Ingredients:

  • 4 (6-ounce) cube steaks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Use a meat mallet to pound the cube steaks to about ½-inch thickness.
  2. In one shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
  3. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour. Place on a wire rack to chill for 30 minutes.
  4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F or 175°C).
  5. Carefully add steaks to the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside to drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add flour (for the gravy) and whisk to combine until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve the chicken fried steak topped with warm gravy.