Last Updated on July 15, 2023
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is a classic restaurant dish that is often served with mashed potatoes and gravy. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a version of the country-fried steak that tastes just as good as any restaurant!
In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak, as well as some helpful tips on how to store leftover steak and what to serve with it. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about this dish so that you can have all of your cooking questions answered in one place.
What is Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak?
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is a classic dish from the American chain restaurant Cracker Barrel. It is made with cube steak that is dredged in a mixture of all-purpose flour and seasoned cracker crumbs, then fried until it’s golden brown.
It’s usually served with mashed potatoes or gravy for an extra flavorful meal. Country fried steak is an affordable and tasty dish that can be enjoyed as a weeknight dinner, or for a special occasion.
What does it taste like?
This dish has a flavorful, crispy outside with a tender and juicy inside. The seasoned cracker crumbs give the steak a savory flavor while the all-purpose flour helps to create that signature crunch.
The buttermilk used in this recipe helps keep the steak moist during cooking and also adds an extra layer of flavor. The combination of all these ingredients creates a delicious, comforting dish that can be enjoyed at any time.
How did I first get introduced to Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak?
I first had the pleasure of trying Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak at one of their restaurants. The unique combination of flavors, textures, and colors instantly caught my attention.
I was amazed at how simple ingredients could be combined to create such a delicious dish. Since then, I have been hooked on this classic restaurant favorite and enjoy making it at home whenever I get the chance.
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How to make Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak?
Making Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is simple and straightforward. All you need are a few basic ingredients & step-by-step guidelines:
Ingredients
- Oil: This is the oil used for frying the steak.
- Cube Steaks: These are tenderized pieces of meat that have been pounded flat to make them easier to cook.
- Saltine Cracker Crumbs: This will be used to coat the steak and add a crunchy texture.
- Buttermilk: This helps break down the proteins in the cube steak and helps to keep it moist during cooking.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the dish.
- All-purpose Flour: This will be used for dredging the steak before it is fried.
- Water: This is added with the all-purpose flour to create a paste that will help coat the cube steak.
- Salt: This adds flavor to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Heat a large skillet or electric fryer with enough oil to cover the steak up to about 1/2 inch deep. The oil should reach 375 degrees Fahrenheit before you add the cube steak.
Step 2
While the oil is heating, mix together the saltine cracker crumbs, ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour on a plate.
Step 3
Dip each cube of steak into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres.
Step 4
Mix together the remaining cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of water in a bowl to make a paste.
Step 5
Dip each piece of steak into the flour paste, making sure it is coated evenly.
Step 6
Carefully place the steaks into the preheated oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking.
Step 7
Remove the steaks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to help absorb any extra oil. Sprinkle with salt while still hot and serve.
Tips
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to ensure that they cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown color.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
• For a healthier version, you can bake the steaks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Equipment
- Skillet Wooden spoon Whisk or fork Spatula
Ingredients
- Oil for frying
- 1 pound tenderized cube steaks
- ½ cup saltine cracker crumbs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or electric fryer with enough oil to cover the steak up to about 1/2 inch deep. The oil should reach 375 degrees Fahrenheit before you add the cube steak.
- While the oil is heating, mix together the saltine cracker crumbs, ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour on a plate.
- Dip each cube of steak into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the cracker crumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres.
- Mix together the remaining cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of water in a bowl to make a paste.
- Dip each piece of steak into the flour paste, making sure it is coated evenly.
- Carefully place the steaks into the preheated oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Remove the steaks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to help absorb any extra oil. Sprinkle with salt while still hot and serve.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks to ensure that they cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown color.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the steaks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 409mg
- Potassium: 425mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 26IU
- Calcium: 54mg
- Iron: 3mg
What to serve with Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak?
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is a delicious, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a classic dinner, serve the steak alongside mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
To further complement the flavors in the steak, try adding some steamed vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli. Another great accompaniment is a fresh green salad with a tangy dressing.
Alternatively, for a heartier meal, serve the steak on top of buttered egg noodles or grits. No matter what side dish you choose to go with it, Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is sure to be a hit!
How to store leftover Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak?
You can store leftover Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the steak pieces securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
The frozen steak will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the steak in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until heated throughout.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak as long as it is cooked thoroughly and reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption.
It is important to note that pregnant women should limit their intake of fried foods and opt for healthier alternatives such as steaming or baking when possible.
FAQs
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version and using gluten-free saltine crackers instead of regular ones for the coating.
You may also be able to find gluten-free versions of the seasoning mix used in this recipe. Always double-check the ingredients listed on any packaging that you purchase to make sure they are gluten-free.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak can be prepped ahead of time for convenience.
To do so, prepare the steaks as directed in the recipe, but instead of frying them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, wrap each steak individually and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to cook, simply fry the steaks as directed without thawing first. Alternatively, you can also bake the frozen steaks in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Wrapping Up
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak is a classic dish that everyone loves. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home.
Serve it up with mashed potatoes and gravy for a hearty and flavorful meal that will satisfy any appetite. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish in no time at all!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious country-fried steak.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
