Craving a mouthwatering Southern classic that'll make your taste buds dance without the guilt? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food hack with our Mock Country Fried Steak with Gravy! This recipe transforms humble cube steaks into a crispy, golden masterpiece that looks and tastes like a traditional Southern diner favorite, but with a twist that'll have everyone asking for your secret. Whether you're looking to impress your family or satisfy a serious comfort food craving, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe that proves deliciousness knows no boundaries!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the cube steaks by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, creating a seasoned coating mixture.
- Pour 1 cup of milk into a separate shallow bowl for dredging the steaks.
- Dip each cube steak first into the milk, ensuring it's fully coated, then immediately transfer to the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres completely to both sides of the meat.
- Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour into the butter, whisking constantly to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve the steaks hot, generously covered with the freshly made gravy, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or green beans.
Tips
- • Pat the cube steaks completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the most even and crispy coating • Keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F for perfect golden-brown results • Don't overcrowd the pan - cook steaks in batches if necessary to maintain crisp texture • Use a meat thermometer to ensure steaks reach safe internal temperature of 160°F • Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency • Let steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juiciness • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your flour mixture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 125mg
