Nostalgic Comfort on a Plate: Crafting Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak
Howdy! Today, we're venturing into the heart of comfort food with a classic that resonates with warmth and nostalgia – Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak. Picture a crispy, golden exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It's a journey back to the good old days, where each bite promises a symphony of flavors that's both crunchy and juicy. Let's embark on this delicious trip down memory lane.
A Timeless Classic – The Allure of Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is the epitome of Southern comfort, a timeless classic that has graced family dinner tables for generations. It's a dish that embraces simplicity, relying on a few key ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece that's both comforting and satisfying.
Crunchy Perfection – The Art of Breading
The hallmark of any exceptional Chicken Fried Steak is its crunchy perfection. We're talking about a golden, crispy exterior that crackles with each bite. The secret lies in the art of breading – a carefully crafted dance of flour, eggs, and seasonings that transforms a humble piece of meat into a crunchy sensation.
Juicy Tenderness – Mastering the Meat
While the crunchy exterior sets the stage, the true magic happens when you sink your teeth into the juicy tenderness of the meat. The choice of a well-marbled cut, such as round steak, ensures that each bite is a succulent journey. The marriage of crunch and juice is what makes Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak a comforting indulgence.
Recipe
📖 Recipe
OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
Ingredients
- 2 lb tenderized round steak
- 1 ½ c flour
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 c heavy cream or buttermilk
- ¼ c water
- Neutral oil for frying I use canola
FOR THE GRAVY:
- 8-10 oz breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 3 T butter
- ⅓ c flour
- 2 c chicken broth
- 1 c heavy cream
- 1 T parsley flake
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
MAKE THE GRAVY:
- In a medium pan, reserve 1T of sausage grease.
- Add butter and cook on medium until melted.
- Whisk in flour and let cook 1 minute.
- SLOWLY whisk in chicken broth so there are no lumps.
- Whisk in cream, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Let simmer 3-5 minutes.
- Fold in sausage.
- Keep warm while you cook the CFS.
MAKE THE CFS:
- Season CFS with 1tsp each salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour with 1tsp each salt and pepper.
- In another dish, combine egg, cream or buttermilk, water, baking powder, baking soda and garlic powder.
- Dip each piece of steak into flour, then egg mixture, then back into the flour.
- Drop immediately into hot frying oil.
- Fry 3-5 minutes per side until done.
- Serve topped with gravy!
Nutrition
Homemade Gravy Magic – Liquid Gold for the Soul
No Chicken Fried Steak is complete without a generous pour of homemade gravy – the liquid gold that ties the entire dish together. Picture a rich, velvety concoction, made from pan drippings, flour, and cream, elevating the flavor profile and adding a comforting touch that transforms your meal into a culinary experience.
The Cooking Ritual – A Labor of Love
Crafting Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak is not just a cooking endeavor; it's a labor of love. The ritual of dredging, frying, and creating that perfect gravy becomes a dance in the kitchen, a way to connect with tradition and pay homage to the simple pleasures that a well-cooked meal brings.
Family Gatherings and Comfort – A Culinary Hug
Whether enjoyed at a bustling family gathering or served as a solo comfort meal, Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak is a culinary hug that transcends generations. It brings people together, evoking memories of simpler times and filling the room with the aroma of home-cooked goodness.
Old-Fashioned Chicken Fried Steak isn't just a meal; it's a journey back to the comforting embrace of nostalgia. With its crunchy exterior, juicy tenderness, and the magic of homemade gravy, this classic dish transcends time, bringing the warmth of tradition to your plate. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises not just a delicious meal but a comforting trip down memory lane. Happy cooking!
Give this recipe a try, and tag me on Instagram @thefischerupper.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Comments
No Comments