How to Make Southern Living Magazine's Chicken-Fried Steak - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of Southern comfort food, then you're probably familiar with the classic dish of chicken-fried steak. This iconic Southern recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that combines tenderized steak with a crispy, golden coating, and a rich and creamy gravy. It's a dish that's beloved for its indulgent flavors and rustic charm, and it's a staple on menus in diners and homes across the South. One version of this beloved recipe comes from Southern Living Magazine, and it's sure to bec...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 4 (4 ounce) cube steaks
  • 38 saltine crackers, crushed
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 4 ¾ cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 ½ cups peanut oil
  • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Information

  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • SPRINKLE salt and pepper evenly over steaks. Set aside.
  • COMBINE cracker crumbs, 1 cup flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper.
  • WHISK together 3/4 cup milk and eggs. Dredge steaks in cracker crumb mixture; dip in milk mixture, and dredge in cracker mixture again.
  • POUR oil into a 12-inch skillet; heat to 360 degrees. (Do not use a nonstick skillet.) Fry steaks 10 minutes. Turn and fry 4 to 5 more minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack on a jellyroll pan. Keep steaks warm in a 225 degree oven. Carefully drain hot oil, reserving cooked bits and 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet.
  • WHISK together remaining 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups milk. Pour mixture into reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, 10 to 12 minutes, or until thickened. Serve gravy with steaks and mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.