Entree: United States – Appalachia – Country Fried Steak (Breaded and pan-fried tenderized beef steak served with creamy peppered milk gravy)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
12 min
Total
35 min
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, plus 3 tbsp (24 g) for gravy
- 2 tsp (10 g) kosher salt, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp (3 g) freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, approx. 100 g total, beaten
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil for frying, plus more as needed
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk for gravy
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1 tsp (5 g) salt and 1 tsp (2 g) black pepper.
2. Set up a dredging station: bowl 1 — 1 1/2 cups (180 g) flour mixed with 1 tsp (5 g) salt, 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper, and garlic powder; bowl 2 — beaten eggs with 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk.
3. Dip each steak first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, then back into the flour to form a good coating. Press flour onto the steaks to adhere.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil. When shimmering, add steaks (work in batches so they don't crowd) and fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined rack and keep warm.
5. Pour off all but about 2 tbsp (30 ml) of fat from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter and melt. Whisk in 3 tbsp (24 g) flour and cook, whisking, 1–2 minutes to form a roux without browning.
6. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, smoothing lumps, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season gravy with remaining black pepper and salt to taste.
7. Return steaks to the skillet or plate and spoon gravy over them. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately over mashed potatoes or biscuits.
