🍗🤠 Sure, I’d be happy to give you a detailed response about Authentic Texas Chicken Fried Steak and its seasoning mix!
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak, a beloved Texan comfort food, is essentially a breaded and fried steak, similar to a schnitzel, but with a Southern twist. It’s a true Southern classic!
History:
The exact origin of Chicken Fried Steak is a bit disputed, but it likely has its roots in German and Austrian immigrants who settled in Texas in the 19th century. They brought their love of breaded and fried meats with them, and it evolved into this classic Texan dish.
Components of Chicken Fried Steak:
- Thin-cut beef steaks (usually top round or cube steak)
- Seasoning mix
- Flour for dredging
- Eggs for binding
- Oil for frying
- Gravy (optional)
Authentic Texas Chicken Fried Steak Seasoning Mix:
The seasoning mix typically includes:
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper (for some heat)
- Other spices like thyme, oregano, or cumin (variation by cook)
Steps to Prepare Authentic Texas Chicken Fried Steak:
-
Prepare the Steaks:
- Pound the steaks to an even thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
- Season the steaks on both sides with the seasoning mix and let them sit for a while to absorb the flavors.
-
Dredging Station:
- Create a dredging station with three shallow dishes.
- Dish 1: Flour (seasoned with more of the seasoning mix)
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Flour again
-
Coating the Steaks:
- Dip each steak into the flour in the first dish, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat it once more in the flour.
-
Frying:
- Heat oil (traditionally, use lard or vegetable oil) in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C).
- Gently place the coated steaks in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
-
Draining and Resting:
- Place the fried steaks on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let them rest for a few minutes to keep the breading crisp.
-
Gravy (Optional):
- While the steaks rest, you can make a creamy white gravy using the pan drippings, flour, milk, and more seasoning mix.
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking process typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of steaks you’re making and your experience in the kitchen. The optional gravy will add a bit more time.
And there you have it, Authentic Texas Chicken Fried Steak with a flavorful seasoning mix. Enjoy this iconic Texan dish with all the flair of the Lone Star State! 🤠🍽️
🍗🤠 Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Authentic Texas Chicken Fried Steak, without considering the optional gravy:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving (varies with steak size and frying method).
- Protein: Around 30-40 grams of protein.
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams of fat.
- Carbohydrates: About 20-30 grams of carbohydrates.
- Fiber: Negligible fiber content.
- Sodium: Can vary depending on the amount of salt used in the seasoning mix and breading.
- Cholesterol: About 60-70 milligrams.
Health Information:
- Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious comfort food, but it tends to be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the frying process.
- The frying process can increase the calorie and fat content significantly. Using leaner cuts of beef and shallow frying in less oil can make it slightly healthier.
- While it’s a tasty indulgence, it’s not the best choice for those looking to maintain a low-calorie or low-fat diet.
- The seasoning mix, though flavorful, may contain added salt, so it’s important to use it in moderation if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Adding white gravy can further increase the calorie and fat content.
In summary, Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious but indulgent dish, and moderation is key if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.
