Quick & Easy Country Fried Steak: Comfort Food in Under 30 Minutes!

Country fried steak, also known as chicken fried steak, is a classic Southern comfort food dish that’s traditionally made by breading a thin cut of steak and frying it until golden brown and crispy. It’s typically served with a creamy gravy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. While the traditional method can be a bit time-consuming, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious flavors of country fried steak in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights! This version focuses on speed and simplicity without sacrificing that delicious, comforting flavor.

## Why You’ll Love This Quick Country Fried Steak Recipe

* **Fast:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Easy:** Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Delicious:** Crispy, flavorful steak with a creamy, comforting gravy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable cuts of steak.
* **Comfort Food:** A classic Southern dish that’s sure to please.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick country fried steak:

**For the Steak:**

* **1 pound cube steak:** Cube steak is already tenderized, which speeds up the cooking process. Look for pieces that are relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking.
* **1/2 cup all-purpose flour:** This is the base for the breading.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** For seasoning the flour and the steak.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a bit of spice to the breading.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the flavor of the steak.
* **1/4 teaspoon paprika:** Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **1/4 cup milk or buttermilk:** Helps the flour adhere to the steak.
* **2 tablespoons vegetable oil:** For frying the steak.

**For the Gravy:**

* **2 tablespoons butter:** Creates a rich and flavorful base for the gravy.
* **2 tablespoons all-purpose flour:** Used to thicken the gravy.
* **2 cups milk:** Forms the base of the gravy.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Adjust to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adjust to taste.
* **Pinch of nutmeg (optional):** Adds a warm, subtle flavor to the gravy.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Shallow dishes or plates:** For breading the steak.
* **Large skillet:** For frying the steak and making the gravy.
* **Whisk:** For making the gravy.
* **Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional):** If your cube steak is very thick, you may want to pound it thinner.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make delicious country fried steak in under 30 minutes:

**1. Prepare the Steak:**

* Lay the cube steak on a cutting board. If the steak is thicker than 1/4 inch, place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This will help it cook quickly and evenly.
* In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
* In another shallow dish, pour the milk or buttermilk.

**2. Bread the Steak:**

* Dredge each piece of cube steak in the milk, making sure it’s coated on both sides.
* Immediately transfer the steak to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well to both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
* Place the breaded steak on a clean plate while you prepare the skillet.

**3. Fry the Steak:**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small amount of flour is dropped into it.
* Carefully place the breaded steak in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to cook the steak in batches.
* Fry the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the steak should reach 145°F (63°C).
* Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

**4. Make the Gravy:**

* Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, leaving the flavorful browned bits (fond) behind.
* Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy. Be careful not to burn the flour.
* Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth.
* Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
* Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**5. Serve:**

* Serve the country fried steak immediately with a generous ladle of gravy spooned over the top.

## Tips for the Best Quick Country Fried Steak

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, steak. Cook the steak in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* **Use Hot Oil:** Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steak. The oil should sizzle when a small amount of flour is dropped into it.
* **Don’t Overcook the Steak:** Cube steak is thin and can overcook quickly. Cook it just until it’s golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Adjust the Gravy Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker gravy, cook it for a longer time. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more milk.
* **Season to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika as needed.
* **Use Buttermilk for Extra Flavor:** Substituting buttermilk for regular milk in the breading adds a tangy flavor that complements the steak and gravy perfectly.
* **Pound the Steak Thin:** This is crucial for quick and even cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
* **Let the Steak Rest (Briefly):** After frying, let the steak rest on a wire rack for a minute or two before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Country Fried Steak:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Country Fried Chicken:** Substitute chicken cutlets for the cube steak.
* **Cream of Mushroom Gravy:** Substitute cream of mushroom soup for some of the milk in the gravy for a richer, more flavorful gravy.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs in the flour mixture, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
* **Gluten-Free Country Fried Steak:** Use gluten-free flour blend for the breading.
* **Add Onion or Garlic to the Gravy:** Sauté finely chopped onion or minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour for extra flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Country fried steak is traditionally served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. Here are some other delicious side dishes to serve with it:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the crispy steak and gravy.
* **Green Beans:** A simple and healthy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A sweet and summery side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy and refreshing side dish.
* **Biscuits:** Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Another classic comfort food pairing.
* **Fried Okra:** A Southern favorite.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing option.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While this recipe is designed to be quick, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save even more time on busy weeknights:

* **Breading the Steak:** You can bread the steak up to a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. However, for the best results, fry the steak immediately after breading.
* **Preparing the Gravy (Partially):** You can make the roux (butter and flour mixture) ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the gravy, simply heat the roux in the skillet and add the milk. This shaves off a couple of minutes during the cooking process.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover country fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the gravy separately.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the country fried steak in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little milk if the gravy is too thick.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* **Calories:** 450-550 per serving
* **Fat:** 25-35g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 150-200mg
* **Sodium:** 800-1000mg
* **Protein:** 30-40g
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 5-10g

## Recipe Card

**Quick & Easy Country Fried Steak**

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Steak:**

* 1 pound cube steak
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

**For the Gravy:**

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Steak: Pound cube steak to 1/4 inch thickness if needed. Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. Pour milk or buttermilk into another shallow dish.
2. Bread the Steak: Dredge each steak piece in milk, then in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Shake off excess flour.
3. Fry the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steak for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (145°F/63°C).
4. Make the Gravy: Remove steak and set aside. Pour off excess oil, leaving 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional).
5. Serve: Serve steak immediately with gravy.

Enjoy this quick and easy country fried steak recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.