Country Fried Steak: A Deep Dive into the Classic Dish

What is Country Fried Steak?

Country fried steak, also known as chicken-fried steak, is a beloved American dish. It’s a breaded cutlet made with a piece of beefsteak (typically tenderized cube steak) coated in seasoned flour and then either deep-fried or pan-fried. This dish is often associated with Southern cuisine and is known for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Ingredients for Country Fried Steak:

• Beefsteak: The most common type of beef used for country fried steak is cube steak, which is a pre-tenderized cut of meat. However, you can also use other cuts like round steak or sirloin steak, as long as you pound them thin to ensure tenderness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the most common choice for coating the steak. The flour helps create a crispy crust when fried.
• Eggs: Eggs are used to create a batter that helps the flour adhere to the steak.
• Milk: Milk is added to the egg batter to thin it out and make it easier to coat the steak.
• Seasonings: Common seasonings for country fried steak include salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Oil: Oil is used for frying the steak. You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.

How to Make Country Fried Steak:

1. Tenderize the steak: If you’re using a cut of steak other than cube steak, you’ll need to tenderize it by pounding it thin with a meat mallet.
2. Season the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the batter: In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Dredge the steak: Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it again in the flour mixture.
5. Fry the steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve: Serve the country fried steak with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, or corn.

Tips for Making the Best Country Fried Steak:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the steak. This will lower the temperature of the oil and make the steak soggy.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of milk in the batter.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a bit of heat.

Variations of Country Fried Steak:

There are many variations of country fried steak, depending on the region and personal preferences. Some common variations include:

• Chicken-fried chicken: This variation uses chicken breasts instead of beefsteak.
• Smothered country fried steak: This version is topped with a rich gravy, often made with pan drippings, milk, and flour.
• Country-fried pork chops: This variation uses pork chops instead of beefsteak.
• Country-fried tofu: This vegetarian version uses tofu instead of beefsteak.

Country Fried Steak: A Delicious and Comforting Dish

Country fried steak is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you enjoy it with mashed potatoes and gravy or with a side of green beans, country fried steak is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Additional Information:

• Country fried steak is a popular dish in the Southern United States, but it is also enjoyed in other parts of the country.
• The dish is thought to have originated in the 19th century.
• There are many different ways to make country fried steak, and the recipe can be adapted to use different ingredients and cooking methods.
• Country fried steak is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer.