Chicken Fried Steak Bites with Creamy Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak Bites are a delightful twist on the classic Southern dish, offering crispy, bite-sized pieces of beef steak paired with a creamy, savory gravy. These easy-to-make steak bites are perfect for a comforting meal or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With a crispy exterior and tender inside, this dish brings all the flavors of traditional chicken fried steak into a fun, shareable format.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cubed beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Dredging Station:
   • In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
2. Coat the Steak Bites:
   • Dip each cubed steak bite into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure a good coating.
3. Fry the Steak Bites:
   • Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated steak bites in batches, cooking each for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Gravy:
   • In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy steak bites with the creamy gravy on the side or drizzled on top for a delicious and comforting meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dredging mixture or gravy for a bit of heat.
• Herb-Flavored: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an added herbal flavor.
• Cheesy Gravy: Stir in some shredded cheese to the gravy after thickening for a rich, cheesy sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour alternatives like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy in a separate container.
• Reheat: Reheat the steak bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crispy. Warm the gravy on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk if needed to thin it out.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
   • Yes, you can use sirloin or tenderized round steak for this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
   • Yes, cook the steak bites in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to adjust consistency.
4. What oil is best for frying?
   • Vegetable or canola oil works well for frying as they have high smoke points and a neutral flavor.
5. Can I freeze the steak bites?
   • Yes, you can freeze them after frying. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
6. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
   • Make sure to press the flour coating onto the steak bites firmly and fry at the right temperature to avoid sogginess.
7. Can I make these dairy-free?
   • Yes, substitute dairy-free milk for the egg wash and use oil instead of butter for the gravy.
8. How thick should the gravy be?
   • The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick. Adjust with milk as needed.
9. Can I serve these with other sauces?
   • Absolutely! Ranch dressing, hot sauce, or barbecue sauce are great alternatives to the gravy.
10. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
    • Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans are perfect sides to complement this dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of classic Southern comfort food in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these crispy steak bites paired with creamy gravy are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow instructions and versatile variations, this recipe is perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations to customize the dish to your taste!

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