Cracker Barrel’s Crispy Chicken Fried Steak: A Home Cook’s Guide

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Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern classic, a hearty dish that evokes comfort and nostalgia. Yet, today, we embark on a culinary adventure that transcends geographical boundaries, infusing this timeless recipe with a global twist.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, cube steak, pounded thin

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup butter

  • Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak
    Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

    Image Source: sugarandsoul.co

    For the Global Sauce:

    1 cup beef broth

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

    Preparation:

    1. Prep the Steak: Dredge the pounded cube steak in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then coat again in the flour mixture.
    2. Fry the Steak: Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated steak until golden brown on both sides.
    3. Create the Global Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine beef broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
    4. Finish the Dish: Once the steak is cooked, pour the global sauce over it, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

    Serving Suggestions:

    Serve this Southern Symphony over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, accompanied by a side of stir-fried Asian vegetables. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil.

    A Culinary Odyssey

    This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It marries the rustic charm of Southern cooking with the bold flavors of Asian cuisine. The crispy, golden-brown steak, bathed in a rich, savory sauce, is a symphony of tastes and textures.

    As we savor each bite, we embark on a culinary odyssey, traversing continents and cultures. The result is a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a true celebration of global cuisine.