Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak are popular dishes that are made with steak, but what is the difference between the two? Although they may seem very similar, there are a few key differences between the two dishes when it comes to their preparation and ingredients.
Both Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak are Southern staples that are made by coating a steak in batter and frying it until crispy. However, Chicken Fried Steak is typically made with a beef cutlet, while Country Fried Steak can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, or chicken. Additionally, the breading for Chicken Fried Steak often includes a mix of flour, salt, and pepper, while the breading for Country Fried Steak may also include other spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
Origin and History of Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak and country fried steak are two popular dishes in the southern region of the United States. They are both made with a tenderized beef cutlet that is fried until golden brown and crispy. However, the origin and history of these dishes have caused some confusion and controversy.
According to popular belief, chicken fried steak was invented in Texas in the early 20th century. It is said that German immigrants who settled in the area had a love for schnitzel, a dish made with a breaded and fried cutlet of meat. To accommodate the beef-loving Texans, they adapted the recipe and started using beef instead of pork, and thus, chicken fried steak was born. On the other hand, country fried steak is believed to have originated in the southern states and is a simpler version of chicken fried steak without the use of breadcrumbs or seasoning in the batter.
Despite the differences in origin, both chicken fried steak and country fried steak remain a popular comfort food in the southern region, with slight variations in seasoning, breading, and gravy.
Ingredients and Preparation of Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak and country fried steak may seem similar, but they have distinct differences in their ingredients and preparation. To start with, chicken fried steak is made from a cut of steak, typically round steak, that is pounded thin and then breaded and fried. It is usually served with a cream or béchamel sauce and is called “chicken fried” because it is fried in the same manner as fried chicken.
On the other hand, country fried steak is also made from a cut of steak, but it can be any type of steak, not just round steak. It is also pounded thin, but it is usually coated in flour instead of breadcrumbs before being fried. It is typically served with a brown gravy and is called “country fried” because it is often seen as a staple in southern comfort food. Both dishes are delicious and satisfying, but knowing the differences in their ingredients and preparation can help you choose which one to order or make at home.
Key Differences in Seasoning and Breading Techniques
The seasoning and breading techniques used for chicken fried steak and country fried steak differ slightly, making them distinct dishes. For chicken fried steak, the meat is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then dipped in milk or buttermilk before being coated again in flour and fried. The seasoning typically includes salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, among other spices.
On the other hand, country fried steak is typically seasoned with salt, buttermilk, and eggs before being coated in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs. The emphasis is on the crispy outer layer, with the crumb mixture creating a texture that differs slightly from chicken fried steak. Additionally, country fried steak may be served with a white gravy or brown gravy, while chicken fried steak is often paired with cream or pepper gravy. Overall, while the differences in seasoning and breading may be subtle, they make a difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Regional Variations in Serving and Presentation of Each Dish
Chicken fried steak and country fried steak have regional variations when it comes to serving and presentation of the dish. In Texas, chicken fried steak is frequently served with a side of mashed potatoes and brown gravy. In other southern states, it may be served with white gravy, whereas in Oklahoma and Arkansas, it may be topped with a cream gravy.
Country fried steak, on the other hand, is typically served with a side of vegetables such as green beans or corn and a biscuit or cornbread. In some regions, it may also be served with white gravy or a tomato-based sauce. However, it is important to note that these differences in serving and presentation are not set in stone, and can vary depending on the individual restaurant or chef’s personal preferences. Regardless, both chicken fried steak and country fried steak are beloved comfort foods in the southern United States.
Nutritional Comparison of Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak and country fried steak may appear similar, but there are differences in their recipes and naming. When it comes to the nutritional comparison of both, it’s important to note that both dishes are high in calories and fat due to the frying process. However, chicken fried steak tends to be slightly healthier than its counterpart, country fried steak.
Chicken fried steak is made using a breaded and fried thin cut of beef served with a peppery white gravy. It contains slightly fewer calories and less fat than country fried steak as the former uses a leaner cut of meat, such as bottom round, and is often served with a gravy that is made with milk or buttermilk. On the other hand, country fried steak is made with a thicker cut of meat, often a ribeye or top round, which is coated with flour and fried. It is served with a brown gravy made using meat drippings, which adds to its calorie and fat content.
Popular Accompaniments and Sides for Each Dish
When it comes to popular accompaniments and sides for chicken fried steak and country fried steak, both dishes share a few similar options. For instance, mashed potatoes and gravy are a staple side dish that pairs incredibly well with either version of the dish. Many people also like to serve green beans, corn, or collard greens as a nutritious side dish that complements the hearty steak.
However, there are a few differences in the sides and accompaniments that people prefer depending on where they are served. You may find that chicken fried steak is often served with biscuits or Texas toast, whereas country fried steak may come with cornbread or hushpuppies. Additionally, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or baked beans may also be preferred sides for country fried steak. Ultimately, your preferred dish and region will dictate which sides and accompaniments will pair best with your meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak at Home.
Making the perfect chicken fried steak or country fried steak at home might seem like a daunting task, but with the following tips, you can easily whip up a tasty and crispy steak. First and foremost, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, including steak, flour, eggs, milk, and spices.
Next, it’s important to tenderize your steak properly before dipping it into the batter. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it’s evenly thin, then season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. When preparing the batter, make sure to mix the dry ingredients well to avoid any lumps, and add in the wet ingredients slowly while stirring to create a smooth and consistent batter. Finally, when frying the steak, make sure the oil is hot enough and that you cook it until it’s crispy and golden brown. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and satisfying chicken fried steak or country fried steak in the comfort of your own home.
Final Words
The difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak is quite apparent when you look at the ingredients used and the method of preparation. While both dishes are quite similar in appearance, chicken fried steak is made with tenderized beef cutlets that are coated with a batter made using buttermilk, flour and spices. On the other hand, country fried steak is typically made with a tougher cut of beef that is pounded thin, coated in seasoned flour, and pan-fried.
Despite the differences between these two dishes, both remain popular across the United States and are often enjoyed as comfort food. While chicken fried steak is more commonly found in Texas and other southern states, country fried steak is often a staple in diners and roadside restaurants across America. So whether you’re a fan of chicken fried steak or country fried steak, both dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious down-home cooking.