Country fried steak is a beloved Southern comfort dish. It features tenderized beef cutlets, beaded and fried to golden-brown perfection. Serve this classic with your favorite sides, such as Perfect Mashed Potatoes and Country Gravy, sweet Corn off the Cob, or savory Green Beans for an authentic Southern meal experience.
Country Fried Steak Recipe
Country Fried Steak
Equipment
- cutting board
- kitchen knife
- meat tenderizer
- 2 shallow dishes
- medium skillet
- baking sheet
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound round or cube steak – cut into quarters
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce – such as Tabasco Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 3 cups shortening – or substitute vegetable or corn oil
Instructions
- Using a meat tenderizer mallet, pound the meat to about ¼ inch thickness and pat dry. Cut the meat into 4 portions. Place flour in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together the baking powder, baking soda, and black pepper. Whisk in the buttermilk, egg, hot sauce and minced garlic. Dredge each steak portion in flour, then in the batter, and again in the flour. It's good if the flour is lumpy as long as it is dry.
- Heat the shortening or cooking oil in a medium skillet to 325℉. Fry the breaded meat in batches, until evenly golden brown. About 3-5 minutes per side.
- Place fried steaks on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, country gravy, and corn.
PRIVATE NOTES
Nutrition
More Information
Thickness of meat
For the perfect country fried steak, pork chops, or chicken, opt for thin cuts of meat. If your cuts aren’t already thin, gently pound them to an even thickness. The ideal meat thickness for achieving the best harmony between a crispy, golden crust and succulent, flavorful meat is about ¼ inch.
Multi-use Batter
This simple yet versatile batter is perfect for coating and frying a variety of Southern comfort delights. The batter fries up light and golden brown. Ideal for beef cutlets, pork chops, or chicken. It tastes great with cream gravy, onion gravy, or mushroom gravy.
Shortening vs Cooking Oil
Although you can use vegetable or canola oil as substitutes, shortening is the key to unlocking the best flavor and texture for your Country Fried Steak. Shortening yields a crispier, more golden crust, which is essential for that signature delicious crunch.
Related Recipes
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Country Gravy
Mushroom Gravy
Corn off the Cob
Green Beans
French Baguettes
Pan Fried Pork Chops
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