Country-fried steak
Country-fried steak is a classic American comfort food, particularly popular in the Southern United States. It consists of a tenderized cube steak (typically beef) that is coated in a seasoned flour batter and pan-fried to a golden-brown crisp, often served smothered in a creamy white or brown gravy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both fat and protein due to the fried beef cut and gravy, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the breading. A typical serving can range from 500 to 800 calories, providing iron and B vitamins from the beef.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 435 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Zinc | 5.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.5 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 170 g, including breading and pan-fried meat) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a staple of diner and home-style cooking, often associated with hearty, working-class meals. Its preparation method is a variation of the European 'Wiener Schnitzel,' adapted by American settlers with available ingredients like beef and a thicker, gravy-based finish.
