On October 26 we celebrate, National Chicken Fried Steak Day a day to celebrate savoury dishes with a crispy, golden coating on tender, juicy beef, smothered in rich, creamy gravy. It’s a delightful blend of crunchy texture and smooth, seasoned flavour. Have you ever tasted, Chicken Fried Steak If not then you must try it now and don’t miss the chance to have Chicken Fried Steak on October 26.
History of National Chicken Fried Steak Day
Chicken fried steak is simply described as a thin, round cut of beef that is mostly used in bread and fry. However, most folks serve it up with mashed potatoes and cream gravy for it extra taste of the dish.
Did you know one of the main reasons for chicken fried steak’s popularity certainly stems from the great publicity it generated? Whether you call it chicken fried steak, pan-fried steak or country fried steak; an early mention of this dish allegedly appears in the year 1924.
Where, writer A.L. Wyman describes the dish in the “Los Angeles Times” as ”beef steak rolled in flour, fried in a pan, and served with country gravy being poured on a hot platter and the fried steak placed over it.”
However, later on, recipes show up in publications like the “Winnipeg Free Press” in 1936 and the “Household Searchlight Recipe Book” in 1949. Hungry yet?
This carnivore’s delight gains popularity with three different regional versions of chicken fried steak in Texas. However, the East Texas version dips the meat in egg followed by flour.
Also, did you know that in Central Texas, bread crumbs replace flour and in West Texas, there’s no egg-dipping at all?
Later on by year 2011, Lamesa, Texas launched its “Lamesa Original Chicken-Fried Festival” in commemoration of the chicken fried steak centennial. As of 2024, we crown it as the forerunner of the current National Chicken Fried Steak Day.
| 1911 (Chicken fried accident?) | Jimmy Don Perkins, a short-order cook in Lamesa, Texas, accidentally creates chicken fried steak by mixing up a chicken order and a steak order (or so one of the stories go). |
| 1924 (Chicken fried steak recipe in print for the first time) | The Los Angeles Times printed a recipe for chicken fried steak. |
| 1988 (Chicken fried steak became an official meal) | Oklahoma made chicken fried steak — among other dishes — part of its official state meal. |
| 2011 (Celebrating a centennial anniversary) | The “Lamesa Original Chicken Fried Festival,” an inaugural celebration in Lamesa, Texas, marked 100 years since the recipe was invented there. |
Recipe- Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs or additional flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (from frying)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place 1/2 cup of flour in a shallow dish.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- In a third shallow dish, place the seasoned bread crumbs or remaining flour.
- Dredge each steak in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the steak into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat the steak with the bread crumbs or remaining flour, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a small bit of flour; it should sizzle), carefully add the steaks.
- Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- In the same skillet used for frying (with remaining oil), reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s lightly browned and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy.
- Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
3 Facts about Chicken Fried Steak
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Pan fry vs. deep-fry- Well, as the name suggests, frying is a given, but what’s the best way to do it? However, some enthusiasts will argue that frying in a pan is the only way, but those who deep-fry say their way is best.
- White cream vs. brown gravy- The two most common sauces to choose from for chicken fried steak are a white cream sauce or a brown gravy sauce. Die-hard chicken fried steak eaters will (happily) debate to the death why theirs is the best one.
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You say coleslaw, we say biscuits — However everyone says potatoes -Mashed potatoes as a side dish are a given when it comes to chicken fried steak, but many people also enjoy it with collard greens, grilled corn on the cob, fried okra, green beans, and spinach — just to name a few.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken fried steak is a quintessential comfort food or dish that combines a crispy, golden-breaded beef steak with a rich, creamy gravy. Which has savoury, indulgent flavours and satisfying texture making it a beloved dish in Southern cuisine and beyond. Also celebrating National Chicken Fried Steak Day on October 26, 2024, is a great opportunity to enjoy this classic dish, whether you’re cooking it at home or dining out. It’s a delicious reminder of how simple ingredients, prepared with care, can come together to create a truly comforting meal.
