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Crispy Country Fried Steak with Pepper Gravy

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This easy Southern comfort recipe features tender cube steak double-dipped for an ultra-crispy crust, served with rich, creamy pepper gravy. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights, it’s a nostalgic classic that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 beef cube steaks (about 1 lb, tenderized cuts work best)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
  • Oil for frying (about 1 to 1.5 cups; peanut or canola oil recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons pan drippings (from frying steaks)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (can swap for 2% or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (more to taste)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. If thick, lightly pound with a meat mallet to about 1/2 inch thick.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk until well combined.
  3. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg-milk mixture, then back in the flour for a second coating. Lay on a wire rack or plate.
  4. Pour oil into the skillet to about 1/4 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F).
  5. Add steaks to the hot oil without crowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Use tongs to flip. Transfer cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined rack.
  6. Pour off excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  7. Slowly whisk in the milk, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in cracked black pepper and salt. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened, smooth, and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Plate the crispy country fried steak and spoon pepper gravy generously over the top. Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Double-dipping the steak ensures an extra-crispy crust. Let breaded steaks rest before frying for best results. Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F. For gluten-free, use almond flour and cornstarch. For dairy-free, use oat milk. Keep steaks warm in a low oven if cooking in batches. Gravy thickens as it sits; thin with milk if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: country fried steak, pepper gravy, southern comfort food, crispy steak, easy dinner, skillet recipe, classic southern, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-country-fried-steak-recipe-with-pepper-gravy-easy-southern-comfort/