Hey there, food lovers! Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Does the thought of cooking another night send you running for takeout?
Well, hold on to your hats because we have a recipe that's so easy, it's practically criminal. I'm talking about a recipe that requires only three ingredients, but delivers flavor that will blow your taste buds out of the water.
Intrigued? I bet you are! Keep reading to find out how to make a restaurant-quality chicken fried steak that's so good, you might just want to quit your job and open a diner.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: 3-Ingredient Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
If you're a fan of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," you know that chicken fried steak is a classic comfort food that's always a crowd-pleaser. This beloved dish is a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown breading and tender, juicy steak, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.
This article will guide you through a simple 3-ingredient chicken fried steak recipe, allowing you to recreate this iconic dish without sacrificing flavor or quality. We'll explore essential tips and tricks to ensure a perfect outcome each time, and delve into what makes this dish so special and why it continues to be a favorite across the country.
3-Ingredient Chicken Fried Steak Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, cubed steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Prepare the steak: Pat the cubed steak dry with paper towels.
- Make the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour.
- Dip and dredge: Dip each steak piece in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat the steak in the flour, ensuring it's fully covered.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large skillet or cast iron pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the steak: Carefully place the breaded steaks in the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Why a 3-Ingredient Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Works
This recipe's simplicity doesn't compromise on taste. Using just three basic ingredients highlights the key elements of chicken fried steak:
- The Cube Steak: Tenderized cube steak forms the base, providing a juicy, flavorful center.
- The Flour: The all-purpose flour creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
- The Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the flour adhere to the steak and create a flavorful, even coating.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
Achieving the ideal chicken fried steak requires understanding a few key factors:
Tenderization:
- Pound it out: Using a meat mallet to tenderize the cubed steak ensures even cooking and a softer texture.
- Salt and pepper: Season the steak with salt and pepper just before breading for optimal flavor.
Breading:
- Dry: Make sure the steak is completely dry before breading to prevent soggy breading.
- Double dip: For extra crispy results, dip the steak into the egg wash twice.
Cooking:
- Hot oil: Cooking in hot oil ensures crispy breading and prevents the steak from absorbing too much oil.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Adding too much steak to the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy breading.
Variations of the 3-Ingredient Chicken Fried Steak:
Though this recipe focuses on simplicity, you can easily personalize it:
- Seasoned flour: Add herbs and spices to the flour for a customized flavor profile.
- Milk in the eggs: Adding a splash of milk to the egg mixture creates a lighter, fluffier breading.
- Different cuts: Experiment with other cuts of meat, like thinner sirloin or even chicken breasts.
Chicken Fried Steak FAQs:
1. What's the best way to cook chicken fried steak in the oven?
Baking chicken fried steak is a great option for a less messy alternative to frying. Place your breaded steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and the steak is cooked through.
2. Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the steak and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure you refrigerate the steak on a plate lined with parchment paper to prevent the breading from sticking.
3. What are some good sides to serve with chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
4. Where can I learn more about chicken fried steak?
For more detailed information and interesting facts about chicken fried steak, check out reputable sources like:
- The National Chicken Council: https://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/
- The Southern Foodways Alliance: https://www.southernfoodways.org/
Conclusion:
The 3-ingredient chicken fried steak recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity and quality ingredients. This iconic dish brings together crispy, golden-brown breading with tender, juicy steak, making it a true comfort food favorite. With a few helpful tips and tricks, you can easily create a delicious chicken fried steak at home that's perfect for any occasion.
Call to Action:
Try this simple recipe today and share your delicious results with your friends and family!
Meta Title: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Easy 3-Ingredient Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Meta Description: Craving comfort food? Learn how to make a classic 3-ingredient chicken fried steak inspired by "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with this easy recipe.
And there you have it, folks! A classic diner dish, made simple and delicious with just three key ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time but want a satisfying meal. Feel free to get creative with your toppings. A generous helping of gravy is always a must, but you can also add a dollop of mashed potatoes, a sprinkle of jalapeƱos, or even a fried egg. Just remember, the key is to keep it simple and have fun with it!
This recipe is a great reminder that sometimes, the most delicious food is also the simplest. You don’t need a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients to create something truly satisfying. So next time you're craving a hearty meal, don't hesitate to give this 3-ingredient Chicken Fried Steak a try. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make and how much you'll love it. And who knows, maybe it will even become a new family favorite.
As always, we encourage you to experiment and make this recipe your own. Add your favorite spices, try different cuts of meat, and don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Let us know in the comments below what you think of this recipe and how you plan to customize it. Happy cooking!
Comments
Post a Comment