This Southern favorite was first introduced in the 1950s at the Cracker Barrel Country Store in Lebanon , TN .
The restaurant still serves the same recipe nearly 50 years later, and it is no wonder why this dish remains a popular favorite.
In our article on recipes for fish and seafood , we show you how to make crab cakes.
Now we’re back with a delicious recipe for our next food: Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak .
What type of meat is used for Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak ?
Like our crab cakes, Country Fried Steak is made with a mix of ground beef and fatback.
The meat is seasoned with salt and pepper and then shaped into patties .
The steaks are fried and the excess oil is drained off , leaving behind a crispy, golden brown exterior.
The Country Fried Steak recipe on the Cracker Barrel website calls for ground chuck instead of a leaner cut like sirloin tip or eye of round .
This is because the steaks are then coated in white breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal.
The two ingredients can create a dry coating for the meat .
Fats are generally used to add moisture and a crackling crust to the meat.
White breadcrumbs also bind well in the coating, so they can be used in place of cornmeal or instant flour.
However , if you prefer your Country Fried Steak recipe to be a bit drier, you can coat the steaks with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal per pound of meat.
What are the ingredients needed to make Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak ?
Crisco shortening is used for frying the steak , and a fine grade of black pepper is added to help give the steak an extra kick .
Cornmeal provides the coating for the steak and adds a nice crunchy texture.
The country fried steak is smothered in a savory creamy gravy that adds great flavor to the steaks .
The gravy has plenty of savory seasoning , including some caraway seeds.
This recipe uses lard to fry the steak because it produces a crispier crust when used in place of oil.
For more information on how to prepare Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak , read on below.
Cracker Barrel uses an all-purpose breading that is made with egg, flour, cornstarch and seasoned with seasonings .
The coating is then formed into patties before being fried in deep fat , creating a golden brown crust.
This type of breading is great for quick appetizers like these crispy shrimp po’boys.
How long should the Country Fried Steak be cooked for ?
The Country Fried Steak is traditionally cooked for well over an hour, but that’s not necessary.
The key to this recipe is to keep the meat moist and tender, so it’s just as delicious served a little on the rare side as well.
If you prefer the meat a little more well done , you can cook it for a little longer .
How much butter is needed to cook the Country Fried Steak ?
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak contains a whopping five ingredients , a lot of which will be used in the preparation and cooking process.
We’re going to provide you with the necessary information to make this dish:
4 pound boneless beef steak
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 cup cornmeal
We’re going to highlight how much butter is needed for this recipe.
There’s no need to go through the long list of ingredients here because it won’t change from one recipe to the next.
You can always substitute other oils for some of the butter or you can add more if desired .
What type of seasoning should be used to season the Country Fried Steak ?
This recipe calls for both seasonings and a seasoning called “zesty bread .”
It’s important to use the correct seasoning if you’re going to perfect this recipe.
Here’s a look at what type of seasoning you can put on your steak.
What vegetables should be added to the skillet when cooking the Country Fried Steak ?
When cooking your Country Fried Steak , you can add any vegetables that you would like .
There are two categories of vegetables.
Normal vegetables
These include asparagus, potatoes, corn, green beans , zucchini, and mushrooms.
Specialty vegetables
These include butternut squash, parsnips, carrots , and brussels sprouts .
Fresh and frozen are both acceptable.
How should the cooked Country Fried Steak be served ?
The Country Fried Steak is a family favorite around the world and can be enjoyed as a main dish or an appetizer.
The main dish would be paired with mashed potatoes, corn and your favorite vegetables , while an appetizer would be accompanied by a baked potato or vegetable of your choice .
The Country Fried Steak is best served piping hot and is best enjoyed when served with gravy for dipping.
You can also serve the steak with diner-style biscuits for another great side dish .
What sauce would pair best with the Country Fried Steak ?
There are many choice for sauces to serve with this country fried steak recipe .
Since the meal is heavy on the meat , it is best to serve a thick and rich gravy that can complement the flavor of the steak.
Choices for country fried steak sauce include:
What sides would go best with Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak ?
With a rich, crusty steak and creamy gravy , this dish is best served with a side of your favorite mashed potatoes.
It’s just that good !
Just remember that you’ll need to plan for more calories , so you shouldn’t choose these heavy side dishes if you’re watching your waistline.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 large pot
Ingredients
- oil for frying
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup saltine cracker crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound tenderized cube steaks
Instructions
- Oil should be heated to 350°F in a deep fryer or big pot with 3 to 4 inches of oil in it.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Buttermilk and water should be combined in a separate shallow dish. Mix thoroughly.Shake off any extra flour after dipping the cube steaks in the mixture.
- Buttermilk should be dipped into the flour-coated cube steaks before shaking off the excess.Repeat the flour dredging with the cube steaks.
- On a wire rack sitting on a baking sheet, arrange the breaded steaks. Give the breading five minutes to firm up. This aids in setting the steak's breading.The breaded steaks should be placed in the heated oil. Steaks should be fried for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, or until the top and sides of the meat begin to brown.
- To prevent pouring hot oil on yourself, turn the steaks gently and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes on the other side.Remove the steaks from the heated oil once both sides are golden brown and crispy, and then let them drain on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet.
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