Chicken fried steak

Chicken fried steak

Chicken fried steak is a dish that originated in the Southern United States. It is a piece of beef steak (often cube steak) that is breaded and fried, similar to the preparation of fried chicken. The dish is typically served with gravy and sides such as mashed potatoes and vegetables.

History

The origins of chicken fried steak are unclear, but it is believed to have been brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. The dish is similar to the German dish Wiener Schnitzel, which is a breaded and fried veal cutlet. Chicken fried steak is also similar to the dish country fried steak, which is a breaded and fried steak served with a white gravy.

Preparation

To prepare chicken fried steak, a piece of beef steak is first tenderized using a meat mallet. The steak is then dipped in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, followed by a mixture of egg and milk, and then back into the flour mixture. This process is known as breading. The breaded steak is then fried in a skillet until it is golden brown. The dish is typically served with a white gravy, which is made from the drippings left in the skillet after frying the steak.

Variations

There are many variations of chicken fried steak, including those that use different types of meat, different types of breading, or different types of gravy. Some variations include chicken fried steak with cream gravy, chicken fried steak with brown gravy, and chicken fried steak with sausage gravy. There are also variations that use pork or chicken instead of beef.

In popular culture

Chicken fried steak is a popular dish in the Southern United States and is often associated with comfort food. It is frequently featured in diner and roadhouse menus, and is a staple of Southern cuisine. The dish is also celebrated in the annual Chicken Fried Steak Festival in Lamesa, Texas.