If you’re craving that perfect balance of crunch and comfort, you’re going to fall in love with this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe. This classic Southern dish offers a golden, flaky crust enveloping tender cube steaks soaked in tangy buttermilk, all topped with a rich, creamy gravy that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making a special family meal or looking to wow friends at dinner, this recipe brings that down-home goodness straight to your table with ease and fantastic flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role, from tenderizing the steak to building that crave-worthy crispy crust and silky homemade gravy.
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 ounces each): These tenderized cuts soak up the buttermilk marinade perfectly for juicy results.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the beef for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick and enhances the flavor depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for a flavorful, crispy coating with the right dredging consistency.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and vibrant color to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory warmth to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic for a well-rounded seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and piquancy.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle spicy kick for those who like it bold.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the flour stick and build a thick, crispy crust.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral high-heat oil for that perfect golden finish.
- For the gravy: 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, salt and pepper to taste—essential for creating that luscious, creamy sauce everyone loves.
How to Make Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steaks
Begin by placing the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pouring the buttermilk over them, adding hot sauce if you want a little extra zing. This step is crucial as the buttermilk tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle tang that makes every bite so flavorful. Cover and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour or let it marinate overnight for even more tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour and Egg Wash
While your steaks are soaking up the buttermilk goodness, mix together the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Separately, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. These components are essential for building the trademark crispy coating that defines this dish.
Step 3: Coat the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off gently, and start the classic double dredge process—dip each steak first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and then back into the flour, pressing lightly to ensure every inch is coated. This double-dip approach gives you that unbeatable crunch packed with flavor.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about a quarter-inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry each steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve a deep golden brown crust. Place the cooked steaks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring the crust stays crisp and delicious.
Step 5: Make the Classic Gravy
Leave only 2 tablespoons of the frying oil in the skillet and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook this roux for about a minute until it smells nutty and golden, then gradually whisk in the whole milk, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the pan. Let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes, and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour this creamy, dreamy gravy over your steaks right before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A pat of butter melting atop the steak or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley breathes freshness and an inviting finish to your Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe. These simple touches elevate the presentation and balance the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better than classic mashed potatoes and crisp green beans or buttered corn for a meal full of comforting, well-rounded Southern flavors. The creamy potatoes soak up the gravy, while the veggies offer a crisp contrast to the crunchy crust.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your chicken fried steak on a toasted buttermilk biscuit with a generous ladle of gravy for a decadent sandwich twist. Or arrange slices on a platter alongside roasted vegetables and a fresh salad for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust as crispy as possible, avoid covering it tightly with plastic wrap before cooling.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or stored in freezer bags. Freeze cooked steaks separately from the gravy for up to 2 months to maintain freshness and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the steaks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This method helps restore the crispiness without drying out the meat. Warm the gravy gently on the stove until hot, then pour over right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
While cube steaks are traditional for this recipe due to their tenderness and thickness, you can try thinly pounded sirloin or round steak. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary and the texture might differ slightly.
Is the hot sauce necessary in the marinade?
The hot sauce is completely optional but recommended—it adds a subtle spicy tang that enhances the flavor complexity without overpowering the dish.
How can I make sure the coating stays crispy?
Double-dipping the steaks and frying in oil heated to the right temperature helps ensure a sturdy and crispy crust. Also, draining on paper towels and serving promptly keeps the crunch intact.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! The gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much during storage.
What sides go best with this chicken fried steak?
Traditional mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and biscuits are perfect companions, offering balance and that authentic Southern comfort food experience.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe. It’s one of those heartwarming dishes that combines simple ingredients with a bit of technique to create a meal that feels like a big, delicious hug. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone at your table with golden, crispy, tender steak smothered in creamy gravy. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time of at least 1 hour or overnight)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes active cooking time (excludes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern American comfort dish featuring tender cube steaks marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour and egg mixture, and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy homemade country gravy, this hearty main course offers a satisfying crunch and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 ounces each)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- Oil for frying (about 1/4 inch in skillet)
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Steaks: Place the cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Add hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating Mixtures: In another shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the Steaks: Remove steaks from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip each steak first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and then back into the flour. Press the coating evenly to ensure a crisp crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/4 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking, suitable for frying.
- Fry the Steaks: Fry each coated steak for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip. Transfer cooked steaks to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Creamy Gravy: Remove all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute over medium heat to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer and whisk until the gravy thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken fried steaks and generously drizzle with the creamy gravy while hot. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy crust, double dip each steak (flour, egg, flour again).
- This dish pairs perfectly with classic sides such as mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Optional hot sauce and cayenne pepper can be adjusted according to your spice preference.
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked steak coating.
