Chicken Fried Steak
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Chicken Fried Steak is a classic American comfort food consisting of a tenderized beef steak (often cube steak) coated in a seasoned flour batter and pan-fried to a golden crisp. It's traditionally served smothered in a creamy white gravy made from the pan drippings. Despite its name, it contains no chicken; the name refers to the cooking method, which is similar to how fried chicken is prepared.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in fat and calories due to the frying process and the rich gravy, with a single serving often exceeding 800 calories. It provides a significant amount of protein from the beef, but the breading and gravy contribute substantial carbohydrates and saturated fat.
💡 What's interesting
The dish is a staple of Southern and Texan cuisine, often served for breakfast or dinner, and is a popular item in diners across the United States. Its name is a perfect example of a culinary misnomer, as the 'chicken' refers solely to the cooking technique, not the primary ingredient.