Crispy Golden Country-Fried Steak & Savory Gravy Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with golden country-fried steak that promises a mouthwatering Southern classic.

Crispy, tender beef gets the royal treatment with a perfectly seasoned breading that locks in incredible flavor.

The rich, creamy gravy complements each golden-brown bite, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Home cooks love how this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

Every forkful tells a story of traditional Southern cooking passed down through generations.

This hearty meal transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible combination of crunchy coating and succulent meat that defines true Southern comfort cuisine.

What Makes Golden Country-Fried Steak with Homestyle Gravy So Comforting

• Savor Crispy Comfort: This country-fried steak delivers a satisfying crunch with its golden-brown exterior that promises pure comfort food bliss.
• Customize with Ease: The simple seasoning blend allows home cooks to adjust spices to their taste, making it a versatile dish for different flavor preferences.
• Family Feast Winner: Perfect for weekend dinners, this hearty meal brings everyone together with its classic southern-style appeal and rich, creamy gravy that kids and adults will love.
• Master Simple Technique: Straightforward coating and frying method makes this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, helping beginners build confidence in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Country-Fried Steak with Gravy

• Steak: A tender cut of beef perfect for creating a crispy, golden-brown country-fried classic.

• Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful blend that creates a deliciously seasoned and crispy exterior for the steak.

• Eggs, Milk: Serve as a binding agent to help the seasoned flour coating adhere perfectly to the steak.

• Cooking Oil: Provides the perfect medium for frying the steak to a golden, crispy perfection.

• Flour, Milk, Salt, Pepper: Essential components that transform the pan drippings into a rich, creamy gravy to complement the fried steak.

How to Cook Golden Country-Fried Steak and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Coating

Create a delectable flour blend by mixing flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

This flavorful coating will give your steak a crispy, golden exterior.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate dish, creating a smooth liquid that will help the seasoned flour stick perfectly to the steak.

Step 3: Dredge Steak Pieces

Coat each steak piece by first dipping into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash, and finally returning to the flour mixture.

This double-dredging technique ensures an extra crispy and flavorful crust.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the coated steak pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Cook each side for about 4 minutes, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Gravy

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium.

Add frying oil and flour to the same pan, whisking until smooth and creating a rich roux base for the gravy.

Step 6: Develop Smooth Gravy

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Scrape up any delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens to a luxurious consistency.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Enhance the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the creamy gravy generously over the crispy fried steaks, creating a mouthwatering dish that combines crunchy meat with silky smooth sauce.

Tips for Perfect Country-Fried Steak

• Double-dredge steaks for an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and adds amazing texture.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning while achieving a perfect golden exterior.
• Whisk flour and oil slowly to avoid lumps, creating a silky-smooth gravy that complements the crispy steak perfectly.
• Use tenderized round steak or sirloin for a healthier version that remains juicy and flavorful when properly coated and fried.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornmeal to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Variations on Classic Country-Fried Steak

• Gluten-Free Crispy Steak: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free milk alternative and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Steak: Swap flour coating with crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese. Use heavy cream instead of milk for gravy to reduce carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute steak with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or plant-based steak made from seitan. Maintain original breading and gravy techniques for similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in both egg wash and gravy. Use olive oil instead of butter for frying and sauce preparation.

Serving Ideas for Country-Fried Steak Dinner

• Country Comfort Plate: Pair the golden-fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet corn kernels for a classic Southern-style dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Rustic Diner Experience: Serve alongside crispy buttermilk biscuits and a tangy coleslaw to create a hearty meal that captures down-home cooking vibes.
• Veggie Companion: Add roasted green beans with garlic or sautéed spinach to balance the rich, crispy steak and provide a fresh, nutritious side dish.
• Brunch Twist: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch by topping the steak with a sunny-side-up egg and serving with hash browns for a decadent morning meal.

How to Store Country-Fried Steak and Gravy

• Store country-fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the steak and gravy into different containers to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze gravy separately in a sealed container.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steaks on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Reheat gravy separately in a saucepan.

FAQs

• Why do I need to double-coat the steak in flour?

Double-coating creates a thicker, crispier crust that helps seal in the meat’s juices and provides extra crunch when you bite into the steak.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef steak?

Chicken or pork cutlets work great with this recipe, just ensure they’re pounded thin and follow the same breading technique.

• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles immediately and turns golden within 30 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• What makes the gravy so creamy and smooth?

Whisking the flour and oil together first creates a roux, which helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky, rich gravy texture.

Golden Country-Fried Steak with Homestyle Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty golden country-fried steak delivers Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with crispy, seasoned perfection. Creamy homestyle gravy drizzled over tender beef creates a classic meal that connects generations of home cooks with pure, satisfying flavor you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 0.33 pounds/5.3 ounces each)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking and Gravy Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned flour blend by combining flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Create an egg wash by whisking eggs with milk in a separate shallow container.
3. Thoroughly coat each steak by first dredging in the seasoned flour, then dipping into the egg mixture, and finally returning to the flour mixture for a complete, crispy coating.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet to medium-high temperature (around 350°F), ensuring the pan is hot enough for a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Carefully place coated steaks into the hot oil, frying for approximately 4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
6. Transfer fried steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them warm.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and create a roux by whisking frying oil with flour until smooth and slightly golden.
8. Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan.
9. Simmer the gravy, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency and coats the back of a spoon.
10. Season gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste, then generously ladle over the crispy country-fried steaks before serving.

Notes

• Maximize crispiness by ensuring the oil is hot enough before adding steaks, around 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown crust.
• Tenderize tougher cuts of meat by pounding steaks to an even 1/4-inch thickness before breading, which helps achieve uniform cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in both breading and gravy preparation.
• Reduce calories by using a wire rack after frying to let excess oil drip off, or opt for oven-baking the breaded steaks at 425°F for a lighter alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg