Craving the best chicken fried steak that rivals any small Texas town diner? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her comforting and approachable recipes, Ree’s take on chicken fried steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty family meal right in your own kitchen. Forget bland recipes and missing gravy – this Pioneer Woman Fried Steak recipe brings all the flavor and Southern charm you need.
For this iconic taste of Oklahoma and Texas, gather your essentials: a plate lined with paper towels, kosher salt, black pepper, your trusty cast iron skillet, all-purpose flour, and canola oil. With just a few more simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a comforting classic.
Serving suggestions? Mashed potatoes and creamy white gravy are a must with chicken fried steak. Consider adding black-eyed peas or green beans for a complete Southern feast. Ree Drummond’s white gravy, in particular, elevates this dish to another level. The seasoned gravy poured over crispy steak and fluffy mashed potatoes is truly irresistible.
Pioneer Woman's white gravy recipe, perfect for chicken fried steak
Now, let’s talk about achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust. Don’t shy away from frying! The key is to use medium heat and ensure your vegetable oil is properly heated before adding the tenderized round steak or cube steak. A simple trick to check if the oil is ready is to sprinkle a bit of flour into the pan – if it bubbles, you’re good to go. Resist the urge to pull the steak out too early; wait for that deep golden brown color to develop for maximum chicken fried crunch.
For efficient breading, set up an assembly line. Use two shallow dishes – one for your egg and milk mixture, and another for your seasoned flour. Don’t be timid with the seasonings in your flour! Generously use seasoned salt and paprika. For an extra kick, Ree Drummond suggests adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of garlic powder to the flour mixture.
Use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry ingredients to prevent sticky, batter-coated fingers. This simple technique will make the breading process smoother and less messy.
Want to explore more Southern culinary delights? Discover 16 Southern recipes that truly represent the best of Southern cuisine, expanding your comfort food repertoire beyond just chicken fried steak.
Southern collard greens recipe, a classic side dish for Southern meals
And for those who love gravy as much as we do, explore easy gravy recipes to complement your chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. From white gravy to brown gravy, mastering gravy making is essential for Southern comfort food.
Easy brown gravy recipe, a versatile sauce for many dishes
Finally, understanding the basics of roux is fundamental to creating smooth and flavorful gravies and sauces. Learning how to make a roux will significantly enhance your cooking skills, especially when making the perfect gravy for your Pioneer Woman fried steak.
How to make a roux, a foundational technique for sauce making
With these tips and the Pioneer Woman’s easy chicken fried steak recipe, you’re well-equipped to create a truly delicious and comforting meal. Get ready to enjoy a taste of classic Southern comfort food that will impress your family and friends!
