The smell of Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is so comforting. It brings back memories of a rainy Sunday morning. I was making Southern comfort food in my kitchen.
As the storm hit the roof, I mixed buttermilk and spices with my cube steaks. It felt like a warm hug. The sizzle in the pan brought back happy family times.
This dish is a favorite in my comfort food collection. It’s perfect for any meal, big or small. It’s all about the taste of country cooking.
What is Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak?
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a tasty dish from Southern cooking. It uses tender cube steak, marinated in buttermilk for hours. This makes the steak juicy and tender.
The steak is then breaded and deep-fried. This gives it a crispy outside, like fried chicken. Serving it with creamy white gravy makes it even better.
This dish is different from country-fried steak, which has brown gravy. Buttermilk chicken fried steak has a special way of being made. Each bite is full of flavor, with savory meat and creamy gravy.
To cook it right, the oil is heated to 350°F. Each piece is fried until golden, in about 3-4 minutes on each side. This recipe makes a big meal for families, with about 880 calories per serving.
The dish is not just tasty but also good for you. A serving has 42 grams of protein. This makes it very satisfying.
Making buttermilk chicken fried steak is fun. It lets cooks add their own special touches while following Southern cooking traditions.
Ingredients for Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak
For the perfect buttermilk chicken fried steak, homemade cooking is key. The right ingredients are vital for flavor and texture. Here’s what I gather:
- 4 cube steaks (approximately ⅓ lb each)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (divided)
- 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
These ingredients make the steak crispy and the gravy perfect. Buttermilk tenderizes the steaks. This makes the meal moist and flavorful, loved by all.
Preparation Steps for Homemade Fried Steak
Preparing homemade fried steak is easy and fun. I start with four cube steaks, about 1 ⅓ pounds. I pound them to ¼-inch thick with a meat mallet. Then, I season each steak with salt and pepper for great taste.
Next, I make two mixtures for the crunchy coating. In one bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices. The spices include chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another bowl, I beat 2 eggs with ¾ cup of buttermilk and ½ cup of milk.
Dredging the steaks is key for the perfect crunch. I coat each steak in flour, then in the buttermilk mixture, and back to flour. This makes them extra crunchy. Now, it’s time to fry.
I heat oil in a skillet to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. I add enough oil for a ¼-inch layer. When hot, I fry the steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium doneness.
Cooking Techniques for Crispy Fried Steak
To get a crispy fried steak, pick the right cooking methods. Start with thinly pounded sirloin tip steaks, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This makes them tender and cooks evenly.
Cornstarch is key for a delicate crust. It makes the steak crispy. The seasoned flour, buttermilk, and baking powder mix adds lightness, perfect for country-style cooking.
Use a deep fryer or a heavy cast iron skillet for frying. Heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the coated steaks for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Keep the oil hot for a crispy steak.
Let the coated steaks rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. This makes them crispier. After frying, drain the oil and keep the steaks warm in a 200°F oven. This helps with the creamy gravy.
| Cooking Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Choosing the Right Steak | Use thinly pounded sirloin tip steaks for great flavor and tenderness. |
| Coating | Blend of cornstarch, seasoned flour, and buttermilk creates a crispy crust. |
| Frying Method | Deep frying is preferred for even cooking and a superior crispy texture. |
| Resting Period | Resting the coated steaks enhances crispiness when frying. |
| Oil Temperature | Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for best results. |
How to Make the Creamy Gravy
The creamy gravy makes Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak even better. First, I remove most of the oil from the skillet. I keep just enough to catch the tasty bits.
Then, I add a few tablespoons of the leftover grease. I whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour until it’s golden brown. This makes the gravy rich and tasty.
Next, I slowly add 1 cup of chicken broth and 1½ cups of whole milk. I whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
After that, I season the gravy with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. I adjust the seasonings to my liking. In 6 to 7 minutes, the gravy is ready to pour over the steaks.
Serving Suggestions for Southern Comfort Food
Enjoying Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is all about balance and flavor. I pair it with traditional sides that make the meal special. Creamy mashed potatoes are a favorite, matching the steak’s rich taste.
Adding gravy to the potatoes makes it even better. It’s like getting a warm hug in your plate.
Collard greens add a nice contrast with their slight bitterness. Southern-style biscuits are also a must for soaking up gravy. These sides turn my dinner table into a southern comfort food celebration.
For a twist, I add seasonal veggies or fresh cornbread to the mix. Remember, a dish is more than its main part. It’s how it works with the whole meal. These ideas make every meal memorable.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Savory Fried Steak
After enjoying a delightful meal of Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak, I often find myself with leftover savory fried steak. It’s important to have effective storage tips to keep it fresh and tasty for the next meal. I recommend placing the leftover steak in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. This method helps to maintain its quality for about 3 to 4 days, ensuring that I can savor those mouth-watering flavors.
When it comes to reheating your leftover savory fried steak, oven use stands out as the best option. Preheating the oven to 350°F and placing the steak on a baking sheet allows it to regain that crispy texture I love. This method typically takes around 10-15 minutes. The USDA emphasizes that reheated meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Many people might not realize this recommended temperature, so using a food thermometer can be a lifesaver.
For the gravy, gentle reheating in a saucepan or microwave works well. I recommend keeping an eye on it to prevent lumps from forming. Proper reheating tips for leftovers can make a huge difference in taste and safety. Studies show that a surprising 60% of people don’t reheat their leftovers correctly, leading to foodborne illnesses. That’s something I want to avoid!
For longer-term storage, freezing leftover savory fried steak is also an option. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to four months. By following these storage and reheating suggestions, I can enjoy every last bite of this classic Southern dish without compromising on quality.
Variations on the Classic Southern Dish
There are many tasty ways to enjoy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak. I like to try different meats like round steak or pork chops. This gives the dish a new twist.
Changing the spices can make it even better. Adding cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. Mixing cheese into the gravy makes it creamy and rich.
Chicken-fried steak can be a sandwich too. It’s fun to make “finger steaks” for parties. In the Midwest, it’s a big breakfast dish with toast and hash browns.
| Variation | Cut of Meat | Flavor Enhancements | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chicken Fried Steak | Cube Steak | Classic Seasonings | With Cream Gravy |
| Country Fried Steak | Chuck Steak | Beef Gravy | Classic Plate |
| Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich | Round Steak | Spicy Mayo | On a Bun |
| Steak Fingers | Pork Chops | Cayenne and Cheese Gravy | Finger Food |
Why Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a Family Favorite
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is loved by many families. Its crispy coating and creamy gravy bring warmth and nostalgia. It makes any dinner special, creating memories for all.
This dish is perfect for any meal, from brunch to dinner. It’s easy to make and always a hit. Each bite is satisfying, filling everyone’s bellies and starting great conversations.
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is more than just food. It’s about love and tradition. It brings families together, reminding us of home and comfort.
