Where's the Chicken in Chicken Fried Steak?

by Ana Gomez Montalbano on 01/23/14

Fried battered steak known as chicken fried steak smothered in gravy is a Texas favorite.   Some historians date the dish as far back as the 1800s giving credit to German pan-fried breaded veal, weiner schnitzel.

If anyone knows more about chicken fried steak, its the locals in LaMesa, Texas.  Since 2010, LaMesa has been home to the Chicken Fried Steak Festival.  Thanks to short-order cook, Jimmy Don, in 1911, a steak was fried instead of chicken and the rest is history.  In 2011, LaMesa became the official town of the chicken fried steak legend.  Every café serving this menu staple claims theirs is the best.  You be the judge of that but many speculate its the batter and the gravy that keeps them coming back.  

Best recipe made simple:

Dip a tenderized cube steak in flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder.

Then dip into buttermilk.

Then dip back into the flour mix.

Place into a pan (or fry-daddy) of heated oil.(not over-heated).

Fry, but take care that the breading doesn't burn and steak doesn't over-cook.

Serve with your favorite white or brown gravy.