If you’re craving comfort food with a Southern twist, this country fried steak recipe is about to become your go-to. With its perfectly crispy crust, tender beef, and creamy peppered gravy, country fried steak is a hearty dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or a special family gathering, this classic recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect country fried steak—from choosing the right cut of beef to getting that golden-brown crust just right. Plus, we’ll share tips, tricks, and variations to make this Southern staple suit your taste and kitchen style.
What Is Country Fried Steak?
Country fried steak is a Southern U.S. comfort food dish made by breading and frying a tenderized beef cutlet (usually cube steak), similar to how you would fry chicken. It’s then smothered in creamy white gravy made with pan drippings and plenty of black pepper.
Often confused with chicken-fried steak, country fried steak is slightly different. While both are similar in preparation, country fried steak is typically served with brown or white gravy, and the coating is sometimes less crispy than chicken-fried steak. That said, in many regions, the terms are used interchangeably.
Ingredients for Country Fried Steak
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious country fried steak recipe at home:
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use leftover seasoned flour)
- 2 to 2 ½ cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Country Fried Steak
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
Start with cube steak, which is pre-tenderized and perfect for frying. If you can’t find cube steak, you can tenderize round steak by pounding it with a meat mallet until about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. In another shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Dredge and Bread
Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour. Press the flour onto the steak to create a thick coating that will crisp up beautifully when fried.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium heat. Once the oil reaches around 350°F (or when a drop of flour sizzles), carefully add the steaks.
Fry the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Pour off all but 2–3 tablespoons of oil, leaving the browned bits in the pan. Over medium heat, whisk in about 1/4 cup of the leftover seasoned flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and LOTS of black pepper. The more pepper, the better!
Serving Suggestions
A warm plate of country fried steak just begs to be served with some down-home Southern sides. Here are a few classic pairings:
- Mashed potatoes – The creamy gravy and fluffy spuds are a match made in heaven.
- Green beans – Add a veggie side for balance.
- Buttered corn or corn on the cob
- Biscuits – To soak up every last drop of gravy.
- Mac and cheese – For a super comforting meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Country Fried Steak
- Don’t skip the double dredge. That’s what gives you the ultra-crispy crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check oil temperature. Around 350°F is ideal for frying.
- Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels for ultimate crispiness.
- Let the steak rest before cutting into it. This helps keep the breading intact.
Country Fried Steak Variations
While the classic recipe is hard to beat, here are a few creative variations to try:
Spicy Country Fried Steak
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick. You can also mix chili powder or chipotle into the flour for smoky heat.
Country Fried Chicken
Want the same flavor but with chicken? Swap cube steak for pounded chicken breasts or thighs and follow the same steps.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and cornstarch or gluten-free flour in the gravy. Just make sure to double-check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How to Store and Reheat Country Fried Steak
Leftovers? No problem. Country fried steak stores and reheats surprisingly well.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make the crust soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is used for country fried steak?
Cube steak is the traditional cut, which is a tenderized top round or top sirloin. It’s economical, tender when fried, and holds up well to breading.
Is country fried steak the same as chicken fried steak?
They’re very similar. The main differences are the type of gravy (white vs. brown), coating texture, and regional naming conventions. In general, country fried steak has a softer crust and is often served with a brown or onion-based gravy, though white pepper gravy is also common.
Can I make this in the oven or air fryer?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why country fried steak has stood the test of time—it’s pure comfort in a bite. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in rich, peppery gravy, this recipe delivers all the Southern charm your dinner plate needs.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits, this country fried steak recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to frozen or diner versions again.