Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak. A golden-fried masterpiece, a monument to comfort food, a legend whispered amongst hungry patrons. The juicy, tender steak enveloped in a crispy, flavorful batter, smothered in a rich and creamy gravy – it’s a dish that ignites taste bud memories and beckons for a return visit. But what if I told you that you don’t have to wait for your next trip to Texas Roadhouse to enjoy this culinary delight? With this Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe, you can recreate that restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen.
This recipe isn’t just about mimicking the taste – it’s about capturing the essence of what makes the Texas Roadhouse chicken fried steak so darn good. We’ll guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect cut of steak to creating a gravy that’s both smooth and bursting with savory flavor. We’ll also offer tips and tricks for achieving that signature golden-fried perfection, ensuring your chicken fried steak is crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside.
So, grab your favorite cast iron skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak! It’s a dish that’s sure to leave you satisfied and maybe even a little bit proud of your culinary skills.
Ingredients For Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Before we dive headfirst into the world of buttermilk baths and sizzling skillets, let’s assemble the necessary ingredients and equipment. Having everything prepped and ready to go will ensure a smooth and successful cooking experience, leaving you with a plate of juicy, tender, and perfectly golden-fried Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak.
Ingredients
- For the Steak
- 2 pounds cube steak (thinly sliced or pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Required Equipment
- Meat mallet (optional, if your cube steak isn’t already thin enough)
- Shallow dish or plate
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Cast iron skillet or large heavy-bottomed pan
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk or gravy whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Required Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes (depending on steak thickness)
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Step By Step Instructions For Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Now that you’ve assembled your ingredients and equipment, it’s time to transform those cube steaks into golden-fried masterpieces! This recipe breaks down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can achieve that restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak experience at home. So, crank up the tunes, grab your apron, and let’s get frying!
- Tenderize the Steaks: The first step is to ensure your steaks are nice and tender. If you’re using pre-cut cube steak, it’s likely already thin enough. However, if the steaks are a bit thicker, you can use a meat mallet to pound them to a uniform thickness of about ¼ inch. This ensures even cooking and a delightful tenderness throughout the steak. Season the steaks with salt and black pepper.
- Craft the Flavorful Batter: In your large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the batter: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (adjust the amount for your desired spice level), dried thyme, and dried oregano. This blend creates the base of the crispy coating, with the paprika adding a touch of smokiness and the herbs infusing the steak with savory flavor.
- Prepare the Buttermilk Bath: In your shallow dish or plate, pour in the buttermilk. This will act as the “glue” that binds the dry batter to the steak. Buttermilk also adds a slight tanginess and helps tenderize the meat further.
- Double Dip for Double Deliciousness: Here’s where the magic happens! Dredge (completely coat) each seasoned steak in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Then, dunk the flour-coated steak into the buttermilk bath, submerging it completely. Let the steak soak for a few seconds to allow the buttermilk to coat it evenly. Finally, dredge the steak back in the flour mixture, pressing gently to create a good, even coating. This double-dipping technique creates a thicker, crispier batter that perfectly adheres to the steak for that signature Texas Roadhouse texture.
- Heat Up the Skillet: Now it’s time to get that cast iron skillet sizzling! Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Aim for the oil to be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a good test is to flick a few drops of water into the oil. If they sizzle and pop immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the coated steak into the hot oil using tongs. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry the steaks in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent them from sticking together. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the steak should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried steak from the oil and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Whip Up the Savory Gravy: While the steaks are resting, it’s time to create that rich and delicious gravy. In the same skillet you used for frying (discarding most of the leftover oil), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux (a paste made from fat and flour). Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it becomes golden brown. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens slightly. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Season the gravy with salt to taste.
- Assemble and Devour: Serve your golden-fried steak on a plate, smothered with the warm and savory gravy. Pair it with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese – for a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Now, dig in and enjoy that homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak experience you created yourself!
Tips For Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Now that you’ve mastered the basic steps for creating this delicious dish, here are some insider tips to elevate your homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak to the next level:
- Steak Selection: Choose a good quality cut of meat for the best results. Cube steak, also known as minute steak, is traditionally used for chicken fried steak due to its affordability and tenderness. Look for cube steak that has a nice marbling throughout, which adds flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find cube steak, thin flank steak or round steak can be substituted, but you may need to pound them even thinner to ensure even cooking.
- Temperature Talk: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the steak cooks through. Conversely, oil that’s not hot enough will result in greasy, soggy steak. Invest in a candy thermometer for precise control, or test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb in.
- Batch It Up: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and leads to unevenly cooked or soggy steaks. Fry the steaks in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy perfection.
- Let It Rest: After frying the steaks, let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving.
- Customize Your Gravy: The gravy is a blank canvas for flavor exploration! Feel free to add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the roux for an herbal twist. For a touch of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the finished gravy.
- Leftover Love: Leftover chicken-fried steak can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy leftover steak diced up in an omelet or breakfast tacos for a delicious and creative twist.
Serving Tips Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Your homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak is a masterpiece of crispy goodness, smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. But how can you elevate it from a delicious meal to a show-stopping centerpiece? Here are some creative serving tips to transform your plate into a restaurant-worthy presentation:
- The Classic Comfort Trio: Pair your chicken-fried steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a timeless and satisfying combination. This trio offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, with the creamy mashed potatoes contrasting perfectly with the crispy steak and the green beans adding a touch of freshness.
- A Touch of Southern Charm: For a Southern-inspired twist, serve your chicken-fried steak with a side of cheesy grits and stewed tomatoes. The creamy grits provide a comforting base for the steak, while the stewed tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness.
- Mashed Potato Power: Who says mashed potatoes have to be plain? Elevate your side dish by whipping up garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic. These flavorful variations complement the richness of the chicken-fried steak perfectly.
- Veggie Medley Magic: Don’t be limited to just one vegetable side! Create a colorful and vibrant veggie medley by roasting a combination of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a delightful accompaniment to the savory steak.
- Garnishing Greatness: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate. You can also get creative with sliced red onion or crumbled blue cheese for a touch of something different.
Nutrition in Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Let’s face it, sometimes a plate of chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy is pure comfort food bliss. But for those who are health-conscious or following a specific diet, it’s always helpful to be aware of the nutritional content of what you’re eating. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak (based on a single serving with a cube steak and gravy):
- Calories: Due to the frying process, breading, and gravy, Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak is a calorie-dense dish. One serving can pack around 800-1000 calories, depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
- Fat: The majority of calories come from fat, typically around 50-70 grams per serving. This includes saturated fat, which is important to consume in moderation.
- Carbohydrates: The breading on the steak and the gravy contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates to the dish, around 70-100 grams per serving. While some of this comes from fiber in the flour, the majority are refined carbohydrates.
- Protein: Chicken-fried steak offers a decent amount of protein, typically around 40-50 grams per serving. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal option.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, which can be high due to the use of salty ingredients like soy sauce and processed cheese (often found in gravy mixes). A serving can contain around 1,500-2,000 milligrams of sodium.
Conclusion
With this Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe in your arsenal, you can create that restaurant-worthy experience right at home. This recipe empowers you to not only enjoy that crispy, flavorful steak smothered in delicious gravy, but also to customize it to your liking.
So crank up the tunes, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings and leave you feeling happy and content. Remember, while this dish might not be the healthiest option for every day, it’s a delightful occasional indulgence. Savor the flavors, enjoy the company, and embrace the feeling of accomplishment for creating this classic dish in your own kitchen. After all, there’s something truly special about a meal made with love and a little bit of Texas Roadhouse inspiration.
FAQs
What is the secret to Texas Roadhouse steaks?
The secret to Texas Roadhouse steaks lies in several factors: using high-quality cuts of meat, proper aging to enhance flavor and tenderness, seasoning with their signature blend of spices, and expert grilling or broiling techniques to achieve the perfect level of doneness.
How do you keep the batter on chicken-fried steak?
To keep the batter on chicken-fried steak, ensure that the steak is properly coated with flour before dipping it into the batter. Additionally, pressing the flour into the steak and allowing it to rest before frying can help the batter adhere better.
What cut of meat is chicken-fried steak made from?
Chicken-fried steak is typically made from tenderized cuts of beef, such as cube steak or round steak. These cuts are pounded thin to tenderize them further and then coated in seasoned flour, dipped in an egg wash, and coated in breadcrumbs or batter before frying.
Why is chicken-fried steak soggy?
Chicken-fried steak can become soggy if it’s not properly drained after frying or if it’s placed on a paper towel-lined plate, which can trap moisture and create steam. To prevent sogginess, place the cooked chicken-fried steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drain and air to circulate, which helps maintain crispiness.
Jacqueline Birnbaum is a recipe blog writer at prokitchenchef.com, specializing in crafting copycat recipes inspired by famous restaurant chains. Passionate about recreating beloved flavors, she invites readers to savor their favorite dishes from the comfort of homes.