Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

1 . Stage

Trim fat caps off steaks. Rub steaks with salt, then Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Let rest for 30 minutes.

2 . Stage

Transfer one steak to a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak until it is about half the original thickness and twice the original area. Repeat with remaining two steaks.

3 . Stage

Place 2 cups flour in a shallow bowl. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce together in a second bowl. Combine remaining 3 cups flour, bread crumbs, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, sea salt, chile seasoning, black pepper, thyme, oregano, sweet paprika, chipotle powder, cumin, sage, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper in a third, large bowl.

4 . Stage

Dunk each piece of steak in the plain flour, then in the egg wash, and then in the breading, making sure it gets completely coated in each step. Transfer to a plate and refrigerate for 1 hour; this is crucial and ensures the breading will adhere to the meat.

5 . Stage

When ready to cook, prepare gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk beef broth into the flour mixture, then gradually whisk in cream, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, to let it further thicken. Keep warm as you cook the steaks.

6 . Stage

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

7 . Stage

Drop steaks into the hot oil and fry until breading is crisp and golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

8 . Stage

Serve hot steaks with gravy.