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a chicken fried steak with gravy on a plate
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Healthier Chicken Fried Steak (Gluten Free Option)

This classic is crispy, perfectly fried and celebrates a truly creamy southern gravy.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 390kcal
Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds cubed round steaks about 4 medium steaks
  • 2 cups cassava flour gluten free 1:1, or all purpose flour works
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk raw or non homogenized preferred
  • 3 cups pastured lard or refined coconut oil for frying vegetable oil will substitute
  • 3 tablespoons pan drippings from chicken fried steak
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons all purpose flour or 1:1 gluten free flour will substitute
  • 2 cups milk raw or non homogenized preferred
  • salt and pepper to taste
Makes: 4 x 4inch rectangle

Instructions

  • Place the cassava flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne in a shallow bowl and mix.
  • Beat the eggs and milk in a second shallow bowl and beat well with a fork to combine.
  • Dredge the steaks one at a time in the flour, pressing well. Then dip in the egg mixture and back in the flour. Set the steaks aside to rest while you heat the lard.
  • In an 8-inch or larger cast iron or heavy skillet, heat the lard to 365 degrees over medium high heat.Add the steaks one or two at a time as your skillet has room and fry on the first side until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Flip and cook on the second side 4 minutes more or until the steaks are cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Keep warm in a oven set to 200 degrees, or let them sit on the counter while you make the gravy.

For the gravy

  • Add the cornstarch to the cold milk and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In a medium skillet, heat the drippings over medium heat until hot; about a minute then add the milk mixture. See note below if using all purpose flour. Increase heat to medium high. Whisk constantly until the gravy simmers and thickens; about 4 or 5 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and serve over chicken fried steak.

Notes

Note 1: If using all purpose flour or 1:1 gluten free flour for gravy: In the same skillet you cooked the chicken fried steaks in, heat the drippings over medium heat and add the flour to the drippings. Use a whisk to cook the flour 1 minute. Add milk and proceed with the recipe as directed. 
Note 2: Serving suggestion is for a steak about the size of the palm of your hand; about 4x4 inches. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1steak | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 314IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 5mg