Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food, especially in Texas and Oklahoma. If you’re on a quest for the perfect homemade version, look no further than the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her approachable and delicious recipes, Ree’s take on chicken fried steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Many recipes miss the mark by lacking seasoning or skimping on the gravy, but the Pioneer Woman’s recipe tackles both head-on, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying dish.
The Secret to Delicious Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak: Flavor-Packed Breading and Creamy Gravy
Ree Drummond understands that the magic of chicken fried steak lies in two key components: the crispy, seasoned breading and the rich, creamy gravy. Her recipe doesn’t disappoint, offering a straightforward method to achieve that classic Southern taste right in your kitchen. To embark on this culinary adventure, gather your ingredients, including cube steaks, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and essential seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, and your trusty cast iron skillet. Canola oil is perfect for frying to golden perfection.
To truly elevate this dish, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of black-eyed peas for a traditional Southern meal. Green beans also make a wonderful, lighter accompaniment. And let’s not forget the gravy – Ree’s recipe includes a simple yet flavorful white gravy made with whole milk and seasoned salt, the perfect finishing touch to drizzle over your steak and mashed potatoes.
Close-up of white gravy in a bowl, essential for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Don’t shy away from frying! Achieving that signature crispy “chicken fried” texture is all about technique. The key is to fry the tenderized round steak or cube steak until it reaches a deep golden brown color. Resist the urge to remove it too early when it’s just lightly yellow; that golden-brown hue is where the flavor and crunch reside. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s properly warmed before adding the meat. A simple trick to check if the oil is ready is to sprinkle a pinch of flour into the pan – if it bubbles immediately, you’re good to start frying.
Streamline your cooking process by creating a breading station. Set up two shallow bowls: one for the egg and milk mixture, and the other for your flour mixture. Don’t be timid with the seasonings in your flour! Kosher salt and paprika are crucial, but feel free to enhance the flavor profile with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of garlic powder for an extra kick, just like Ree might do. Employ the “wet hand, dry hand” method – use one hand for dipping the steak in the wet mixture and the other for coating it in the dry flour mixture. This prevents your hands from becoming overly coated in batter and makes the breading process much smoother.
Overhead view of collard greens, a Southern side dish option for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
Ready to try it yourself? You can find the complete Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe here. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!
Bowl of brown gravy, another gravy variation to consider with Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
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