Chicken fried steak, a popular Southern dish, is a breaded and pan-fried steak that’s served with gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. While it may look like a chicken dish, there’s no actual chicken in this recipe. The name “chicken fried” is a reference to the preparation method- the steak is battered and fried like chicken.
But what cut of meat is used for chicken fried steak? This question has sparked much debate among food enthusiasts, with some arguing that certain cuts are better suited for this dish than others. In this article, we’ll dive into the different cuts of meat that can be used for chicken fried steak and explore the reasons behind each choice.
The Origins of Chicken Fried Steak: A Brief History
Chicken fried steak is a beloved staple in the southern region of the United States. However, its origins are somewhat disputed. Some believe that the dish has roots in German and Austrian cuisine, where it is known as wiener schnitzel. Others say that the dish was created by southern farm wives as a way to stretch their food budget with a less expensive cut of meat.
Regardless of its origins, chicken fried steak has become a symbol of comfort food and southern hospitality. The dish typically consists of a thin, tenderized cut of beef that has been battered and fried, and then smothered in a creamy gravy. Although it may not be the healthiest dish around, there is no denying that chicken fried steak is a delicious and satisfying meal that has earned its place in southern cuisine.
Different Cuts of Meat and Their Purposes in Cooking
There are different cuts of meat that can be used for chicken fried steak, but the most common ones are cube steak and top round. Cube steak is a cut of beef that is tenderized by a machine that leaves marks on the surface, making it perfect for chicken fried steak. Top round, on the other hand, is leaner and less tender than cube steak, but it is cheaper and can still be used for chicken fried steak with proper tenderization.
Different cuts of meat have different purposes in cooking. For instance, a tender cut like filet mignon is best suited for quick cooking methods, such as grilling or pan-searing. Meanwhile, tougher cuts, such as chuck or brisket, are ideal for slow cooking methods like braising or stewing. Understanding the different cuts of meat and their purposes in cooking is important in achieving the desired result in any dish.
The Best Cut of Meat for Chicken Fried Steak: Explained
When it comes to chicken fried steak, the best cut of meat to use is cube steak. Cube steak is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat that is tenderized by pounding it with a meat tenderizer or mallet. The pounding process produces thin indentations or cube-shaped marks that give the steak its name.
Not only is cube steak affordable, but it is also easy to find in most grocery stores. It is a top choice because it is just tough enough to hold up to the batter and frying process, while also being tender enough to melt in your mouth with each bite. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that has become a beloved staple of Southern cuisine.
Preparing Your Meat: Tips and Techniques
Preparing Your Meat: Tips and Techniques
Before you start cooking your chicken fried steak, it’s important to prepare your meat properly to achieve the best results. Firstly, it’s essential to ensure that the meat is at room temperature before you begin cooking. This allows the steak to cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
The next step is to tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. This breaks down the meat’s fibers and makes it more tender. Once you have tenderized the meat, season it with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning. Finally, coat the steak in a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying. By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your chicken fried steak turns out tender, flavorful, and crispy.
Perfecting the Coating: Breading and Seasoning Chicken Fried Steak
The breading and seasoning used in chicken fried steak is what takes this dish from good to finger-licking delicious. The perfect breading for chicken fried steak is made with a blend of flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This gives the steak a flavorful and crispy coating that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
When it comes to seasoning chicken fried steak, it’s all about personal preferences. Some like to add a little cayenne pepper for some extra heat, while others may prefer to keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Regardless of your seasoning choices, be sure to generously coat the steak before frying it up to create a flavorful crust. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra salt on top as soon as it comes out of the frying pan to enhance the flavor even more.
Cooking the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak: Temperature and Timing
To cook the perfect chicken fried steak, it is crucial to get the temperature and timing right. Heat your oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F. If the temperature is too low, the steak will end up greasy and soggy, while if it’s too high, the breading will burn quickly, and the meat will be undercooked.
Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place the chicken fried steak in the pan and cook each side for around 4 to 5 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will reduce the temperature and result in a soggy outcome. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. It should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked to perfection, place the steak on a paper towel to drain the excess oil before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Chicken Fried Steak with the Right Sides and Sauces
Pairing Chicken Fried Steak with the right sides and sauces can make all the difference in elevating its taste. Some popular sides that go well with Chicken Fried Steak include mashed potatoes, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. Mashed potatoes with gravy is a classic pairing and is a must-have when it comes to sides. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crispy and crunchy Chicken Fried Steak perfectly.
When it comes to the sauces, the most common ones that are paired with Chicken Fried Steak are country gravy, hot sauce, and ketchup. Country gravy is the perfect complement to Chicken Fried Steak as it brings out the flavor and adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. For spice lovers, hot sauce is a great choice as it adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish. Ketchup is a good option too, especially for those who prefer milder flavors. Overall, the right sides and sauces can elevate Chicken Fried Steak from a simple dish to a mouthwatering delight.
Wrapping Up
Chicken fried steak is an iconic dish that has gained a cult following across many regions in the United States. While the name could be considered misleading, the dish is made with tenderized beefsteak that is coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried until golden brown and then slathered with a creamy gravy. Although the dish is a relatively simple one, it requires a certain skill and attention to detail to get it just right.
The choice of meat for chicken fried steak is crucial, and it’s important to choose cuts that are not too lean. While top sirloin and cube steak are the most commonly used cuts of meat, some people may try to experiment with other cuts to get a different texture and flavor. Ultimately, the most important factor is to ensure that the meat is pound until it is thin and tender, and then coated in a savory seasoning mix before being plunged into hot oil.