Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (or round steak, pounded thin)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (for buttermilk mixture)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Steak:
- Pat the cube steaks dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Create a Perfect Batter:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- In another dish, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, and coat it again in the flour. Press the flour onto the steak for a thick, crispy crust.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry each steak for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil while keeping the steaks crispy.
- Make Creamy Country Gravy:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the fried steaks and generously spoon the country gravy over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For Extra Crispy Steak: Double dredge the steak in flour before frying.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy separate to maintain crispiness.
- Reheating: Use an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for the best crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the breading soggy.
- Variations: Try a spicy version with extra cayenne, a gluten-free adaptation using almond flour, or an air fryer method at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg