Ina Garten’s classic Chicken Fried Steak this hearty dish, with its perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, is a true crowd-pleaser. Expect a symphony of flavors with every bite – the tender beef the savory gravy, and the comforting crunch of the breading. This recipe yields 4 generous servings and takes about an hour to prepare
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Chicken Fried Steak Recipe:
- Crispy Perfection: The breading creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the steak incredibly juicy inside.
- Flavorful Gravy: The rich and savory gravy is the perfect complement to the crispy steak.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
❓ What Is Ina Garten Chicken Fried Steak Recipe?
Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish where thin-cut beef steaks are pounded to tenderize, then dredged in flour, dipped in buttermilk and finally coated in seasoned flour. The steaks are then pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy gravy.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1 ½ lbs)
- 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Fresh Black Pepper
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- Salt and Pepper to taste
🍲 Instructions:
- Gently pound the steaks to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour, then dip them in buttermilk. Finally, coat them again in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Chicken Fried Steak immediately with the gravy, mashed potatoes, and your favorite sides.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Pounding the Steaks: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the steaks to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
- Frying: Fry the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
- Gravy: Whisk constantly while making the gravy to prevent lumps.
🍝 What To Serve With Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak pairs well with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans and cornbread. For a balanced meal, consider adding coleslaw or collard greens. A side of fried okra or macaroni and cheese also complements the dish beautifully.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Fried Steak?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Fried Steak?
- In The Stovetop: Gently reheat leftover chicken fried steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter or oil for up 4-6 minutes.
- In The Oven: Reheat leftover chicken fried steak in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Why is it called Chicken Fried Steak?
The name “Chicken Fried Steak” derives from its preparation method, which resembles that of fried chicken. The steak is coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy, mimicking the technique used for frying chicken.
What cut of meat is used for Chicken Fried Steak?
The dish typically uses tenderized cube steak, which is a cut of beef, often from the round or chuck, that’s been mechanically tenderized. This process makes the meat more tender and suitable for frying.
What is the origin of Chicken Fried Steak?
The origins of Chicken Fried Steak are believed to trace back to German and Austrian immigrants in Texas during the 19th century. They adapted their traditional Wiener schnitzel by using the more abundant beef found in the region, leading to the creation of this unique dish.
What is the difference between Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak?
While both dishes involve breaded and fried beef, Chicken Fried Steak is typically served with a white, creamy gravy, whereas Country Fried Steak is often accompanied by a brown, onion-based gravy. Additionally, Chicken Fried Steak tends to have a crispier coating.
Can Chicken Fried Steak be baked instead of fried?
While traditional preparation involves frying, you can bake Chicken Fried Steak for a healthier alternative. However, baking may result in a less crispy crust compared to frying.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off the steak?
To keep the breading intact, ensure the steak is patted dry before breading. After coating, let the breaded steak rest for about 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better during cooking.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 956kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 51g
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
- Sodium: 472mg
- Potassium: 1017mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 1025IU
- Calcium: 346mg
- Iron:1 5.8mg
Ina Garten Chicken Fried Steak
Description
Ina Garten’s classic Chicken Fried Steak this hearty dish, with its perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, is a true crowd-pleaser. Expect a symphony of flavors with every bite – the tender beef the savory gravy, and the comforting crunch of the breading. This recipe yields 4 generous servings and takes about an hour to prepare
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently pound the steaks to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Dredge the steaks in the seasoned flour, then dip them in buttermilk. Finally, coat them again in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Chicken Fried Steak immediately with the gravy, mashed potatoes, and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pounding the Steaks: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the steaks to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
Frying: Fry the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even browning.
Gravy: Whisk constantly while making the gravy to prevent lumps.