There’s nothing quite like a plate of crispy, golden country fried steak served with creamy mashed potatoes and rich homemade gravy. This classic Southern comfort dish transforms tender cube steak into a hearty family dinner that’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with old-fashioned flavor.
Unlike chicken-fried steak, traditional country fried steak is usually coated in seasoned flour without an egg batter and served with brown gravy instead of white cream gravy. The dish has deep roots in Southern cooking and remains a comfort food favorite across the United States.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful coating
- Easy ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Homemade pan gravy included
- Ready in under 30 minutes
What Is Country Fried Steak?
Country fried steak is made using tenderized cube steak coated in seasoned flour and pan-fried until crisp and golden brown. Traditionally, it’s served with gravy and classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits. Cube steak is the preferred cut because it cooks quickly and becomes tender after frying.
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Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 pounds cube steak
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
For the Brown Gravy
- 4 tablespoons pan drippings
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Step by Step How to Make Country Fried Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. This helps the flour coating stick properly and creates a crispier crust during frying.
Season both sides generously with seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Coat each steak thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.
Shake off any excess flour before frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Add about ½ inch of oil to a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches about 350°F.
Hot oil is important for achieving a crispy crust without making the steak greasy.
Step 4: Fry the Steak
Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil.
Cook for:
- 3–4 minutes on the first side
- 2–3 minutes on the second side
The coating should become deep golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Homemade Gravy
Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 4 tablespoons along with the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until golden brown.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the country fried steak hot with gravy poured over the top.
Best side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Fried okra
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
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Tips for the Best Country Fried Steak
- Use cube steak for the most tender texture
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying
- Keep cooked steaks warm in a low oven while making gravy
- Let the breaded steak rest for a few minutes before frying for better coating adhesion
- Cast-iron skillets create the crispiest crust
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to help maintain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible since it softens the coating.
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Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
