Country Fried Steak & Eggs from IHOP features a tender, breaded beef steak fried to golden perfection, served alongside two fluffy eggs and crispy golden hash browns, creating a hearty and satisfying breakfast plate.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or frying pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Shallow dredging trays or plates
- Spatula
- Skillet or nonstick frying pan (for eggs)
- Hash brown griddle or frying pan
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cube steak (tenderized beef steak)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 large eggs (for serving)
- 2 cups frozen or fresh shredded hash browns
- Butter (for hash browns)
- Salt (for hash browns and eggs)
- Pepper (for eggs)
When preparing the breading for your Country Fried Steak & Eggs, make sure to season the flour mixture well with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor of the tenderized cube steak. Using buttermilk not only helps tenderize the meat further but also allows the breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers to adhere better, creating a crispy, golden crust when fried in vegetable oil. Ensure the oil is heated to the proper temperature before frying to avoid soggy or greasy steak. For the hash browns, using fresh or frozen shredded potatoes sauteed with butter and seasoned with salt will give you that classic crispy texture. Your homemade Country Fried Steak & Eggs from the IHOP copycat menu will capture the hearty, satisfying breakfast experience with these careful ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer or frying pan with enough vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up dredging trays: one with flour, one with buttermilk (whisked with 2 eggs), and one with breadcrumbs/crushed crackers mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each cube steak in flour, then buttermilk-egg mixture, then breadcrumbs/cracker mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry breaded steaks in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, turning with tongs. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat hash brown griddle or frying pan with butter.
- Cook hash browns until golden brown and crispy, seasoning with salt. Set aside.
- Preheat skillet or nonstick frying pan; melt butter if desired.
- Cook 4 eggs to preference (fried or scrambled), seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Plate the fried steak, eggs, and hash browns together.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Country Fried Steak & Eggs from IHOP copycat menu offers a crispy, breaded cube steak paired with eggs and hash browns, replicating the classic diner breakfast experience. You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a quick homemade alternative. If cube steak is unavailable, tenderized round steak works well as a replacement without compromising texture. Crushed saltine crackers can be replaced by panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust. Use a nonstick skillet for the eggs to ensure easy flipping and prevent sticking.
Tips
Ensure the vegetable oil reaches a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) before frying the breaded cube steak to achieve a crispy, golden crust without excess oil absorption. Press the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers firmly onto the steak to help the coating adhere during frying and prevent peeling. Cook the hash browns on medium heat with butter, flipping only once to maintain crispiness and avoid breaking apart. You can season your eggs last to balance flavors without overpowering the dish.
Nutritions
Country Fried Steak & Eggs from IHOP is a calorie-dense dish, providing approximately 800-1,000 calories per serving due to the breaded and fried steak, eggs, and crispy hash browns. The beef steak offers a rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the eggs add additional high-quality protein and vital nutrients like vitamin D and choline. However, this meal is also high in saturated fat and sodium, largely from the frying process, breading, and seasoning, which could impact heart health if consumed frequently. You can balance your intake by pairing this hearty breakfast with fresh fruits or vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient diversity.
Storage
Store leftover Country Fried Steak & Eggs in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Your steak and hash browns will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, while eggs should be consumed within 1-2 days for optimal quality. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve texture and flavor before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute cube steak with chicken breast or pork cutlets for a different protein option. You can replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tenderizing effect. Try seasoning the breadcrumb mixture with cayenne pepper or Italian herbs for an extra flavor twist. To reduce frying oil absorption, cook the steak in a nonstick skillet with minimal oil or bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400degF (204degC) until crispy.
Allergies
Country Fried Steak & Eggs from IHOP contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (in the flour and breadcrumbs), and dairy (in the buttermilk and butter). If you have an allergy to beef or garlic, this dish also poses risks due to the cube steak and garlic powder used in the breading. You should exercise caution and consult ingredient specifics if you have sensitivities to any of these components.
Why this recipe?
Country Fried Steak & Eggs at IHOP offers a hearty combination of tender, breaded steak smothered in creamy sausage gravy, paired with perfectly cooked eggs. The dish delivers a satisfying blend of savory flavors and comforting textures that appeal to fans of classic American breakfast. Attempting a copycat recipe lets you customize the seasoning and gravy to match your personal taste, capturing the indulgent experience from your own kitchen. Your effort in recreating this beloved menu item can bring a rewarding taste of IHOP's signature comfort food to your table.