Saturday, February 26, 2022

Chicken Fried Steak

 I'm one of those people. 

 If I see Chicken Fried Steak on the menu in a restaurant, I'll probably order it.  I've had some stellar steaks and some gosh darn awful ones over the years.   I've had them breaded, dipped in egg and flour, battered and plain.  But my favorite way to make them is with pounded out chuck steak, lightly floured and quick fried. 

Chicken Fried Steak


I've watched a lot of cooking shows over the years, picked up hints and ideas and now this is the way I make my own chicken fried steaks.

First off, the meat, a nice thin cut of chuck steak is I think, perfect.   

Raw Chuck Steak

Place it on a washable cutting board with a sheet of plastic wrap on top. 
Chicken Fried Steak

Then take out any frustrations on it by smacking it with a meat mallet.  Don't get too excited though, you basically just want to tenderize the meat, and thin it out. I like to use the flat side of the mallet.  Whatever works, right?  
Chicken Fried Steak

You then season the meat.  Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and pepper to taste, on each side.  

Let it sit, don't touch it, just let it rest.  After all, you just beat up on it. It needs a moment to recover.  

Chicken Fried Steak
I like to sprinkle a little flour on each side, and then let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer.  At this point you can even stick it into the fridge, for awhile.   Or you can dredge the meat in some flour, shaking off the excess, before letting it rest. 
Chicken Fried Steak
All ready for the pan.  

Add a little oil to a shallow pan, about 1 tablespoon or so.  Heat over medium high heat until the oil shimmers and a little smoke comes up.  You want the pan to be HOT, this gives the Chicken Fried Steak it's lovely crisp exterior.

Fry for just a couple of minutes on each side, just until it's browned up.  Since the meat is so thin, it does not take long.  

Chicken Fried Steak

  I've seen and had this served with a white sauce, but my preference is a brown sauce.  And yes, I used a packet of dry gravy mix, however, I made it in the pan the meat had fried in, so I did get some of the lovely fond mixed in.  I'm not a complete barbarian. 

I ate my lovely steak with some mushrooms and broccoli.  

Chicken Fried Steak






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