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Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy White Pepper Gravy

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A Southern classic made crispy and juicy chicken fried steak smothered in creamy white pepper gravy, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cube steaks (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about ½ inch deep in skillet)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, gently warmed
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
  2. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Beat the eggs in another bowl.
  5. Dip each steak first in buttermilk, then in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  6. Press the steak into the seasoned flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
  7. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and flour coating once more.
  8. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about ½ inch and heat to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Fry steaks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  10. Transfer fried steaks to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp.
  11. Remove most oil from skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons and browned bits.
  12. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.
  13. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  14. Gradually whisk in warm milk and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  15. Stir in cracked white pepper, salt to taste, and optional cayenne pepper.
  16. Remove gravy from heat once smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  17. Serve gravy generously over the crispy chicken fried steaks immediately.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best crust. Use a wire rack to drain fried steaks to avoid sogginess. Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps. Freshly cracked white pepper is key for authentic flavor. Can substitute gluten-free flour and almond milk for dietary needs. Baking alternative: bake breaded steaks at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, crispy steak, white pepper gravy, Southern comfort food, easy dinner, fried steak recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-chicken-fried-steak-recipe-with-creamy-white-pepper-gravy-easy-guide/