Description
Hearty Southern classic Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak brings rustic comfort straight from Texas ranch kitchens. Crispy golden breading and rich cream gravy create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hungry souls with pure home-style deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef round steak (top round or sirloin)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats:
- 1 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 3 tablespoons bacon grease (or cooking oil)
Instructions
- Pound beef round steak to approximately 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform tenderization across the surface.
- Liberally coat both sides of meat with robust salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging seasoning into the protein.
- Establish a strategic dredging setup with two separate containers: one filled with pure all-purpose flour and another containing a whisked mixture of fresh eggs and whole milk.
- Methodically coat each steak piece first in flour, creating a delicate powdery layer, then immerse completely in egg mixture, and return to flour for an enhanced crispy exterior.
- Preheat cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil to 350°F, maintaining consistent medium-high temperature for optimal browning.
- Carefully place breaded steaks into hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- For accompanying gravy, utilize residual bacon drippings in a separate pan, gradually incorporating flour and whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Slowly introduce chicken broth while stirring, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes until reaching desired consistency.
- Transfer crispy steaks onto serving plates and generously drench with warm, velvety gravy moments before presenting.
Notes
- Pound the meat carefully to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking and tender texture.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the meat’s richness.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for people with dietary restrictions.
- Allow the coated steaks to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crispier crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg