This Southern-style chicken fried steak delivers everything you love: a golden, crunchy coating, juicy beef inside, and a rich cream gravy on top. We’ve skipped the mushrooms, added a splash of lemon, and finished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
It’s classic comfort food—just a little brighter and fresher.
⏱ Prep Time 15 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 25 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 4 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Medium ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store in fridge for up to 2 days; reheat steaks in oven for best results
Ingredients List
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cream Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter or pan drippings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- To Serve:
- Lemon wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Pound steaks evenly if needed. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In another, combine flour, cornstarch, and spices. Dip steaks in flour, then egg, then flour again. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the cream gravy, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve steaks hot with cream gravy, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- Let breaded steaks rest before frying for better crispiness.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness—don’t skip it.
- Lemon wedges provide balance to the rich gravy.
Nutrition Info (approx. per serving with gravy)
- Calories: 620
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
- Q: Can I make the gravy thicker?
A: Use less milk or simmer longer to reach your desired thickness. - Q: Is cornstarch necessary?
A: It helps with crispiness, but you can use only flour if preferred. - Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes—fry the steaks and store separately. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Fried to golden perfection and kissed with lemon—snap your crispy creation and tag it with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🥩🍋🌿
