Chicken Fried Steak, also known as country-fried steak, is a popular dish that originated in the Southern United States. It consists of a tenderized beef cutlet that is coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy.
Omaha Steaks, a premium meat and food retailer, has its own version of this classic dish that is worth trying. In this comprehensive article, we will guide you through the process of cooking Omaha Steaks’ chicken fried steak from start to finish.
You will learn about the ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking tips, and serving suggestions to make a delicious and authentic-tasting dish.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
A Brief History of Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is said to have been created by German immigrants who settled in the Southern United States.
The dish was initially made with leftover beef cuts that were tenderized, battered, and fried to make them more palatable.
Traditional Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
The traditional recipe for chicken fried steak involves a cut of beef, usually round steak or cube steak, that is tenderized, battered in seasoned flour, and fried until crispy. The steak is then served with a white gravy made from the pan drippings and milk.
Variations of Chicken Fried Steak
Over the years, several variations of the chicken fried steak have evolved. One of such variations is the Omaha Steaks chicken fried steak.
Most popular variations are made using different types of flour, such as cornmeal or breadcrumbs, for the coating, or using different types of gravy, such as cream gravy or brown gravy.
Ingredients for Omaha Steaks’ Chicken Fried Steak
The key to making a delicious Chicken Fried Steak is using high-quality ingredients, and Omaha Steaks’ version is no exception. The following is a list of ingredients that you will need to make this dish:
- Omaha Steaks Cube Steak
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Milk
- Egg
- Vegetable oil
Explanation of Ingredients’ Role in the Recipe
- Omaha Steaks Cube Steak: This is the main ingredient of the dish, and the quality of the steak will greatly impact the overall taste.
- Flour: The flour provides the coating for the steak and helps it to become crispy when fried.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: These spices give the dish its flavor and enhance the taste of the steak.
- Milk: The milk is used to create a batter for the steak.
- Egg: The egg helps to bind the batter to the steak and ensures that it stays in place when fried.
- Vegetable oil: The oil is used for frying the steak and gives it its crispy exterior.
Preparing the Steaks
Before you can start cooking Omaha Steaks’ Chicken Fried Steak, you need to prepare the steaks. This involves tenderizing the steaks, coating them in the batter, and setting them aside until ready to be fried.
Tenderizing the Steaks
Tenderizing the steaks is an important step in making a delicious Chicken Fried Steak. To tenderize the steaks, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about ¼ inch thick.
Breadcrumb Coating Process
To create the breadcrumb coating for the steaks, you will need to make a batter. To do this, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish and mix well. In another shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together.
Dip each steak into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the steak. Repeat the process with the remaining steaks.
Cooking the Steaks
Once the steaks are coated and ready, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s how you can fry Omaha Steaks’ Chicken Fried Steak to perfection:
Heating the Cooking Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil.
Frying the Steaks
Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to cook the steaks in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Maintaining the Temperature and Timing
It’s important to maintain the temperature of the oil while frying the steaks. If the oil gets too hot, the steaks will burn, and if the oil is not hot enough, the steaks will become greasy. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the timing, as the steaks can cook quickly.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once the steaks are cooked, you can serve them with a variety of sides and toppings, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, or green beans. You can also serve the steaks with a side of white gravy or cream gravy if desired.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the steaks, you can either microwave them or place them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Omaha Steaks’ Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious and classic dish that is sure to please everyone. With its tender and juicy steak, crispy coating, and flavorful spices, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this comprehensive article will guide you through the process of making a delicious and authentic-tasting Chicken Fried Steak. So, give it a try and enjoy the taste of the South in your own kitchen!
I hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make a delicious and authentic-tasting Omaha Steaks’ chicken fried steak. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
What kind of steak should I use for Chicken Fried Steak?
The traditional cut of steak used for Chicken Fried Steak is a thin and tender cut of beef, such as a top round or sirloin steak.
However, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as ribeye or filet mignon, if you prefer. The key is to make sure the steak is thin and tender so that it cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying the steaks?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil for frying the steaks. Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all common choices for frying steaks. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point so that it can withstand the high heat of the frying process.
How can I make sure the steaks don’t stick to the pan while frying?
To ensure the steaks don’t stick to the pan while frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to the pan. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the steaks to steam instead of fry.
If the steaks do stick to the pan, gently lift them with a spatula and give the pan a shake to loosen them.
What can I serve with Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is typically served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, or green beans. You can also serve the steaks with a side of white gravy or cream gravy if desired.
The key is to choose sides that complement the flavors of the steaks and provide a balanced meal.
Can I freeze Chicken Fried Steak for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fried Steak for later use. After the steaks have been cooked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the steaks, you can either microwave them or place them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
