How do you cook chicken fried steak?

How to Cook Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a classic comfort food, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

* 1-2 boneless, skinless beef round steaks (about 1 inch thick)

* Salt and black pepper

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

* 1/2 cup milk

* 1 egg

* 1 cup all-purpose flour

* Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment:

* Large skillet or cast iron pan

* Meat mallet

* Two bowls

* Whisk

Instructions:

1. Pound the steaks: Place each steak between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This helps ensure even cooking and tenderness.

2. Season the steaks: Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the breading: In one bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, milk, and egg. In another bowl, add the remaining 1 cup of flour.

4. Dip and coat the steaks: Dip each steak in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Then, dredge in the flour, pressing to ensure a good coating.

5. Fry the steaks: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the steaks to the skillet, working in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Rest the steaks: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic: Serve your chicken fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

* Southern Style: Pair it with grits, collard greens, and a side of fried okra.

* Modern Twist: Serve it on top of a bed of creamy polenta, with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Tips:

* Tenderizing: If using a tougher cut of meat, consider marinating the steaks in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.

* Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. If the oil is too cold, the steaks will absorb too much grease.

* Crispy coating: To achieve an extra crispy coating, you can double-bread the steaks.

* Gravy: To make a simple gravy, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet after removing the steaks. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!