Hey there, food lovers! Are you tired of the same old chicken fried chicken?
Do you crave something a little more… *beefy*?
Then you've come to the right place! We're about to dive into a world of crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying chicken-fried beef recipes that will have you saying, "Why didn't I think of that?!"
But before we get to the good stuff, let me ask you this: what's the best thing about chicken-fried anything? (Hint: It's the crunchy exterior!).
So, get ready to drool, and keep reading to discover 3 of the most mouthwatering chicken-fried beef recipes you'll ever encounter. Trust us, you won't be disappointed!
3 Delicious Chicken-Fried Beef Recipes You Need to Try
Are you tired of the same old chicken-fried chicken? Craving something a little more substantial and flavorful? Look no further than chicken-fried beef, a hearty and delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. This classic Southern comfort food takes juicy, tender beef, coats it in a crispy, golden-brown crust, and serves it up with a side of creamy gravy. But don't let the simplicity fool you – chicken-fried beef is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any palate.
In this article, we'll explore three mouthwatering chicken-fried beef recipes, each with its own unique twist. From the classic buttermilk-brined cut to a spicy kick with jalapeno peppers, we'll cover all bases to help you find the perfect recipe for your next dinner party or family meal. Let's dive in and get your taste buds tingling!
The Classic Buttermilk-Brined Chicken-Fried Beef
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless beef sirloin steak, 1 inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the steak into 1-inch thick strips. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the beef strips and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Make the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
- Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place coated beef strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove chicken-fried beef strips from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality beef: Choose a tender cut, like sirloin, ribeye, or chuck eye steak, for optimal results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure enough space for the beef to cook evenly and prevent the oil from getting too cold.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own flavor profile.
Spicy Jalapeno Chicken-Fried Beef
For those who enjoy a little heat, this spicy jalapeno chicken-fried beef recipe delivers a delicious kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless beef chuck steak, 1 inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef steak into 1-inch thick strips. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and diced jalapeno. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Make the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
- Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place coated beef strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove chicken-fried beef strips from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper based on your desired spice level.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Serve with a cooling side: Balance the spice with a cool and creamy side like coleslaw or a creamy potato salad.
Chicken-Fried Beef with a Savory Mushroom Gravy
This recipe elevates the classic chicken-fried beef with a rich and flavorful mushroom gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless beef sirloin steak, 1 inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the steak into 1-inch thick strips. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the beef strips and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Make the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
- Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place coated beef strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Gravy: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove chicken-fried beef strips from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a generous scoop of the mushroom gravy and your favorite sides.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh mushrooms: Opt for cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor.
- Make the gravy ahead of time: The gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Don't overcook the mushrooms: Overcooked mushrooms will become tough and rubbery.
Chicken-Fried Beef Variations:
Here are some additional variations you can try:
- Cajun Chicken-Fried Beef: Use Cajun-style seasoning instead of salt, pepper, and paprika in the marinade.
- Italian Chicken-Fried Beef: Use a combination of Italian herbs instead of paprika in the marinade, and serve with a marinara sauce instead of gravy.
- Honey-Garlic Chicken-Fried Beef: For a sweeter and savory twist, add honey and garlic to the marinade.
FAQ:
- What type of beef is best for chicken-fried beef? Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, chuck eye, and even flat iron steak are all good choices because they withstand the frying process well.
- How long should I fry the beef? 2-3 minutes per side should be enough to achieve a crispy crust.
- What are some good sides for chicken-fried beef? Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, and mac and cheese are all classic pairings.
- Can I make chicken-fried beef ahead of time? You can fry the beef in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Chicken-fried beef is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit any preference. From classic buttermilk-brined versions to spicy jalapeno variations and savory mushroom gravy, there's a recipe for everyone to enjoy. So next time you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
Call to Action: Try one of these delicious chicken-fried beef recipes and let us know your favorite in the comments below!
So there you have it, three delicious chicken-fried beef recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're looking for a classic comfort food or something a little more adventurous, these recipes have got you covered. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your perfect combination.
Chicken-fried beef is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, try serving it with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. However, you can also get creative and serve it with rice, cornbread, or even a salad. No matter how you choose to dress it up, chicken-fried beef is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
If you're looking for a new way to spice up your weeknight dinner, give one of these chicken-fried beef recipes a try. You won't be disappointed. And be sure to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #ChickenFriedBeef. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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