Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This budget-friendly take on a restaurant favorite uses simple ingredients to deliver a crispy, flavorful steak topped with smooth, savory gravy. Cube steak, a tender and economical cut, gets coated in a blend of flour and crushed saltine crackers before being pan-fried to golden perfection. A creamy gravy made from butter, flour, and milk rounds out the dish for a comforting Southern meal that’s easy to make at home.

Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a true down-home dinner the whole family will appreciate.

Ingredients

• Cube steak – Affordable and perfect for breading and frying
• Saltine crackers – Adds crunch and flavor to the coating
• All-purpose flour – Used for the breading and gravy
• Buttermilk – Helps the coating stick and adds tang
• Oil – For frying (olive oil or vegetable oil work well)
• Butter – Essential for making the gravy rich and flavorful
• Milk – Creates a creamy gravy and helps balance the thickness
• Salt and black pepper – Base seasoning for both steak and gravy

Instructions

1. Crush Crackers: Place saltines in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin or heavy object to crush into fine crumbs.
2. Make Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine crushed crackers, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Coat Steaks: Dredge each piece of cube steak in the cracker-flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a second coating.
4. Fry the Steaks: Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place each steak in the pan and fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain.
5. Make the Gravy: In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for about a minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips

• Oil Depth: The oil should come halfway up the sides of the steaks—no need to fully submerge them.
• Extra Seasoning: Add cayenne, garlic powder, or paprika to the flour for a kick of flavor.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for even cooking and crisp results.
• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Batch Cooking: Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed to keep the coating crispy.
• Spicy Twist: Add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for a bold variation.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken fried steak with fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans, or even eggs and hash browns for a hearty breakfast-style meal. It’s a satisfying dish that works any time of day—and one that might just become a new family favorite.