Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
The Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a classic Southern comfort meal. It features crispy breaded steak served with creamy country gravy.
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Cream Gravy
- 3 tablespoons pan drippings
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Tenderize the Steak
- Place cube steaks on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them. This step makes the steak tender.
Prepare the Flour Mixture
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and milk. Mix until the ingredients become smooth and well combined.
Coat the Steak
- Dip each steak into the flour mixture first. Make sure the entire surface is lightly coated.
Dip into Wet Mixture
- Place the floured steak into the egg mixture. Turn it gently so both sides become fully coated.
Coat Again with Flour
- Return the steak to the flour mixture. Press lightly so the breading sticks well to the meat.
Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until the oil becomes hot but not smoking.
Fry the Steak
- Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Cook for about four minutes on each side.
Drain the Steak
- Remove the fried steaks from the skillet. Place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Gravy Base
- Keep three tablespoons of the pan drippings in the skillet. Discard the remaining oil carefully.
Add Flour for Gravy
- Add flour to the skillet drippings. Whisk continuously for one minute until the mixture becomes lightly golden.
Add Milk Slowly
- Slowly pour milk into the skillet while whisking. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth gravy.
Season the Gravy
- Add salt and black pepper. Continue cooking while stirring until the gravy becomes thick and creamy.
Serve the Dish
- Place fried steak on serving plates. Pour warm gravy over the top before serving.
Enjoy the Meal
- Serve immediately while hot. The crispy crust and creamy gravy taste best fresh from the pan.
Notes
- Use cube steak for the most tender texture.
- Pound the meat gently to avoid tearing it.
- Let breaded steaks rest five minutes before frying.
- Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken broth instead of milk for a lighter gravy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes for a classic meal.
- Add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.