Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak: Home-Style Goodness

The Cracker Barrel Country Fried steak recipe is a beloved classic, known for its crispy exterior and tender interior. However, today, we’re taking this timeless dish to new heights, infusing it with global flavors and culinary techniques. This dish, a symphony of tastes and textures, is a testament to the power of culinary fusion.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch thick slices

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 onion, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 cup beef broth

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Image Source: sugarandsoul.co

Preparation Process:

1. Prep the Steak: Pound the steak slices to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Create the Batter: In another shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and buttermilk.
4. Bread the Steak: Dip each steak slice into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumbs.
5. Cook the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded steaks until golden brown on both sides.
6. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
7. Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
8. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked steaks to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the steaks.

Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Classic Comfort: Serve the steakhouse symphony over mashed potatoes, topped with a rich gravy.

Asian Fusion: Pair the steak with a side of stir-fried vegetables and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce.

Mediterranean Twist: Serve the steak on a bed of couscous, with roasted vegetables and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Cultural Influences:

This dish is a fusion of flavors from around the world. The classic country fried steak is a staple of American cuisine, but the addition of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes brings in Asian influences. The use of garlic and onion powder adds a touch of Mediterranean flavor. By blending these diverse culinary traditions, we’ve created a truly global dish.

The Steakhouse Symphony is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through different cultures and cuisines. Each bite tells a story, a story of tradition, innovation, and the boundless creativity of the culinary arts.