weeknight dinners, but it also shines at family gatherings, holiday meals, and even potlucks. The rich flavors and comforting nature of Country Fried Steak make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to scale the recipe to feed a larger group if you’re hosting a gathering. No matter the occasion, this dish brings people together over good food and great conversation.
Conclusion
Country Fried Steak with Gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a comfort food that evokes the essence of Southern hospitality. With its tender steak, crispy golden crust, and rich gravy, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. Whether you’re making it for the family on a weeknight or serving it at a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s a simple, yet indulgent dish that proves sometimes, the best meals are the ones that remind us of home.