The All-American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy is a classic Southern dish known for its hearty and comforting flavors. It’s a breaded and fried steak typically served with a creamy white gravy. Here’s the information you requested:
History:
Chicken Fried Steak has roots in Southern cuisine, with Texas often claiming it as its own invention. The dish likely originated as a way to make inexpensive cuts of beef more palatable. It’s similar in preparation to Wiener Schnitzel and other breaded and fried meat dishes from various culinary traditions.
Components:
- Steak: Typically, a tenderized beef steak is used, such as cube steak or round steak.
- Breading: The steak is coated in a seasoned flour mixture for breading.
- Cream Gravy: The creamy white gravy is made with ingredients like milk or cream, flour, and pan drippings.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper. You can use a meat mallet to tenderize it further if needed.
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Breading: In a shallow dish, mix flour with seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.). Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.
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Frying: Heat oil (vegetable or canola oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded steak in the hot oil and fry until it’s golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Cream Gravy: Remove the fried steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add some more oil if needed, then stir in flour to make a roux. Cook the roux until it’s lightly browned. Slowly add milk or cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Place the chicken fried steak on a plate and pour the creamy gravy over it. It’s often served with mashed potatoes and vegetables as side dishes.
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparing the steak, frying it, and making the creamy gravy. Keep in mind that actual cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the steak and your experience in the kitchen.
Enjoy your delicious All-American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts for an All-American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used:
- Calories: A typical serving of chicken fried steak with cream gravy can contain around 600-800 calories.
- Protein: It provides a substantial amount of protein, usually ranging from 30 to 40 grams per serving.
- Fat: The dish is relatively high in fat, with about 30-40 grams of fat, primarily due to the frying process.
- Carbohydrates: It contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the breading and gravy.
- Fiber: There’s minimal fiber in this dish, typically less than 2 grams.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be quite high, often exceeding 1000 milligrams or more per serving due to seasonings, breading, and gravy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It provides various vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and B vitamins from the steak and dairy in the gravy.
Health Information:
- Chicken fried steak with cream gravy is a delicious but indulgent dish that is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s not considered a health-conscious choice due to its frying method and creamy gravy.
- It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
- To make it slightly healthier, you can use leaner cuts of beef, reduce the portion size, or opt for healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling. Additionally, using low-fat milk or a milk alternative can lower the fat content of the gravy.
Remember that specific nutrition facts can vary based on the recipe and portion size you choose, so it’s a good idea to check packaging labels or use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
