The Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is an irresistibly comforting Southern treat that brings together all the best elements of classic comfort food in one satisfying bite. Originating in American culinary traditions, this sandwich provides a delightful twist on traditional chicken fried steak, making anyone feel right at home wherever they may be eating it!
A Steak Sandwich starts with a tenderized steak that has been marinated and coated in a light flour coating before deep-frying to achieve that perfect combination of juiciness and crunchiness. Once completed, it’s placed between two soft buns, garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and sometimes Sriracha Comeback Sauce – taking this dish to new levels of flavor!
This sandwich is more than a meal; it’s an experience. From enjoying it at your favorite diner to crafting it yourself at home, each bite takes you on an exciting voyage through layers of texture and taste – from its first crunch all the way through to that last juicy morsel, you will savor each moment with this unforgettable bite-sized feast!
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Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich: A Southern Comfort Recipe
Equipment
- Sturdy skillet for frying
- Three shallow pans or bowls for dredging
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Oven (for keeping cutlets warm)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks 3 oz each, tenderized
- Worcestershire sauce
- Adobo seasoning
- Black pepper
- Hot sauce e.g., Tabasco
- 1 cup corn starch
- All-purpose flour
- Beer or beef stock
- Whole milk
- 1 large egg
- Chili powder
- Onion salt
- Smoked paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cream Gravy:
- Bacon grease or butter
- Heavy cream
For the Sandwich:
- Hamburger buns
- Tomatoes sliced
- Green leaf lettuce cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F.
- Season the Steaks: Season one side of the steaks with Worcestershire sauce, adobo seasoning, and pepper. Flip and season the other side with hot sauce, adobo seasoning, and pepper.
- Dredging Station: Set up three pans. In the first, place corn starch. In the second, mix flour, beer, milk, egg, chili powder, onion salt, and paprika. In the third, mix flour with adobo seasoning.
- Coating: Dredge each steak through the corn starch, then the wet mixture, and finally the seasoned flour. For extra crispiness, repeat the process.
- Frying: Fry the steaks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Cream Gravy: In a separate skillet, heat bacon grease or butter. Add flour and stir. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until the gravy thickens. Season with adobo and pepper.
- Assemble: Toast the buns if desired. Smear gravy on the bottom bun, place a fried cutlet, and top with sliced tomato and lettuce. Cover with the top bun.
Notes
If you can’t find tenderized cube steaks, use any inexpensive cut of meat and pound it thin.
The gravy can be reheated on the stove; add a little more milk if it’s too thick.
Nutrition
How to make a chicken-fried steak sandwich taste better
Related: Chicken Delight Recipe
Tips to Make Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Delicious
- Spice It Up: A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the breading mix can add an extra kick of heat to your sandwich.
- Southern Charm: For a classic Southern touch, consider drizzling homemade gravy over the sandwich.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Melt a slice of your favorite cheese over the steak during the final moments of frying for a cheesy delight.
- Seasoning Matters: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper adds depth and a slight kick to the breading. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Zesty Horseradish Sauce: A creamy horseradish sauce can provide a zesty and tangy element that complements the richness of the chicken fried steak.
- Crispiness is Key: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the steaks. Fry in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
- Fresh Toppings: Opt for fresh and crispy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions to add contrasting textures and flavors to the sandwich.
- Toasted Buns: Toasting the buns with butter adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor to the sandwich.
Variations in Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
- The BBQ Twist: Swap out the traditional condiments for barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a different flavor profile.
- The Breakfast Version: Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast-inspired sandwich.
- The Tex-Mex Take: Incorporate jalapeños and swap out the horseradish sauce for a spicy chipotle mayo.
- The Italian Job: Use ciabatta bread and add some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.
- The Healthy Route: Use whole-grain bread and opt for a lighter breading and frying method, such as air frying, for a healthier version.
- The Seafood Swap: Believe it or not, you can use a breaded fish fillet instead of steak for a pescatarian-friendly version.
- The Vegan Alternative: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegan-friendly breading and condiments.
In the end,
In conclusion, Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is more than just food; it’s an experience! Packed with crispy, tender steak and an array of toppings, this sandwich provides an irresistibly delightful mix of textures and flavors. From its customizable bread options to sauce options – every element can be tailored specifically to meet your own individual preferences! So go ahead, and customize this sandwich as your own; the best meals are those made uniquely your own!
