American Southern · intermediate
Southern Country Fried Halal Beef Steak With Black Pepper Gravy
Tenderized halal beef cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour crust, pan-fried until golden, and smothered in a velvety black pepper milk gravy.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 20 min
- SERVES
- 4
Good things
start in the kitchen.
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Pat the beef cube steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with half of the salt and garlic powder.
- 02
In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, remaining garlic powder, and remaining salt.
- 03
Dredge each steak thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres, then press once more into the flour for a thick crust.
- 04
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmeringly hot, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 05
Fry the steaks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- 06
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet, leave the browned crispy pan drippings, and whisk in 2 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour.
- 07
Cook the flour mixture over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant, then gradually whisk in the milk and black pepper, simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until thick and smooth before spooning over the steaks.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Pan Gravy Emulsification
Whisking milk into a cooked flour and pan-dripping roux over medium heat creates a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps.
Notes from the kitchen
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying; pan-fry in batches to keep the oil temperature high and crust crispy.
- Scrape up the pan drippings when making the gravy roux to maximize rich savory flavor.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by American Southern; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.