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
Scale
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.
