If you love comfort food that’s crispy, tender, and downright addictive, then you are going to adore this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe. This Southern classic combines juicy beef steak soaked in a tangy buttermilk bath, then coated in a flavorful, seasoned crust that fries up golden and crunchy. Each bite delivers an irresistible mix of textures and spices that’ll have you coming back for seconds without hesitation. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish brings warmth and hearty satisfaction to the table.

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe? The ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tenderizing tang of buttermilk to the spice blend that gives the crust its character, every component is a must-have for success.

1 pound beef steak (round steak or cube steak): The star of the dish, ideally tenderized for the best bite.
1 cup buttermilk: This tangy marinade not only tenderizes the steak but also adds a subtle depth of flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The essential base for the crispy coating that seals in juices.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to help the flour stick and create a rich crust.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the crust perfectly.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and earthiness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory aroma that elevates the crust’s taste.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness to the coating.
2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying): The key to that irresistible, golden crispiness.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by soaking your beef steak in the buttermilk for at least one hour, though overnight is even better if you can plan ahead. This tenderizing soak ensures every bite of your steak stays juicy and flavorful under that crispy crust. The acidity in the buttermilk breaks down the proteins gently, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s pure bliss.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

While your steak marinates, mix together the flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. This combination is simple yet packs a flavorful punch that will create the delicious golden crust your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe is known for. The paprika also gives a beautiful warm color that’s very inviting.

Step 3: Dip and Dredge the Steak

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Remove each piece of marinated steak from the buttermilk, dip it first into the egg mixture to help the coating stick better, then dredge it into the seasoned flour until well coated on all sides. This double-layer of binding and flouring is the secret to that unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each coated steak into the hot oil, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll want to watch closely for that perfect golden brown crust—which signals the ideal balance of crispy outside and tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once perfectly fried, transfer your chicken fried steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This final step keeps the crust crisp and avoids sogginess. From here, you’re ready to serve your crispy masterpiece with homemade gravy and your favorite classic sides!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe

Garnishes

While the steak itself steals the spotlight, simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that brighten the dish. A drizzle of creamy country gravy on top elevates every bite into pure decadence and brings out the seasoned crust’s full flavor.

Side Dishes

The best companions for the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe are classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or buttery corn on the cob. These sides complement the hearty steak’s rich flavors and balance the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or shake things up? Serve the steak sliced over a bed of fluffy grits or wrapped inside warm buttermilk biscuits with a dollop of sausage gravy. For a lighter option, pair with a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness and add wonderful peppery notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust crispy, avoid covering the steak in gravy until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month and defrosted overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that delightful crunch when reheating, bake the steak in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. This method revives the crispy coating perfectly without drying out the tender steak inside.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

This particular Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe is designed for beef steaks, but if you want to switch to chicken, you’ll need to adjust cooking times and possibly marinating duration to keep the meat juicy and tender.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Round steak or cube steak (which is usually pre-tenderized) works best. These cuts are affordable and tenderize beautifully with the buttermilk marinade, ensuring a juicy, flavorful base for the crunchy coating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s suitable for frying. The result is just as crispy and delicious if you’re attentive to the flour and seasoning substitutions.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While marinating overnight yields the most tender and flavorful results, even one hour in buttermilk will make a noticeable difference compared to skipping the marinade altogether.

How do I make homemade gravy to go with this steak?

Use the pan drippings from frying the steak to make a simple country gravy by whisking in a bit of flour, milk, salt, and pepper over medium heat until thickened. It’s the perfect rich topper for the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like the satisfying crunch and tender bite of this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe. It’s a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug on a plate and is surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Take your taste buds on a joyful ride—grab the ingredients, get marinating, and make this classic Southern favorite tonight!

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Buttermilk Marinade Recipe

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4.2 from 76 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Classic Southern-style chicken fried steak featuring tender beef steak marinated in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Served traditionally with homemade gravy, this hearty dish offers a flavorful, crispy crust and juicy interior, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak

1 pound beef steak (round steak or cube steak)
1 cup buttermilk

For the Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

For Frying

2 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

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Instructions

Marinate the steak: Place the beef steak in a bowl and cover with 1 cup of buttermilk. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the seasoning mix: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Coat the steak: Beat the eggs in another bowl. Remove the marinated steak from the buttermilk, dip first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the surface to create a thick coating.
Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable or canola oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature for perfect frying.
Fry the steak: Carefully place the coated steak in the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
Drain and serve: Remove the fried steak from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with homemade gravy and your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes or green beans.