Country Fried Steak from Denny's features tender, hand-breaded beef steak smothered in creamy white gravy, served golden and crispy for a hearty Southern-inspired comfort meal.
Equipments
- Meat tenderizer (or mallet)
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging dishes
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet (for resting)
- Wire rack (optional)
- Paper towels
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Plate (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
When preparing Country Fried Steak from Denny's, using beef cube steak ensures tenderness and the proper texture for breading. Incorporate buttermilk in the egg mixture to enhance the coating's crispiness and flavor. Season the flour dredge well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional cayenne to replicate the signature taste. Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is essential for frying to achieve a golden, crispy crust without burning. Your homemade Country Fried Steak from Denny's copycat menu will deliver that classic Southern comfort meal experience right at home.
Instructions
- Pound cube steaks with a meat tenderizer to desired thickness.
- Set out three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: 1 cup all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (mix well).
- Dish 2: Whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
- Dish 3: Reserved for dredged steaks.
- Dredge each steak in seasoned flour, coat in egg mixture, then dredge again in flour.
- Place breaded steaks on a baking sheet or wire rack to rest.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry steaks in batches until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer cooked steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth.
- Simmer gravy until thickened, whisking constantly.
- Season gravy with salt and black pepper.
- Serve fried steaks topped with creamy white gravy.
Substitution
Country Fried Steak from Denny's copycat menu delivers a crispy, hand-breaded beef steak smothered in creamy white gravy, embodying classic Southern comfort food. If you cannot find cube steak, you can substitute with round steak or sirloin sliced thin and tenderized with a meat mallet. In place of buttermilk, a mixture of milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can be used to achieve similar tang and tenderness in the egg wash. Vegetable oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are good alternatives. Resting the fried steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet helps keep it crispy by allowing excess oil to drain away before serving.
Tips
Make sure to pound the cube steaks evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness. When dredging, double coating with seasoned flour and the egg mixture creates an extra crispy crust. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to avoid greasy or undercooked steaks. Let your fried steaks rest briefly on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and retain their crispiness before serving with the creamy white gravy.
Nutritions
Country Fried Steak from Denny's provides a rich source of protein from the beef cube steak, essential for muscle repair and growth. The creamy white gravy, made with whole milk and butter, adds calories primarily from fats and dairy-based nutrients like calcium. However, the dish is also high in saturated fats and sodium due to frying in vegetable oil and the seasoning blend, which may impact heart health if consumed frequently. You can balance your meal by pairing it with vegetables or a fresh salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
Storage
Store leftover Country Fried Steak in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. To reheat, place the steak in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) on a baking sheet or wire rack to keep the breading crisp while warming through. Your creamy white gravy should be stored separately in a sealed container and gently reheated on the stovetop, stirring frequently to preserve smoothness and prevent curdling.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cube steak with tenderized sirloin or ribeye for a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Instead of frying in vegetable oil, try using clarified butter or a mix of butter and oil to enhance the savory taste while achieving a crispy crust. For the gravy, adding a pinch of dried thyme or sage can introduce a subtle herbal note that complements the Southern-inspired flavors. If you prefer a lighter version, oven-baking the breaded steaks at 400degF (200degC) until golden can reduce oil absorption without sacrificing crispiness.
Allergies
Country Fried Steak from Denny's contains common allergens such as eggs, milk (buttermilk and whole milk), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may trigger reactions in individuals with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients. The presence of beef could be problematic for those with red meat allergies or sensitivities. Your safety is important, so it is advisable to check for cross-contamination risks and consult ingredient labels if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Denny's Country Fried Steak is beloved for its crispy, golden-brown breading paired with tender, juicy beef smothered in rich, creamy white gravy. The savory flavors and comforting textures evoke a classic Southern-style meal that satisfies both hunger and nostalgia. Making a copycat version lets you recreate this hearty dish at home, customizing seasoning and gravy thickness to suit Your taste. It's worth the effort for those craving an authentic, comforting diner experience without leaving the kitchen.