Classic Country Fried Steak Recipe

For the country fried steak

• 4 tenderized cube steaks or round steaks (about ⅓ pound each)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• Neutral oil (such as canola oil or vegetable oil), for frying

For the brown country gravy

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth or beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. 2

   Working one at a time, pound steaks to a ¼-inch thickness. Sprinkle lightly all over with kosher salt.

3. 3

   In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using, for the steak dredge.

4. 4

   In a second shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg until smooth.

5. 5

   In a large skillet, heat a ¼-inch layer of neutral oil over medium-high heat.

6. 6

   While the oil is heating, working one at a time, lightly coat the steak all over in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

7. 7

   Dip the steak into the egg mixture to coat all over, shaking off any excess. Then, dip steak into the dry ingredients a second time, coating all over. Repeat with the remaining steaks.

8. 8

   Once the oil is shimmering, working in batches as needed, fry steaks until edges are golden brown and steaks are cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.

9. 9

   Transfer the steaks to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you make the gravy.

10. 10

    In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

11. 11

    Add the flour and cook, constantly whisking, until evenly mixed and light brown, about 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Gradually pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while whisking constantly. Cook, continually whisking until gravy thickens to desired consistency, 2–4 minutes.

13. 13

    Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. 14

    Serve country fried steak with gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.

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