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Southern-Style Country-Fried Steak with Gravy

Avatar photoTim David
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • For the Steak:
  • 4 cube steaks about 5–6 oz each
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil or lard for frying (about 1½ to 2 cups)
  • For the Gravy:
  • 3 tbsp pan drippings or butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Set Up Your Breading Station
  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
  • Season cube steaks with a little salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Dredge the Steaks
  • Dip each steak into the seasoned flour, press to coat.
  • Then dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture.
  • Return to the flour for a final coat—press it in well.
  • Let the coated steaks rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Fry Until Golden
  • Heat oil or lard in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry steaks in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  • Make the Gravy
  • Pour off excess oil, keeping about 3 tbsp of drippings in the pan.
  • Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until thickened (about 5 mins).
  • Season generously with black pepper and salt to taste.
  • 🍽️ How to Serve
  • Serve the steaks hot, smothered in that silky white gravy. Pair with:
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Buttery biscuits
  • Green beans or coleslaw
  • Or spoon over creamy grits for a Southern twist!

Notes

  • Let breaded steaks rest before frying—this helps the crust stick.
  • Don’t crowd the pan! Fry in batches for crispiness.
  • Check oil temp—350°F is your sweet spot.
  • Use whole milk for the creamiest gravy.
  • No drippings? Sub in butter for that rich, smooth gravy base.