Country Fried Steak with Gravy is a beloved Southern dish featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded steak smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Country Fried Steak is known for its crispy coating, tender cube steak, and rich, homemade gravy. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this Southern classic never disappoints!
Ingredients for Country Fried Steak with Gravy
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Steak
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
2. Bread the Steak
- Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Dip the steak into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat the steak again in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the steak to create a thick, crispy crust.
3. Fry the Steak
- Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, fry each steak for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Continue stirring for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the crispy fried steak and generously drizzle with homemade gravy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Country Fried Steak
- Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness
Press the flour coating firmly onto the steak to create a crunchy, golden crust. - Use a Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution for the perfect fry. - Control the Heat
Maintain medium-high heat while frying to prevent the coating from burning before the steak is fully cooked.
What to Serve with Country Fried Steak
This Southern classic pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes with extra gravy
- Flaky buttermilk biscuits
- Southern-style green beans
- Creamed corn
- Coleslaw for a fresh contrast
More Comforting Recipes to Try
Looking for more hearty meals? Check these out:
For even more recipe inspiration, visit our Pinterest page.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bread the cube steaks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover steak and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep the steak crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Conclusion
Country Fried Steak with Gravy is a true Southern classic that brings crispy, golden-brown steak together with a rich, creamy gravy. Whether for a family dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Save this recipe and give it a try today! Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for easy access.
Print
Country Fried Steak with Gravy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Country Fried Steak with Gravy is a Southern comfort food classic. Featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded cube steak smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- Bread the Steak:
- Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Dip the steak into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat the steak again in the flour mixture, pressing it onto the steak to create a thick, crispy crust.
- Fry the Steak:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each steak for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Plate the crispy fried steak and drizzle with homemade gravy.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, let the breaded steaks rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Leftover steak and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Country fried steak, Southern comfort food, homemade gravy, crispy fried steak, easy dinner recipe
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