Description
A classic Southern comfort food featuring tenderized cube steak with a crispy, golden-brown coating, served smothered in rich, creamy country gravy. The recipe uses a special double-dredging technique for an exceptionally crispy exterior that stays attached to the juicy meat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steaks:
- 1 lb cube steak (4 pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp sea salt or seasoned salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp celery salt
- ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 egg
- ½–¾ cup whole milk
- Canola oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme to taste
Instructions
- Season steaks with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Let sit 15-20 mins.
- Mix seasoned flour: Combine flour, sea salt, cayenne, onion powder, celery salt, Cajun seasoning, and paprika.
- Make batter: Combine ½ cup seasoned flour, egg, and enough milk to form thick batter.
- Dredge steaks: Flour → batter → flour again. Press flour firmly for texture.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet.
- Fry steaks 2-3 mins per side until golden. Keep warm in 200°F oven.
- Make roux: In clean skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 2-3 mins.
- Add liquids gradually: Whisk in chicken broth, then milk, until smooth.
- Simmer and season gravy until thickened. Serve over steaks.
Notes
- Let coated steaks rest before frying to help the crust adhere.
- Maintain 350°F oil for best texture—use a thermometer!
- Make gravy fresh right before serving for ideal consistency.
- Season in layers for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken fried steak, cube steak recipe, country gravy, southern fried steak, crispy steak, homemade gravy, comfort food, southern cooking