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Crispy Country Fried Steak Recipe – Easy Southern-Style Comfort Food

This crispy country fried steak features tender cube steaks coated in a flavorful mixture of seasoned flour and crushed saltine crackers, then pan-fried until golden brown. Packed with savory garlic, onion, and steak seasoning, each piece has a crunchy exterior and a satisfying beefy center. Serve with creamy white country gravy and mashed potatoes for a comforting Southern-style dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 468
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 4-ounce packet saltine crackers, crushed
  • 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1½ teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
  • 4 4-ounce cube steaks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  2. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour, crushed saltine crackers, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breading.
  3. Dip one cube steak into the egg and milk mixture, coating both sides. Lift it out and allow the excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
  4. Transfer the steak to the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating firmly onto both sides until the steak is evenly covered.
  5. Place the breaded steak on a clean plate without stacking. Repeat the dipping and coating process with the remaining cube steaks.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  7. Carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Fry for approximately 4 minutes on the first side, until the coating becomes golden brown and crisp.
  9. Carefully turn the steaks and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the second side is golden and the meat is firm and hot throughout.
  10. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The supplied recipe specifies 160°F (70°C). Remove the steaks once they are safely cooked, and serve warm with country gravy and mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Cube steak is mechanically tenderized beef, making it suitable for quick pan-frying.
  • Crushed saltine crackers give the breading an additional crunchy texture.
  • Press the flour and cracker mixture firmly onto both sides of each steak to help it adhere during frying.
  • For the best crust, avoid overcrowding the skillet and turn the steaks carefully.
  • Creamy white country gravy and mashed potatoes are classic serving accompaniments.
  • The supplied recipe uses an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Because cube steak is mechanically tenderized, follow applicable food safety guidance and ensure the steaks are thoroughly cooked.
  • The published nutritional estimate includes the full amount of breading ingredients, although some may remain unused.
  • The frying oil calculation assumes approximately 10% oil retention. Actual oil absorption depends on cooking conditions and the amount of oil remaining in the pan.