Chicken Fried Steak without Buttermilk

This chicken fried steak without buttermilk is a dairy free version of the Southern classic! It is easy to make and delicious.

Chicken fried steak is a Southern favorite made from tenderized beef cutlets, which is then cooked like fried chicken and covered in country gravy.

However, like chicken fried chicken and Maryland fried Chicken, it has country gravy poured over it.

It is often served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

While buttermilk is a common ingredient in chicken fried steak, it is not a must, and this chicken fried steak is made without buttermilk.

History of Chicken Fried Steak

The origin of chicken fried steak is unknown, but it came from German and Austrian immigrants and to Texas.

They brought the concept of the Wiener schnitzel, which is a fried breaded veal cutlet.

By the the late 1800s, many regional cookbooks featured recipes for what we now call chicken-fried steak.

However, the earliest known use of the name "chicken-fried steak" is from a restaurant advertisement in the 19 June 1914 edition of the Colorado Springs Gazette newspaper.

Then, in 1943, an American cookbook featured a recipe for Wiener schnitzel, including a version of country gravy.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fried Steak 

• Pound the steak thin.  A thin steak will cook quicker and be less chewy
• Press the flour into the meat. The first time you dredge the steaks into the flour, use the heel of your hand to really press it in. That way, the coating will adhere better.
• Spoon hot oil over the steaks in the pan. You don't need to deep fry the chicken-fried steaks. You can easily shallow fry them in less oil. Help firm up the coating on top by spooning hot oil over the top before flipping the steaks.
• Use a warming oven. After you fry the steaks, keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you make the gravy.

Use the Drippings in the Pan to Make Gravy 

Chicken fried steak is usually served with country gravy, made with some of the drippings from the pan.

After you cook the steaks and while you are keeping them warm, remove all but the fat from the pan except what is called for in the country gravy recipe.

Why is it called chicken fried steak?

Chicken fried steak is called chicken fried steak because it is made the same way you'd make fried chicken.

Whats the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?

There is no difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak. They are just two different names for the same dish, just like country gravy and white gravy are the same thing.

What should I serve with chicken fried steak?

First of all, chicken fried steak should always be served with country gravy. Mashed potatoes and green beans are also common sides.

What veggie goes with chicken fried steak?

Green beans, peas, and fried okra are all commonly served with chicken fried steak.

What meat is chicken fried steak made with?

Chicken fried steak is made with cube meat.

How do you tenderize meat for chicken fried steak?

To tenderize the meat, pound it with a mallet or rolling pin.

Is Chicken Fried Steak Dairy?

Yes, chicken fried steak is dairy because buttermilk or milk are usually called for. Oftentimes, butter is called for as well.

In addition, the country gravy that is poured over the chicken fried steak is usually made using milk and butter.

However, this recipe for chicken fried steak is dairy free.

IS KOSHER Meat BETTER?

Kosher animals are kept in better conditions than non-kosher animals due to strict kosher health requirements of the animals.

Also, the salting process used as part of the process of making meat kosher is similar to dry brining, and therefore produces a better quality meat.

While I’ve only eaten kosher meat and so I cannot compare, I’ve been told by non-Jews who do not keep kosher that they’ve noticed that kosher meat is of superior quality to cook with.

SHOULD YOU WASH Meat?

According to the USDA, you should not wash meat or poultry because water can splash bacteria up to 3 feet surrounding your sink.

A study done by Drexel University shows that it is best to move meat and poultry directly from package to pan.  The heat from cooking will get rid any bacteria that may be present.

HOW CAN I CLEAN MY meat WITHOUT WASHING IT?

If you want to clean your meat without washing it, wipe it down with a wet paper towel.

Just make sure the paper towel doesn't touch anything else and to toss the paper towel right away.

HOW TO DEFROST Meat

IN THE FRIDGE

Defrosting meat in the fridge is the most highly recommended.

To do this, place the frozen meat in a pan and let it thaw. Oftentimes when meat thaws, it releases liquids that can leak onto your fridge, so the pan is really helpful.

Meat typically takes a full day to thaw. Once thawed, it can remain in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking.

IN COLD WATER

Defrosting meat in water should take two to three hours.  

Submerge your sealed meat in a pot or bowl full of cold water.  Change out the water every 30 minutes or so. 

Do not use hot water because it can start cooking your meat.

Can you cook FROZEN meat?

According to the USDA, you can cook frozen meat.  It will take 50% longer to cook, but it’s an option. 

You should also cook it on a roasting rack or over vegetables so that the heat can circulate around the meat.

IS IT SAFE TO REFREEZE RAW meat?

According to the USDA, “food thawed in the refrigerator is safe to refreeze without cooking.”  However, you do lose quality when refreezing previously defrosted meat. 

Every time you defrost meat, it loses moisture as it thaws, which also leads to a loss in flavor.  To compensate for this, marinate the meat to add more flavor and juice.

The USDA also says not to “refreeze any foods left outside the refrigerator longer than 2 hours; 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F.”

SHOULD YOU BRINE meat?

Brining actually doesn’t do anything to help meat.  In fact, it makes it soggy rather than juicy, with watered-down flavor. 

Aromatic brines and stock don’t help with flavor either.  This is because the salt pulls water molecules in, leaving most of the flavor behind.

DRY BRINING

A dry brine, on the other hand, loosens up muscle fibers, allowing them to retain more moisture without adding any excess liquid. 

Initially, the salt draws moisture out, then it dissolves in this liquid, creating a concentrated brine, which eventually gets reabsorbed.  This leads to more intensely flavored results.

An added benefit is that it also requires less space and mess than a water brine.  Not to mention the fact that it allows for crispier skin. 

CAN YOU DRY BRINE KOSHER MEAT?

Food experts are often under the impression that kosher meat and poultry cannot be brined or dry brined. 

This is because of the koshering process, which involves salting the meat.  However, the process is not nearly as long as the dry brining process, and unlike a dry brine, the meat is soaked to remove the salt.

So, since the process is different than a dry brine, it is fine and even recommended to dry brine kosher poultry and meat.

How do you dry brine meat?

Begin by patting the meat with paper towels. This will help the salt adhere to the meat.

Grab pinches of kosher salt and sprinkle it over the meat until the meat is generously salted and evenly coated.

Place the dry-brined meat on a rack or a plate and refrigerate it. Refrigerate meat for 45 minutes to 48 hours.

Once the waiting period is up, there is no need to rinse off the meat. Just cook it as usual.

HOW TO STORE MEAT

Once cooled, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Store for 3 to 4 days.

HOW TO FREEZE MEAT

Freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.  Place in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. 

Freeze for up to 6 months.  After that, it is still safe to eat but the quality begins to degrade.