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Country-fried and chicken-fried steak have a lot in common, so to the untrained eye, it may seem like they’re the same. Both classic Southern dishes feature a lesser cut of beef, usually a round or cube steak, battered and fried in a pan. They’re also both traditionally served with gravy, biscuits, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes. However, a few key differences set these two staples apart.

Country-Fried Steak

A country-fried steak is breaded in flour and dropped into a cast-iron skillet. When both sides are cooked, most Southern chefs take the pan off the fire and drain out the grease to make a delicious brown gravy. Then it’s all put back on the stove to simmer until the gravy flavor works its way down into the meat. As a result, country-fried dishes tend to have softer coatings than their chicken-fried cousins.

Chicken-Fried Steak

steakAs the name suggests, chicken-fried steak is prepared using the same process that made poultry famous in the South. Before flouring, the beef is dipped in egg batter, then dropped onto the frying pan. The perfect chicken-fried steak should have a crisp, golden-brown outer coating and tender meat inside.

Most traditional Southern cooks serve chicken-fried steak with white pepper gravy that’s usually poured over the top right before serving to preserve the crispiness. However, some restaurants serve either dish with brown gravy. Home cooks might switch back and forth as the mood strikes them.

 

If you’re looking for the best chicken-fried steak in Russellville, AR, come taste the fine dishes served up at Western Sizzlin Restaurant. They’ve been serving hungry families throughout the area for over 35 years, offering up an incredible variety of delicious dishes and a fantastic dining experience. Visit their website to browse their menu and place an order or call (479) 968-1757.

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