Recipe for Country Fried steak from Cracker Barrel
This dish is a testament to the timeless appeal of comfort food, a culinary embrace that warms the soul. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, a recipe that has evolved over time, and a flavor profile that has captured the hearts of many.
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs boneless, cube steak
For the Gravy:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preparation:
1. Prep the Steak: Pound the cube steak to a 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Create the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Coat the Steak: Dip each piece of steak into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated steaks and cook until golden brown on both sides.
5. Make the Gravy: While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the roux turns a light brown color. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
6. Serve: Serve the country-fried steak hot with the gravy poured over top.
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Serving Ideas:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Cultural Influences:
This dish is a delightful fusion of cultures, a harmonious blend of European and American culinary traditions. The technique of breading and frying is a European import, while the hearty, meat-centric approach is quintessentially American. The result is a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a comforting classic with a global twist.
As we savor each bite of this culinary masterpiece, we embark on a journey through time and tradition. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us to our heritage and to each other.
