Ree's Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic

Chicken-fried steak is a quintessential Southern comfort food, a dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and gatherings around the dinner table. Ree Drummond, known as "The Pioneer Woman," has perfected her version of this beloved recipe, complete with crispy, golden-brown steak smothered in rich gravy. Follow along as we recreate Ree's Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy, a hearty and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup pan drippings (from frying the steaks)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak:

   • Begin by seasoning the cube steaks with seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • In a shallow dish, combine the flour with additional seasoned salt and black pepper.
   • In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

2. Coat and Fry the Steak:

   • Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip the floured steaks into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
   • Coat the steaks once again in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere.
   • Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
   • Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

3. Make the Gravy:

   • Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pan drippings from frying the steaks.
   • In the same skillet, whisk in the flour with the pan drippings over medium heat to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant.
   • Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Cook the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

   • Place the chicken-fried steaks on serving plates and generously spoon the gravy over the top.
   • Serve hot, alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.

Conclusion: Ree Drummond's Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy is a timeless dish that brings together crispy, tender steak with a creamy, flavorful gravy. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its classic Southern charm and irresistible taste. Enjoy the comforting flavors of home cooking with this delicious dish