Here’s a Fried Steak with Country Gravy recipe — Southern-style comfort food at its finest! Crispy, golden-fried cube steak is smothered in creamy, peppery white gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a hearty, satisfying meal.
🥩 Southern Fried Steak with Country Gravy
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Time: 30–40 minutes
💡 Crunchy, tender steak + creamy, peppery gravy
📝 Ingredients
🔹 For the Fried Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks (tenderized round steak, about 4–6 oz each)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 2 eggs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
🔹 For the Country Gravy:
- 4 tbsp pan drippings (or butter)
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- Salt & lots of black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Steak
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs.
2. Bread the Steaks
- Dredge each steak in the flour mixture.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Dredge again in the flour mixture (double-dip = extra crispy!).
- Place on a tray and let rest for 5–10 minutes while oil heats.
3. Fry the Steaks
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove and place on a paper towel–lined plate or wire rack.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.
4. Make the Country Gravy
- Carefully drain oil from skillet, leaving about 4 tbsp of drippings.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
- Season with salt and lots of black pepper to taste.
- Optional: Add cayenne for heat or more milk to thin.
5. Serve
- Plate steak, smother with gravy, and serve with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Biscuits
- Green beans, corn, or fried okra
🧠 FAQs
❓ What kind of steak should I use?
Use cube steak — a tenderized cut of round steak, commonly sold for chicken-fried steak.
❓ Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes — mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes.
❓ How do I make it less greasy?
Fry in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain well on a rack.
❓ Can I make the gravy without drippings?
Yes! Use 4 tbsp butter and start the roux that way — still tastes great.
❓ Is this the same as chicken fried steak?
Yes — this is essentially chicken-fried steak with classic white country gravy.
Would you like a baked version, spicy twist, or a printable recipe card?