Country-Fried Steak And Cream Gravy
Country-Fried Steak with Cream Gravy offers a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender breaded steak coated in crispy flour and topped with a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners, it combines savory flavors with a crispy exterior and smooth, flavorful sauce. Ideal for a satisfying meal any night.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the steak to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into serving-size pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Dredge the steak pieces in flour, then dip in milk, and dredge again in flour.
- Brown the coated steaks in hot bacon grease until golden brown. Remove and drain.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of pan drippings. Add 1/4 cup of flour to the drippings and cook over medium heat until bubbly, stirring constantly.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Return the steaks to the gravy, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the steak in buttermilk before cooking. If you don't have round steak, sirloin or another tender cut works well as a substitute. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying by testing it with a small piece of batter; it should sizzle immediately. This method is similar to that used in American recipes like V-8 Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the country-fried steak with a generous amount of cream gravy over the top. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a side of green beans. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or biscuits. This dish also complements other hearty American recipes like Oven-Baked Pork Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak and gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country-Fried Steak And Cream Gravy contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the gravy in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk to restore its creaminess. However, it's best to fry the steak fresh for optimal texture.
What can I use instead of bacon grease?
If you don't have bacon grease, vegetable oil, or canola oil works well for frying. For added flavor, you can use butter or lard, but keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly from traditional recipes.
How do I achieve a crispy coating?
To achieve a crispy coating, make sure to double dredge the steak in flour and let it rest for a few minutes before frying. Fry in hot grease to create an immediate crust, ensuring the oil is around 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).