Get ready to elevate your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food: Perfect Country Fried Cube Steak! This Southern classic is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South. Imagine tender, juicy cube steaks enveloped in a crispy, golden-brown crust that’s bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, making every bite a delightful journey into Southern culinary tradition. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to indulge in this mouthwatering recipe that’s bound to become a staple at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cube steaks, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and vegetable oil for frying.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In another bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them together. Then, add the 1 cup of milk to the eggs and mix until fully combined.
- Take each cube steak and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring that both sides are coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured cube steak into the egg and milk mixture, making sure it is fully submerged to allow the coating to adhere properly.
- After the egg mixture, return the cube steak to the seasoned flour and coat it again, pressing lightly to ensure the flour sticks well. Set the coated steak aside on a plate while you repeat this process for the remaining cube steaks.
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but is not smoking.
- Carefully place the coated cube steaks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the cube steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Allow the steaks to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This will help maintain their juiciness.
- Serve the perfect country fried cube steaks hot, paired with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or collard greens for a true Southern feast.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor and tenderness, select high-quality cube steaks. Look for cuts that are well-marbled, as they will yield juicier results.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Ensure that your flour mixture is well-seasoned to create a flavorful crust that complements the meat.
- Perfect Your Dredging Technique: Be thorough when dredging the steaks in flour and the egg mixture. This double coating is key to achieving that crispy texture everyone loves.
- Control Your Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the steaks will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the steaks in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy steaks.
- Let Them Rest: After frying, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Pair with Southern Sides: Serve your cube steaks with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, or collard greens for a truly authentic meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg