How to Make the Best Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak

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Written By Mariano Clement Gupana

Discover > Texas Recipes > How to Make the Best Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak

If there's one dish that defines Texas cuisine, it's the chicken (how long does chicken last?) fried steak. This deliciously class recipe will please anyone who gets to taste it!

An iconic Lone Star State dish, chicken fried steak is made from cube steak that’s been coated in flour (how long does flour last?) and pan-fried until crispy. Traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes and peppery gravy, chicken fried steak is a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love.

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Origins of the Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak

You probably know that Texas is famous for its cowboys, cattle industry, and country music. But did you know that the Lone Star State is also home to some of the best chicken fried steak in the country? Here's a brief history of this iconic dish. 

In Texas, chicken-fried steak is a dish loved by many. The origins of this meaty delicacy are uncertain, but there are many theories as to how it came to be. 

One story claims that the chicken fried steak originated in the state of Texas, specifically near Dallas. It’s reported to have been first served here during World War II, when strict food restrictions were in place. Once certain restrictions on cattle meat were lifted, people rushed out to get their favorite dishes as soon as they could be cooked up again! This included some form of beef or veal alongside homestyle veggies, usually fried, but often grilled.

On the other hand, others say that the dish was invented by German immigrants who wanted a way to use up leftover meat. No matter how it originated, chicken-fried steak is now a staple of Texas cuisine. 

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Want to know more about this dish? Check out TexasRealFood’s article on why Texans love chicken fried steak.

Choosing Meat for Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak

When making a Texas-style chicken fried steak, you'll want to choose a piece of high-quality meat. The best choice is a chuck steak or round steak. You'll want to avoid any steaks that are too tough or fatty.

Fried Chicken with Gravy

When choosing your steak, look for one that is about one-inch thick. This will ensure that your steak is tender and juicy. Of course, you can always ask your butcher to cut a steak to your desired thickness. 

We recommend Meat Masters in Katy for restaurant-quality meat at an affordable price!

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Good Breading is Key to a Great Steak!

Once you have your meat, it's time to start breading it. 

You’ll need some all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper for the bread coating. You can also add some seasoning to the flour if you like – think paprika, garlic powder, (how long does garlic powder last?) and various herbs. Then simply mix together the ingredients in a shallow dish, and it's time to bread the steak!

If you can’t find these ingredients in your local markets, you can order all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder online!

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First, dip the steak into the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then set the steak on a plate or wire rack and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help the flour adhere to the meat.

Now, the fun part – cooking!

Now it's time to cook your steak! You can fry it in a pan or bake it in the oven. If you're frying it, you'll want to use a high-quality oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil. Heat the oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the steaks and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. 

If you're baking the steak, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the steaks on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. 

Once your steak is cooked, it's time to assemble your dish. Serve the steak with mashed potatoes and gravy for a truly authentic Texas meal. You can also add some vegetables on the side, such as green beans or corn. Enjoy!

I highly recommend purchasing a wire rack, vegetable or peanut oil, skillet, and baking sheet online for a convenient shopping experience!

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Chicken Fried Steak Recipe:

Milk gravy:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Place the pan that you cooked the steak in (with two tablespoons of pan dripping) over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the oil and mix with a wooden spoon or whisk until smooth.

  • Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk, cream, or evaporated milk.

  • Continue stirring, scraping any loose browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan, until the gravy begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes or until the gravy has thickened to the desired consistency and the flour has lost its raw, pasty taste.

  • Remove the gravy from the pan and serve hot with the prepared chicken fried steaks.

In the Space City and have a hankering for a chicken fried steak? You’re in luck! TexasRealFood rounded up six of the best places to get chi​​cken fried steak in Houston.

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Why Texans Love Chicken Fried Steak

 
Yield: 4
Author: Mariano Clement Gupana
Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min
Chicken fried steak is a true Texas delicacy – and we’re here to show you how to make it!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose)
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk baking mix (such as Bisquick)
  • 2 lbs bottom round steak or top round steak (cut into four individual portions), tenderized well
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat an oven to 150°F.
  2. Into a shallow dish, sift together the flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. In another shallow dish, combine the egg and water.
  4. Add the baking mix to a third shallow dish. Coat the steaks in the flour mixture, dip them in the egg mixture, and then coat them with the baking mix.
  5. Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat the oil until a drop of water sizzles in it. Add the coated steaks in batches, and fry each of them for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Add additional vegetable oil if needed.
  6. Remove the steaks from the pan and keep them warm in a preheated oven.
  7. Pour away all but two tablespoons of the steak dripping. Put the frying pan back over the heat and get ready to make the milk gravy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

624

Fat

31

Sat. Fat

7

Carbs

26

Fiber

1

Net carbs

25

Sugar

3

Protein

57

Sodium

741

Cholesterol

185
Mariano Clement Gupana
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