Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of comfort food with a refined twist. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the creation of a classic Country Fried Steak with a Creamy White Gravy that will tantalize your senses and leave you feeling comforted and indulged.
Why You’ll Love This Country Fried Steak with Creamy White Gravy
This dish is a true testament to the power of elegant simplicity. The tender, juicy steak is coated in a delicate, crispy breading, creating a beautiful contrast of textures. The creamy, velvety gravy, infused with warm spices, adds a decadent layer of flavor that will have you savoring every bite. This recipe is a masterful blend of comforting nostalgia and sophisticated indulgence, making it a true delight for the senses.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a truly memorable dish. You’ll need thinly pounded steak, all-purpose flour, milk, heavy cream, butter, and a blend of herbs and spices that will elevate the flavors.
- 1 lb – Thinly pounded steak
- 1 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Milk
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Milk and heavy cream: Use a combination of half-and-half — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Country Fried Steak with Creamy White Gravy
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a truly mouthwatering Country Fried Steak with a Creamy White Gravy. From the delicate breading to the silky smooth gravy, every step is designed to bring out the best in this comfort food classic.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by tenderizing the steak, ensuring it’s evenly thin and pounded. In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Set up a dredging station with the seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip the steak pieces in the flour, followed by the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumbs, creating a delicate, crispy coating.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded steak pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the fried steak to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the remaining flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Allow the gravy to simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
To serve, place the crispy fried steak on a plate and smother it generously with the creamy, savory white gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a touch of freshness. Enjoy this comforting and indulgent dish with a side of your favorite mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Elevated Sides: Serve the Country Fried Steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, allowing the gravy to beautifully complement the dish.
- Mushroom Gravy: For a lighter touch, you can experiment with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and onions in the gravy, adding a touch of earthy complexity.
- Whiskey-Maple Glaze: Elevate the flavors by brushing the fried steak with a decadent whiskey-maple glaze before serving.
- Caramelized Textures: For an even more indulgent experience, try finishing the gravy with a drizzle of caramelized onion jam or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: The gravy can be made in advance and reheated just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a celebration of indulgence, with the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving provides a satisfying and nourishing meal that will leave you feeling comforted and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe is traditionally made with thinly pounded beef steak, you can certainly experiment with other types of meat, such as pork or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
How do I make the breading extra crispy?
For an extra crispy breading, try chilling the breaded steak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set and ensures maximum crispiness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I avoid a lumpy gravy?
The key to a smooth, lump-free gravy is to whisk the flour and liquid together thoroughly. Start by making a roux with the butter and flour, then gradually pour in the milk and cream while continuously whisking.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a simple green salad are all excellent accompaniments to the Country Fried Steak and Creamy White Gravy.
Try These Next
- Chicken Fried Steak With White Pepper Gravy
- Southern Fried Chicken With Country Gravy
- Classic Chicken Fried Pork Chops With White Gravy
Country Fried Steak with Creamy White Gravy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Country Fried Steak with a creamy white gravy, a refined comfort dish that brings elegance to your dinner table.
Ingredients
4 beef cube steaks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for gravy
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Season the cube steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. 2. Dip each steak in buttermilk, then dredge in flour, ensuring an even coating.
3. 3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Fry the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. 5. Remove the steaks and let them rest on paper towels.
6. 6. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
7. 7. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens.
8. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9. Serve the fried steaks topped with creamy white gravy.
Notes
For an extra touch, serve with mashed potatoes or a side of collard greens. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg