Chicken-Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic
Few dishes scream Southern comfort like Chicken-Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. This hearty, crispy, and creamy meal brings together tender beef cutlets, golden crust, fluffy mashed potatoes, and rich homemade gravy into one soul-satisfying plate. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to recreate this restaurant-style classic in your own kitchen—crispy steak, silky potatoes, and all.
What Is Chicken-Fried Steak?
Despite the name, there’s no chicken involved. Chicken-fried steak is a breaded and fried beef steak that’s cooked similarly to fried chicken. It’s often made using cube steak, a cut that has been mechanically tenderized, making it ideal for this dish. The crispy coating contrasts perfectly with a creamy, peppery white gravy.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Chicken-Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
For the Cream Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (from leftover drippings)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne for a little kick
🍽 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
- Tenderize if needed: If your cube steaks aren’t pre-tenderized, pound them gently with a meat mallet until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, onion powder, and remaining seasoning.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
- Dip each steak in the flour mixture, coating it fully.
- Next, dip it in the egg mixture.
- Return it to the flour and press the coating onto the steak to ensure a thick crust.
✅ Pro Tip: Let the coated steaks sit on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. This helps the crust adhere better and fry up crispier.
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