If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and crispy, tender delight, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe. Each bite offers a perfectly seasoned, crunchy fried steak patty nestled in a soft, toasted bun with a creamy, zesty Mayo kick that highlights smoky paprika, cayenne heat, and sriracha-infused magic. It’s comfort food with a fiery twist that you just can’t resist sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one plays a vital role in building the ultimate texture and flavor profile. From the perfectly seasoned flour blend for a crispy crust to the spicy, garlicky mayonnaise that ties everything together, these essentials make this recipe a crowd-pleaser.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the spicy sauce that adds richness and moisture to the sandwich.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to balance the spicy mayonnaise.
- Crushed garlic: Gives a pungent, savory punch to the sauce and seasoning.
- Sriracha or hot sauce: The source of bold heat in the mayo, adding complex spice notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.
- Pre-tenderized cube steaks: The star protein that provides a juicy, tender center, perfect for frying.
- Eggs and milk: Combine to create a rich wash that helps the flour coating stick and crisp beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the flavorful, crunchy crust seasoned with spices.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper: The secret trio that infuses the crust with warm, smoky heat and depth.
- Canola oil: The frying medium that achieves a golden, crispy texture without overwhelming the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Added at the end for a touch of richness and to lightly toast the buns.
- Hamburger buns and lettuce leaves: The fresh, soft carriers for your crispy chicken fried steak masterpiece.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, sriracha, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This spicy mayo is the key to bringing all the sandwich elements together with a creamy, tangy heat that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Cube Steaks
Generously season the pre-tenderized cube steaks with kosher salt. In separate shallow dishes, whisk together eggs and milk for the wet mixture, and combine flour with kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for the dry mixture. Dip each steak first into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well coated for that irresistible crunchy crust.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated steaks and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender steak inside is what makes this sandwich unforgettable.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and lightly toast the hamburger buns cut-side down until golden and slightly crisp. This simple step adds warmth and texture, creating the perfect base to build your spicy chicken fried steak sandwich.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on both the top and bottom buns. Add a leaf of crisp lettuce to the bottom bun, place the crispy fried steak on top, then crown it with the top bun smeared with more spicy mayo. Serve immediately for the best combination of crunchy, spicy, and creamy flavors.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe further, try adding sliced pickles for a tangy crunch, thinly sliced red onions for a bit of sharpness, or even a few slices of ripe tomato for freshness. Each garnish adds another layer of flavor and texture that complements the spicy fried steak beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or a simple dill pickle spear really highlight the sandwich’s hearty flavors without competing with them. For a lighter option, consider a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the spicy chicken fried steak sandwiches open-faced on rustic bread with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce over the top. You could also turn these into sliders for a party platter, garnishing each mini sandwich with a small skewer and a colorful pickle on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your spicy chicken fried steak sandwich feast, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sandwich is best eaten within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fried steaks separately by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best not to freeze the assembled sandwich to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the fried steak in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back its crispiness. Toast the bun separately, then reassemble with fresh mayo and lettuce for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for the fried steak?
Absolutely! While cube steaks are commonly used because they are tenderized and cook quickly, you can use thin-cut round steak or sirloin blade steaks. Just be sure to tenderize the meat well and pound it to an even thickness.
How spicy is the sandwich?
The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha or hot sauce you add to the mayo. The recipe delivers a pleasant kick that enhances the flavors without overwhelming your palate, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What can I use as a substitute for canola oil?
Other neutral oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or peanut oil, work perfectly well for frying the steaks. Avoid extra virgin olive oil because it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
Is it necessary to use pre-tenderized cube steaks?
Pre-tenderized cube steaks save you time and effort, but if you have tougher cuts of beef, you can tenderize them yourself with a mallet. This helps ensure the fried steak is juicy and tender inside with a crisp crust outside.
Can I prepare the spicy mayo ahead of time?
Yes! The spicy mayo can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making your sandwich even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a show-stopping sandwich to add some excitement to your mealtime, the Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines familiar comfort food vibes with a spicy, smoky twist that’s satisfying on every level. Give it a try soon—you’ll want to make this crispy, flavorful delight again and again.
Print
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic Southern chicken fried steak, served as a hearty sandwich. Breaded and fried cube steaks are topped with a spicy mayonnaise sauce and fresh lettuce, all nestled in a soft hamburger bun for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1½ tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Steak Batter and Seasoning
- 4 pre-tenderized cube steaks (about 1 pound)
- Kosher salt for seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frying and Assembly
- 1 cup canola oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 leaves lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the spicy mayonnaise sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, sriracha or hot sauce, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Season the cube steaks: Pat the pre-tenderized cube steaks dry with paper towels, then lightly season both sides with kosher salt.
- Mix the wet batter: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until fully combined.
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.
- Bread the steaks: Dredge each cube steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat again thoroughly with the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour and set aside on a plate.
- Heat the oil: Pour canola oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying (about 350°F if using a thermometer).
- Fry the steaks: Add the breaded cube steaks carefully to the hot oil, frying for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Drain and keep warm: Transfer fried steaks to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil. Add butter to the hot pan and toast the hamburger buns, cut side down, until lightly golden.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the spicy mayonnaise sauce generously on both the top and bottom buns. Place a crispy chicken fried steak on the bottom bun, top with a fresh leaf of lettuce, then crown with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve sandwiches immediately for best texture and flavor, accompanied optionally by pickles or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the steaks in the egg and flour mixture.
- You can substitute sriracha with another hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature for best results.
- Pre-tenderized cube steaks save time and ensure tender meat.
- Try adding sliced tomatoes or pickles to customize your sandwich.
