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+ servings
comforting southern fried dish

Chicken Fried Steak With Fried Oysters and Cream Gravy

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This Southern masterpiece combines crispy, golden-crusted beef with delicately fried oysters, all smothered in a velvety pepper cream gravy. The contrast between tender, pounded steak and plump, briny oysters creates a textural delight that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy comfort meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pint oysters
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup green onion finely sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup onion finely chopped
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour plus 2 additional tablespoons for gravy
  • 32 ounces beef top round steak cut into 4 steaks, about 1/2-inch thick
  • 1/4 cup seasoning salt or spice essence Emeril's blend works well
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon additional seasoning salt for gravy

Equipment

  • Meat mallet
  • Large heavy skillet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Place the beef steaks on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet, pound each steak vigorously until they're well-tenderized and about 1/8-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with 3 tablespoons of the seasoning salt. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk with the remaining 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt.
  3. Dredge each tenderized steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the seasoned buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Return to the flour for a second coating, pressing gently to help the flour adhere. Place on a rack while preparing to fry.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet to about 1/2-inch deep and 350°F (hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately when dropped in).
  5. Carefully add the steaks to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Dredge the oysters in the remaining flour mixture, then dip in buttermilk, and coat again with flour. Fry in the same oil for about 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain.
  7. Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and green onions, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  9. Slowly whisk in the milk, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened to gravy consistency, about 5 minutes.
  10. Serve the chicken fried steak topped with fried oysters and cream gravy poured over everything.

Nutrition

Calories: 685kcal

Notes

For best results, make sure your oil stays at a consistent temperature between batches. If it gets too hot, the coating will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and your food will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
The steaks can be pounded and breaded up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to fry. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the coating will lose some crispness. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.

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