{"id":138796,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-16T00:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-fried-cube-steaks\/"},"modified":"2024-07-01T18:52:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T23:52:11","slug":"chicken-fried-cube-steaks","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/chicken-fried-cube-steaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Fried Cube Steak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bless your heart if you\u2019ve never savored the delight of fried cube steak\u2014the hearty dish is arguably one of the most delicious comfort foods. A staple of Southern cuisine, country or chicken-fried steak involves frying up tenderized beef cutlets in a well-seasoned batter, much like you would when making fried chicken. For the grand finale, those crispy, breaded pieces get smothered in a rich and creamy gravy, awarding you ultimate decadence.<\/p>\n

This recipe calls for cube steak\u2014pick up a few packs and keep them ready to go in your freezer for a simple comfort meal. You\u2019ll swoon over how easily this dish comes together, relying on staples like evaporated milk and buttermilk in the batter to pack in the flavor quickly. Since you\u2019re making this dish from scratch, you can add your go-to seasonings and sauces to customize it to your liking.<\/p>\n

What is cube steak?<\/h2>\n

The name cube steak comes from the indentations or small imprints formed on the surface of the meat. A textured mallet or mechanical tenderizer possesses square teeth that form dimples in the cutlets while simultaneously pounding them into thin portions. Most grocery stores use top or bottom-round beef, but pork, venison or bison can sub in too. Since cube steak typically involves leaner and tougher pieces, this technique helps break down any muscle fiber, resulting in a tasty staple that\u2019ll melt in your mouth once fried.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between country and chicken-fried cube steak?<\/h2>\n

Simply put, the distinction between the two types of fried cube steak lies in the gravy. The country version, typically made with a lighter breading, relies on dark, rich gravy and occasionally a topping of caramelized onions for a hint of sweetness. The chicken-fried route, boasting a thicker and crunchier coating, uses a white gravy infused with a heavy hand of black pepper.<\/p>\n

Fried Cube Steak Ingredients<\/h2>\n