Chicken Fried Steak with Cracked Pepper Gravy
Ingredients
Steaks:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon water
4 cube steaks
Cracked Pepper Gravy:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Prepare the dredge by blending the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Set aside.
Mix the eggs and water with a whisk in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a deep, heavy skillet, heat 1/4 inch oil to 350 degrees F.
While the oil is heating, prepare the steaks by dredging them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
Dip the meat into the egg, and then again in the flour, evenly coating so it is dry on the outside.
When the oil reaches 350F, gently slide one steak into the hot oil. Cook the steak about 4 minutes.
Turn it and cook the meat 4 more minutes, or until it is is nicely golden browned. Drain the cooked steak on paper towels. Repeat with the other steaks.
Hold the cooked steaks in a 225 degrees F oven until all steaks are done.
Cracked Pepper Gravy:
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan.
Whisk in the flour. Continually whisk until the flour cooks, becoming a fragrant light brown.
Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk to keep lumps from forming. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer gravy (do not let it boil) for 10 minutes to cook and reduce.
