Are you a fan of the classic American dish, chicken fried steak?
Have you ever wondered what cut of beef is used to make this delicious meal?
Look no further, because we’ve got all the juicy details for you.
From the history of chicken fried steak to the best cuts of beef to use, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about this Southern favorite.
What Cut Of Beef Is Used For Chicken Fried Steak?
The most common cut of beef used for chicken fried steak is cube steak. This cut is typically made from top round or top sirloin steak that has been pounded flat and tenderized with a meat tenderizer. The indentations left by the tenderizer give the steak its signature “cubed” appearance, hence the name.
While cube steak is the most popular choice, any lean cut of beef can be used for chicken fried steak. Top round, eye round, and sirloin tip are all great options. Some people even opt for more luxurious cuts like tenderloin or strip steak.
It’s important to note that if you’re using a cut of beef that hasn’t been pre-tenderized, you’ll need to pound it thin with a meat mallet before breading and frying.
The History Of Chicken Fried Steak
The history of chicken fried steak is a bit of a mystery, with no clear record of its origin. However, there are a few theories as to how this beloved dish came to be. One theory suggests that chicken fried steak is a descendant of Wiener schnitzel, a similar dish traditionally made with veal rather than beef that was brought to America by German immigrants who would eventually take it to Texas. Another theory claims that Jimmy Don Perkins, a short-order cook in a cafe in Lamesa, Texas, invented the dish by accident in 1911. According to the legend, Jimmy Don mistook two separate orders, one for chicken and one for fried steak, for one strange request and chicken-fried steak was born.
Despite the lack of clear origins, chicken fried steak has become a staple in Southern cuisine and beyond. The name “chicken fried” is derived from the way the dish is prepared, which is similar to frying chicken. The steak is coated in seasoned flour, dipped in eggs, coated in flour again, and then fried in a skillet with lard, shortening, or vegetable oil. This technique is similar to the way fried chicken is prepared.
Interestingly enough, the very first appearance in print of the phrase “chicken fried steak” was in a series of ads for Phelps’s Dining Room and Cafeteria, which ran in the Colorado Springs Gazette in 1914. By 1917, cafes in Kansas were advertising the dish as well.
Today, chicken fried steak remains a popular comfort food across the United States. While traditionally served as the main entree for the evening meal in Texas and other southern states, it has gained popularity in the Midwest and other locations as a breakfast food served with a side of eggs, toast, and hash browns. Whether you prefer it smothered in gravy or served with a side of hot sauce, there’s no denying that chicken fried steak has become an American classic.
What Is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken fried steak, also known as country-fried steak or CFS, is a beloved American dish that originated in the Southern United States. It consists of a piece of beefsteak, most often tenderized cube steak, that is coated with seasoned flour and then either deep-fried or pan-fried. The name “chicken fried” comes from the fact that the technique used to cook the steak is similar to that used for fried chicken.
To make chicken fried steak, the meat is first pounded thin with a meat mallet. It is then coated in a mixture of flour and seasonings, which can vary depending on the cook’s preference or regional tradition. The coated meat is then dipped in an egg batter before being fried in a skillet with lard, shortening, or vegetable oil until it is crispy and golden brown.
Chicken fried steak is often served with a creamy and peppery white gravy, which is made by mixing flour with the leftover grease from frying the steak and then adding milk and seasonings.
While cube steak is the most common cut of beef used for chicken fried steak, any lean cut of beef can be used. Some people even use thin cuts of pork as a substitute for beef.
The Best Cuts Of Beef For Chicken Fried Steak
When it comes to finding the best cut of beef for chicken fried steak, there are a few factors to consider. The meat should be both affordable and tender, which can be a difficult combination to find.
One popular option is cube steak, which is often made from top round or top sirloin steak that has already been tenderized with a meat tenderizer. This cut is thin and quick-cooking, making it ideal for skillet meals like chicken fried steak. However, it’s important to note that not all cube steak is created equal – some grocery stores may use other cuts of meat and send them through a tenderizing machine, resulting in a tougher texture.
If you prefer to tenderize the meat yourself, top round, eye round, and sirloin tip are all great choices. These lean cuts of beef can be pounded thin with a meat mallet before breading and frying. Some people even opt for more luxurious cuts like tenderloin or strip steak, though these may be more expensive.
Ultimately, the best cut of beef for chicken fried steak will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Whether you choose cube steak or decide to tenderize your own cut of beef, make sure to pound it thin for optimal texture and flavor.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak At Home
Making chicken fried steak at home is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Southern dish. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
– 4 cube steaks (or other cut of beef)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
– 3/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F. This will keep the cooked steaks warm while you finish frying the others.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
4. Dip each steak into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the steak to make sure it sticks.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
6. Carefully add the steaks to the skillet and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip them over so you don’t lose any of the breading.
7. Once the steaks are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Keep the cooked steaks warm in the oven while you fry the remaining steaks.
9. Serve hot with your favorite gravy and sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious chicken fried steak at home using cube steak or any other lean cut of beef. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions And Variations On The Classic Dish
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that is typically served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. However, there are many variations on this classic dish that can be just as delicious.
One popular variation is to serve the chicken fried steak with a spicy twist. Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture before breading the steak, or serve it with a side of hot sauce for dipping.
Another variation is to use different types of breading for the steak. Some people prefer a cornmeal-based breading, while others like a panko or breadcrumb coating. Experiment with different types of breading to find your favorite.
For a healthier twist on chicken fried steak, try baking it in the oven instead of frying it. Coat the steak in breadcrumbs or cornmeal and bake it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Finally, consider serving your chicken fried steak with different sides. While mashed potatoes are traditional, you could also serve it with roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or even a side salad for a lighter meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, chicken fried steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please any meat lover.
Conclusion: Enjoying Chicken Fried Steak In The Southern Tradition
Chicken fried steak is a beloved dish in the Southern United States, where it’s often served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Texas, where the dish is said to have originated, it’s a staple on menus at barbecue joints and diners. The crispy, juicy goodness of chicken fried steak is usually topped with a creamy white gravy and served with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
But chicken fried steak isn’t just a dish – it’s a tradition. It’s a reminder of simpler times and home-style cooking. For many Southerners, it’s a comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and Sunday suppers.
Whether you’re from the South or just visiting, trying chicken fried steak is a must. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and tradition. So next time you’re in Texas or another Southern state, be sure to order up a plate of chicken fried steak and experience the deliciousness for yourself.