Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this mouthwatering recipe for Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak. Picture fork-tender beef enveloped in a crunchy coating, smothered in a velvety, peppery gravy—this is Southern cuisine at its finest. This dish has a way of bringing loved ones together around the table, ensuring no one leaves unsatisfied. The first bite of steak with that luscious gravy is simply irresistible.

As a food blogger and devoted family cook, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak has become a beloved favorite during Sunday suppers and special occasions. The battle for the last piece is real in my household, prompting me to double the recipe at times. The aroma of buttermilk and the satisfying crunch of each forkful bring back cherished memories of shared meals and joyful gatherings.

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, serve this delectable dish with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and warm biscuits. Don’t hesitate to add a touch of heat with hot sauce or sliced pickles for a spicy kick. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a surefire way to create lasting memories and savor the simple pleasures of good food and great company.

Quick Benefits

• Ensures a crunchy exterior by double-dipping in seasoned flour and buttermilk
• Versatile recipe – cube steak, thinly pounded round steak, or pork cutlets can be used
• Neutral-flavored vegetable or canola oil for even crisping
• Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven for crispiness

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe Recipe

• True Southern Comfort Food: This recipe embodies the essence of Southern comfort food with fork-tender beef, a crunchy coating, and a silky peppery gravy that will warm your soul.
• Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit at family gatherings, this dish is so loved that there are often fights over the last piece. It has become a staple for Sunday suppers and special occasions.
• Generational Tradition: The dish holds sentimental value as it has been passed down through generations, evoking memories of shared family meals and the joy of coming together around the table.
• Versatile and Customizable: The recipe offers various options for personalization, whether it’s using different cuts of meat, modifying the seasoning for more heat, or serving it with a variety of sides to create a full feast.
• Leftover Friendly: Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, maintaining their delicious flavors. Reheating the steak in the oven on a wire rack ensures that the crust regains its crispiness.
• Culinary Heritage: Learn about the historical roots of chicken fried steak, originating from German and Austrian immigrants in Texas and evolving into a beloved Southern classic that brings communities together.
• Crunchy Perfection: The double-dipping method guarantees a crispy exterior on the steak, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Even if you can’t find cube steak or buttermilk, the recipe provides suggestions for suitable alternatives, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Homemade Gravy: The homemade country gravy adds a rich and flavorful finishing touch to the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Cooking Tips: Helpful cooking tips, like using the right oil, ensuring a smooth gravy, and reheating for optimal crispiness, are provided to guide you through creating a perfect meal.

Ingredients for Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe

Steak

• Salt, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper, optional
• 4 beef cube steaks, approximately 1 cm thick
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
• Vegetable oil, for shallow frying
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
• 1.5 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

Gravy

• 2.5 cups (600 ml) whole milk
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 0.25 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

Pro Tips for Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe

For the crispiest result, double-dip the beef cube steaks in the seasoned flour and buttermilk before frying. Press the flour onto the steaks firmly to ensure a crunchy exterior that holds up well with the gravy.

While cube steak is traditional for this recipe, thinly pounded round steak or even pork cutlets can be used as alternatives if needed. The key is to make sure the meat is tenderized sufficiently for a satisfying dining experience.

When making the country gravy, use vegetable or canola oil for frying due to their neutral flavors and high smoke points. Remember to whisk the flour into the oil thoroughly, then slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps in the gravy.

For the best eating experience, serve the crispy buttermilk chicken fried steaks fresh. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispy texture. Prepare the gravy just before serving to enjoy it at its best consistency and flavor.

How to Make Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cube Steaks

Place cube steaks between plastic wrap and gently pound to 0.5 cm thickness for tenderization. Season both sides with salt and pepper evenly.

Step 2: Assemble Coating Station

In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs. In a separate dish, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread Cube Steaks

Coat each steak in seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour mixture, pressing firmly.

Step 4: Fry Steaks

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry steaks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare Country Gravy

Pour off most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 30 ml and the browned bits. Add flour and cook for 1 minute to make a light roux. Gradually whisk in milk, scraping up any fond, and whisk until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Serve

Place the fried steaks on plates and top generously with hot country gravy. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the crispy buttermilk chicken fried steak with country gravy, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat the steak for best results, place it in a hot oven on a wire rack to help the crust get crispy again. The gravy can be gently reheated in a saucepan with a splash of extra milk to loosen it before serving.

If you are unable to find cube steak, you can use a cheaper cut of meat like top round and tenderize it yourself. In the absence of buttermilk, plain yogurt thinned with milk can be used as a substitute. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend but make sure to follow the double breading step for best results. Enjoy this comforting Southern meal with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits, or add a spicy twist with hot sauce in the gravy or sliced pickles on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cube steak, you can use a cheap cut like top round and tenderize it yourself by pounding it thinly. This can help achieve a similar texture to cube steak. For a buttermilk substitute, plain yogurt thinned with milk can work in a pinch. It may not have the exact same tangy flavor, but it will still provide the needed acidity for tenderizing the meat. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure not to skip the double breading step to maintain that crispy coating.

In terms of oil, while vegetable oil is commonly used for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, canola oil can also be a suitable substitute. Both oils work well for achieving a crispy exterior on the steak. When making the gravy, if you don’t have whole milk on hand, you can use a lower-fat milk such as 2% milk, but keep in mind that the consistency and richness of the gravy may vary slightly. Remember to whisk the flour into the oil thoroughly and add the milk slowly while whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth gravy.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving this crispy buttermilk chicken fried steak, try turning them into sliders by placing a piece of steak on a small bun with a dollop of country gravy. This mini version makes for a fun and indulgent appetizer or party snack that will surely be a hit with your guests.

Another serving suggestion is to create a hearty Southern-style brunch by topping a buttermilk biscuit with a slice of crispy fried steak, a spoonful of country gravy, and a sunny-side-up egg. This stacked dish brings together all the comforting flavors of the traditional meal in a convenient handheld form, perfect for a lazy weekend morning with loved ones.

FAQs for Crispy Buttermilk Fried Steak Recipe

Can I use a different type of steak if I can’t find cube steak?

Yes, you can use a cheap cut like top round and tenderize it yourself. Thinly pounded round steak or even pork cutlets can also work well as substitutes.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If buttermilk is not available, you can try using plain yogurt thinned with milk as a substitute in a pinch.

Why is vegetable oil recommended for frying?

Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which helps achieve an even crisping of the steak.

How should I reheat leftovers of the crispy buttermilk chicken fried steak?

For best results, reheat the steak in a hot oven on a wire rack to ensure the crust gets crispy again. The gravy can be gently reheated in a saucepan with a splash of extra milk to loosen it.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak as much as I do. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates unforgettable memories around the dinner table. The combination of tender beef, crunchy coating, and silky gravy is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides or add a personal twist to the recipe. Whether you’re serving this up for a Sunday supper or a special occasion, this dish is bound to be a hit with your family and friends. So grab your skillet and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds of this Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak!