Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

This Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! Tender cube steaks are coated in a crunchy seasoned crust and fried until golden brown. Serve it with mashed potatoes and country-style gravy for a comforting meal that tastes just like the restaurant version.

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Ingredients Needed:

• 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

How To Make Country Fried Steak?

1. Heat the Oil: Pour 3 to 4 inches of oil into a deep pot or fryer and heat to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cracker crumbs, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, whisk together buttermilk and water.
3. Coat the Steaks: Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and again into the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
4. Let the Breading Set: Place breaded steaks on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick.
5. Fry the Steaks: Carefully place the steaks into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently to avoid splashing.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the steaks and place them on a clean wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve hot with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Tenderized Cube Steaks: Make sure to buy tenderized cube steaks or pound them with a meat mallet. This helps the steak cook evenly and stay tender inside.
• Let the Breading Set: After coating the steaks, let them rest for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the breading stick better and prevents it from falling off while cooking.
• Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: The oil should be 350°F before frying. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the steak is cooked. If it’s too cool, the steak will absorb oil and become greasy.
• Fry in Small Batches: Do not overcrowd the pan, or the oil temperature will drop. Frying one or two steaks at a time keeps them crispy and evenly cooked.
• Drain Properly for Crispiness: Instead of using paper towels, place fried steaks on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the Country Fried Steak cool down first. Then, put it in a sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled steaks in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for 2 months.
• Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the steak in the basket and heat for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and hot.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 545 kcal
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 83mg
• Sodium: 409mg
• Potassium: 425mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 26g