Country fried steak. Just the name conjures up images of hearty, comforting meals, doesn’t it? For me, the quest for the ultimate chicken fried steak is a personal journey. Whether I find it in a hidden gem diner in a small Texas town or perfect the recipe in my own kitchen, a crispy, gravy-smothered steak is my definition of pure food bliss.
Finding the perfect country fried steak recipe isn’t always straightforward. Many recipes I’ve encountered miss the mark, either skimping on seasoning in the crucial flour mixture or, shockingly, omitting the gravy altogether! That’s why, in my search for the best homemade version, I naturally turned to the queen of comfort food herself: the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.
Ree Drummond, known and loved as the Pioneer Woman, has built her culinary empire on accessible, delicious comfort food. Her country fried steak recipe is a testament to this philosophy – straightforward, satisfying, and utterly delicious. This recipe brings the classic taste of Oklahoma and Texas right to your table.
To embark on this Southern culinary adventure, gather your essentials: a plate lined with paper towels, kosher salt, black pepper, your trusty cast iron skillet, all-purpose flour, and canola oil. The magic truly happens with a few more key ingredients that Ree expertly incorporates.
While country fried steak is a star on its own, the sides elevate it to a complete Southern feast. I’m a firm believer in serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and a generous helping of black-eyed peas. This combination is Southern comfort food at its finest. However, don’t underestimate the simple perfection of green beans alongside. And let’s talk about the gravy – Ree’s whole milk gravy, infused with seasoned salt, is the crowning glory. Once you taste that creamy, savory gravy ladled over your crispy steak and mashed potatoes, you’ll understand true food happiness.
Close-up shot of white gravy in a bowl, highlighting its creamy texture.
One crucial tip I’ve learned in my country fried steak adventures is to embrace the frying process. Don’t shy away from that golden brown color in the pan! Resist the urge to pull the steak out when it’s just lightly yellow. The deep golden brown hue is what delivers that essential “chicken fried” crunch we all crave. The secret to achieving this perfect color is maintaining medium heat and ensuring your vegetable oil is properly heated before introducing the steak to your skillet. A simple trick to test the oil’s readiness? A tiny sprinkle of flour into the pan. If it immediately bubbles, you’re ready to fry!
My second invaluable tip is to streamline your breading process by creating a steak assembly line. Prepare two shallow dishes – one for your egg and milk mixture, and the other for your seasoned flour. Don’t be timid with the seasoning in your flour mixture! Generously incorporate seasoned salt and paprika. For an extra layer of flavor, I like to add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of garlic powder.
To keep things tidy and efficient, dedicate one hand for the wet egg mixture and the other for the dry flour mixture. This prevents your hands from becoming encrusted in layers of batter, making the process smoother and less messy.
Ready to experience country fried steak perfection?
Get the full Pioneer Woman’s Country Fried Steak Recipe here.
Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort, perfected by the Pioneer Woman!
