chicken fried steak

[cptx]

anyone got any tips or tricks? maybe a tried and true recipe?

i can't get mine to turn out right. they're good, but not right

i can cook pretty much anything, but this one is my nemisis.

[Starscream]

Cracker Barrel

[cptx]

god no

[Jbro]

Never knew of any chicken fried steak that was right.

[cptx]

that sucks

[LifeisaGarden]

I don't follow a recipe, I just throw in stuff here & there until it's right. But this recipe looks like it's very similar to how I make it.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/The-Best-Chicken-Fried-Steak/Detail.aspx

Instead of following the 1st step in the recipe, I just mix all the dry ingredients in with the flour. I don't use the eggs, baking soda or baking powder. I use self rising flour. Mix the hot sauce with the buttermilk. Dip the meat into the flour first, then into the buttermilk and then back into the flour. Before you coat the meat, make sure to taste the flour to make sure it's seasoned well enough for your liking.

You don't have to use shortening to fry in, you can use canola or vegetable oil. You also don't have to use a cast iron skillet although it does seem to make the food taste better imo. I also like to deep fry instead of pan fry, I have a special cast aluminum pot that I use.

As far as the gravy goes, I usually use a mixture of half water & half milk instead of using only milk. Fresh cracked pepper & salt to taste added to the gravy after it's thickened.

[cptx]

I don't follow a recipe, I just throw in stuff here & there until it's right.

yeah thats pretty much how i do it lol.

thx for the link and stuff tho. ill try it out. my main problem is getting the crust right.

[LifeisaGarden]

What is it about the crust that is giving you a problem?

I generally like to let the breaded meat rest in the fridge for a while so I can get other things started & prepared. This seems to help the crust adhere to the meat better and makes it crispier too.

[cptx]

seems like the outside gets too done before the meat is cooked. like dark brown. im lookin for a light golden crust with a well done steak inside. is that possible?

maybe i need to play w temps. i use a cast iron skillet. i could be using too much heat.

i usually let any meat come to room temp before cooking, one recipe i saw said flour the meat the night before. that seems to be similar to what you're saying.

[LifeisaGarden]

Yes, this sounds like you're frying at a too high temp for sure. I suggest trying the deep fry method and use a thermometer. I find it easier maintaining a constant temp with deep frying rather than pan frying. Spices will cause your crust to turn dark too if you're using things like cayenne.

Do you pound your meat to thin it out some before coating it? (yes I know twss)

This is probably a good recipe too,

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chicken-fried-steak-recipe/index.html

[LifeisaGarden]

The best temperature is 350 to 375 degrees F for frying.

[cptx]

alton brown is awesome. cant believe i missed that episode.

another thing is i havent tried putting too much flavor in the crust. just salt usually.

[LifeisaGarden]

I love alton brown. I DVR all his episodes, the new ones & the old ones. lol

[cptx]

have you tried brining and cooking a turkey like he did? ive done it the last 2 years they are great.