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Country Fried Steak and Gravy

Country Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe

Olivia Brooks
This Country Fried Steak and Gravy features crispy breaded steak, garlic-seasoned flour, and homemade creamy milk gravy. Southern comfort at its best.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet (cast iron works best)
  • Tongs
  • Two shallow bowls (for dredging)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Paper towels
  • Plate or baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Medium saucepan (if making gravy separately)
  • Meat mallet (if steak is not pre-tenderized)

Ingredients
  

For the Steak:

  • 4 cube steaks about 4–6 ounces each
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup buttermilk optional but recommended
  • Vegetable oil for frying about 1 cup

For the Gravy:

  • 3 tablespoons pan drippings or butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

  • If your cube steaks are thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet until about ½ inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set Up Dredging Station

  • In one shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and buttermilk together.

Step 3: Coat the Steaks

  • Dip each steak into the seasoned flour first. Then dip into the egg mixture. Finally, coat again in flour, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This double coating gives that classic thick crust.
  • Place coated steaks on a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the breading adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Steaks

  • Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
  • Carefully place steaks into the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

  • Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons of drippings. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Continue cooking until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

  • Place the crispy steaks on plates and generously spoon the warm gravy over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
Keyword Country Fried Steak and Gravy