Name: Country Fried Steak with White Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2-inch thick); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; Vegetable oil, for frying; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy); 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Description

This Country Fried Steak with White Gravy is a Southern comfort classic — tender cube steak coated in seasoned flour, fried to crispy perfection, and smothered in creamy, peppery white gravy. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for a comforting dinner or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2-inch thick)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

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Instructions

Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well. Set aside on a plate for 5–10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (around 350°F / 175°C), fry the steaks in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Pour off excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Add butter and melt over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
Season the gravy with salt and plenty of black pepper.
Serve the country fried steaks hot, topped generously with the white gravy.

Notes

For extra-tender steak, pound the cube steaks slightly before breading.
You can substitute heavy cream for part of the milk for an even richer gravy.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete meal.
To keep steaks warm while frying batches, place them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Southern American