Down-Home Country Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Comfort food alert! This country fried steak recipe with creamy gravy is easier than you think. Tender steak, golden crust. Get the secret!

June 9, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. you ever just crave that stick-to-your-ribs, proper comfort food? i'm talking about the kind that takes you right back to nan's kitchen.

Well, let me tell you, this country fried steak recipe is exactly that. this ain't fancy-pants cuisine. it's pure, unadulterated, southern comfort food.

Country Fried Steak: Comfort on a Plate

Honestly, where does this dish come from? originating in the southern us, it's basically the beef version of fried chicken.

Think tenderised beef cube steak recipes , dredged in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown. it's about as southern as sweet tea and front-porch sittin'.

Now, don't get intimidated, yeah? this recipe's not rocket science. i'd put it at a medium difficulty. the whole shebang, including prep, will take you about an hour and fifteen.

You'll end up with enough for about 4 hungry folks.

Down-Home Country Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds (680g) beef round steak, about ½ inch (1.2cm) thick
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• ¼ cup (60ml) reserved cooking oil from frying the steak
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

• Tenderize the steak using a meat mallet until it's about ¼ inch (0.6cm) thick. Cut into 4 serving-sized pieces.
• In a shallow dish, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk.
• Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Place breaded steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C). Carefully place the breaded steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C for medium-rare, 160°F/71°C for medium). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
• Remove all but ¼ cup of the cooking oil from the skillet. Over medium heat, whisk in flour until a smooth paste forms (a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
• Gradually whisk in milk, starting with a small amount to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
• Season with remaining salt and pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
• Spoon gravy over the Country Fried Steak and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650-750

Fat:35-45g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Why This Country Fried Steak And Gravy Recipe?

This country fried steak and gravy recipe stands out because it's easy. plus, it delivers every single time. one of the main benefits, apart from the sheer deliciousness, is that it's surprisingly filling.

Perfect for a sunday dinner after a long week, or honestly, any time you need a bit of cheering up!

The creamy, peppery gravy? Pure magic. It elevates the whole dish. The fried cube steaks turn beautifully crispy and delicious with every bite.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make a stellar country fried steak recipe ! no fancy-pants stuff here, just the basics for a truly comforting meal.

Honestly, even if you're just starting out in the kitchen, you can totally nail this.

Gearing Up: Ingredients & Essential Gadgets

Right, so, before we get our aprons on, let's make sure we've got everything we need. you know how it is – halfway through a recipe and bam, you realise you're missing something.

Nightmare!

Main Ingredients: Steak & Co.

• Beef Cube Steak: 1 ½ pounds (680g) , about ½ inch (1.2cm) thick. Look for a nice, even thickness. If the meat looks greyish, skip it. Fresh is key. Some folks use pork cube steaks instead, but beef is the classic. Remember to choose fresh meat! We will need that for the best Beef Cube Steak Recipes .
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) . Plain old flour, nothing fancy!
• Kosher Salt: 2 teaspoons , divided. You can use table salt, but kosher salt just brings out the flavors a bit better, yeah?
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon , divided. Freshly cracked is always a winner.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon . Because everything is better with garlic.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a nice colour and subtle flavour.
• Eggs: 2 large .
• Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) . Whole milk works best for richness, but semi-skimmed is fine too.
• Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120ml) , for frying. You can also use canola oil if you prefer.

Seasoning Magic: Spice Up Your Life!

Okay, so this is where you can really make it your own. These are the essentials, but feel free to experiment!

• Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika – it's a classic for a reason. It's what makes the country fried steak and gravy recipe sing.
• Flavor Boosters: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the flour mix gives it a nice kick. Honestly, a dash of onion powder is delicious too!
• Quick Subs: Ran out of garlic powder? Use a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic. No paprika? A little smoked paprika works wonders and give a great colour to the steak.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't need a ton of stuff for this.

• Meat Mallet/Tenderizer: To tenderize the steak. If you don't have one, the bottom of a heavy pan will do in a pinch.
• Shallow Dishes: For the breading station. Pie plates are perfect!
• Large Skillet: Cast iron is best for even heat, but any large skillet will work.
• Whisk: For the gravy.
• Thermometer: Essential for making Easy Lobster Tail Recipe Oven or Southern Deep Fried Lobster .

Remember, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make amazing food. as for the cooks country fried shrimp or cooks country crispy fried shrimp , don't think about frying shrimp until we nail the steak.

If you ever try fried cube steaks , let me know in the comments!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into making some country fried steak recipe . forget fancy pants dinners, this is pure, unadulterated comfort food.

Honestly, if you need a hug in food form, this is it.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic

First, the prep. it’s all about that mise en place , darling. having everything ready makes life easier. get your pork cube steaks out.

Smash them gently! not like you're angry, you know? more like persuading them to be tender. also, measure out your spices.

Trust me, it saves time. and always wash your hands before you start. mum's rule, right? now place your flattened beef cube steak recipes in a plate or plastic bag.

This will keep them from sticking together.

Let's Get Cooking: Country Fried Deliciousness

Alright, here’s the lowdown in easy steps.

1. Flour Power: Mix flour and spices. Think salt, pepper, maybe a little paprika! Yum!

2. Egg Bath: Whisk eggs with a splash of milk. This helps the flour stick.

3. Bread It Good: Dip steak in flour, then egg, then flour again . Double dipping makes it extra crispy, like cooks country crispy fried shrimp .

4. Fry Time!: Heat oil to around 350° F ( 175° C) . Don't be scared of the oil!

5. Golden Brown Glory: Fry each side for 3- 4 minutes , until golden and crispy.

6. Rest and Relax: Let it rest on a wire rack. This keeps it from getting soggy.

Pro Tips for Country Fried Steak Perfection

• Don't crowd the pan! Seriously, the oil temp drops and it won't be crispy.
• Think of trying this with Southern deep fried lobster .
• If the temp is too low it won't be quite like cooks country fried shrimp .
• If the oil is too hot the steak will burn!

I made this for my mate last week, and he said it was the best he'd ever had. seriously, felt like winning bake off for a minute.

Give this country fried steak and gravy recipe a whirl, and let me know how it goes. enjoy!

Okay, so you're craving some proper comfort food, yeah? let's dive into some extra tips for nailing this country fried steak recipe .

It’s not just about throwing some meat in a pan, it’s about creating a whole experience, innit? right then, let's get started!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Fry-Up

Listen, I've made my fair share of dodgy dishes, so I'm all about giving you the inside scoop to avoid any disasters. Trust me, these notes are gold!

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

Right, you've slaved away in the kitchen, so make it look Instagram-worthy, yeah?

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Ditch the beige buffet look. A dollop of creamy mash, some vibrant greens (think peas or green beans), and that beautiful, golden country fried steak , glistening with gravy? Sorted! Dust a little fresh parsley to posh it up.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Honestly, creamy mashed potatoes are a must, but a side of buttered corn or some Cooks Country Fried Shrimp on the side for a surf and turf vibe is a game-changer. You could also try Southern Deep Fried Lobster . Wash it all down with a cold, crisp glass of lemonade or a light beer. Now, that's a spread!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Look, life happens. Sometimes you can't eat it all at once. No worries, here's how to store your leftovers.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftover country fried steak and gravy recipe in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It'll keep for about 3 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Yep, you can freeze it! Wrap the steak tightly in cling film, then foil. The gravy freezes okay-ish, but might split a bit upon reheating. Use within 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions: For the steak, the oven is best to crisp it up again. For the gravy, gently reheat on the hob, stirring often, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick. Alternatively, you can try an Easy Lobster Tail Recipe Oven .

Variations: Swapping Things Up

Fancy a twist? Here are a few ideas, and for those with dietary restrictions

• 1-2 Dietary Adaptations: Going gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend. Want to cut down on fat? Try baking the steak instead of frying, but honestly, it’s not quite the same. You could also try Cooks Country Crispy Fried Shrimp with a gluten-free batter.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Swap out the green beans for asparagus in spring or some roasted root vegetables in winter. Maybe even get exotic and try cooking Pork Cube Steaks .

Nutrition Basics: Know Your Numbers

Alright, I'm not a nutritionist, but here's the lowdown.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: This is comfort food, so it's not exactly a salad, innit? Expect a decent chunk of calories, fat, and carbs. It's all about moderation, my friend! Look for Fried Cube Steaks to be high in protein!
• Key Health Benefits: Okay, it's not all bad. The steak provides a good source of protein and iron. Just balance it with some veggies, yeah? You can make your own healthier variant using Beef Cube Steak Recipes .

Honestly, this country fried steak recipe is a hug on a plate. don't be scared to give it a go and make it your own.

You've got this!. you could even use the easiest way to cook lobster tails if you don't want the whole steak.

Go on, treat yourself!