CHICKEN FRIED STEAK WITH BLACK PEPPER GRAVY

My brother in law has been asking for this for quite some time. It was his birthday a few days ago, so I made it for him! One of my favorite things to do is cook someone one of their favorite meals for their birthdays. Cooking is one of my love languages, for sure!

You can serve this over just about anything! We put it over some rice, since my brother in law's mother used to make it for him this way. You can have this over mashed potatoes, on some bread, or just by itself! It is good no matter how you serve it.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK WITH BLACK PPEPER GRAVY

Ingredients:

Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 each or 1 1/4 pounds of cubed steak

• 2 cups of AP flour

• 1 Tablespoon of onion powder

• 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder

• 1 Tablespoon of chili powder

• 1 Tablespoon of salt

• 1 Tablespoon of black pepper

• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

• 2 large eggs (for binder)

• vegetable oil 24 oz or enough to shallow fry in a safe pan. I used cast iron.

Black Pepper Gravy:

• 4 cups of whole milk

• 4 Tablespoons of butter (or use pan drippings)

• 4-5 Tablespoons of AP flour

• 1 teaspoon of onion powder

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 3/4 teaspoon of salt

• 3 Tablespoons of fresh ground black pepper

Method of Preparation:

Chicken Fried Steak:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until blended.

2. Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer until it reaches 350°.

3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.

4. Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, than back to the dredge.

5. Fry until it has developed color and is done to your likeness! I flipped mine 2 or 3 times for even cooking.

6. Place on to a paper towel lined pan or plate and soak up the extra grease.

7. Serve!

Black Pepper Gravy:

1. Add butter or pan drippings to a pot and let it heat up over medium heat.

2. Add flour to the butter and mix until blended. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Slowly start to add milk while whisking. When it starts to thicken, add more.

4. Continue until all the milk is added. Add more or less to the thickness you desire.

5. Add seasonings and whisk together.

6. Let it cook enough to get the flour taste out of it and serve!

Plating and serving recommendations:

I served it over rice, but do as you please! I also added some fried shallot as garnish to give it more elevation and pop. It also added great flavor. Add more cayenne pepper for more heat, or you could even add blackened or Cajun seasoning to the dredge to give it more flavor and heat! You could also make this for breakfast and add eggs, biscuits, or your favorite breakfast sides to it!