Introduction
Indulging in a classic Chicken Fried Steak sandwich is a delightful experience, especially when served with a zesty spicy mayo. This recipe brings together crispy, seasoned steak between soft, toasted buns, complemented by fresh lettuce and a flavorful mayo that adds a kick. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish blends Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Spicy Mayo:
– ¾ cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
– 1½ tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
– 4 pre-tenderized cube steaks (about 1 pound)
– Kosher salt, for seasoning
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup canola oil, for frying
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
Additional Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 4 leaves lettuce
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and sriracha sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak:
Place each cube steak between sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the steaks until they’re less than ¼-inch thick. Lightly season the steaks with kosher salt.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations:
In one shallow dish, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. In another dish, combine the flour, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Dredge the Steaks:
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip the floured steak into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat the steak again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
5. Fry the Steaks:
In a large frying pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. Add the unsalted butter to the oil. Fry the steaks in batches, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steaks to a wire rack over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining steaks.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Toast the hamburger buns until lightly golden. Spread the prepared spicy mayo on both halves of each bun. Place a leaf of lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a fried steak on top of the lettuce. Cover with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve the sandwiches immediately, enjoying the crispy steak with the spicy mayo and fresh lettuce.
Notes
Preparation Time:
Make sure to prepare the spicy mayo ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Temperature:
Ensure the frying oil is at the right temperature for optimal crispiness; use a thermometer for accuracy.
Batch Cooking:
If frying more than two steaks at a time, monitor the temperature of the oil to maintain crispiness.
Storage:
Leftover cooked steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven for best results.
Serving Suggestions:
These sandwiches pair well with crispy fries or a fresh salad.
Cook techniques
Making Spicy Mayo
Combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and sriracha in a bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then mix well and refrigerate.
Pounding Meat
Place cube steaks between plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are less than ¼-inch thick to tenderize and flatten.
Setting Up Dredging Stations
Create two shallow dishes: one for the egg wash (beaten eggs and milk) and another for the flour mixture (flour, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper).
Dredging Technique
Coat each steak first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat again in the flour mixture, pressing gently for adherence.
Frying Steaks
Heat canola oil and add unsalted butter in a frying pan. Fry battered steaks in batches at 350°F for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Assembling Sandwiches
Toast hamburger buns and spread spicy mayo on each half. Layer lettuce and fried steak, then cover with the top half of the bun.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cube steak with another cut of beef, but cooking times may vary depending on thickness.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the spicy mayo?
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
How do I make the spicy mayo less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Canola oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point, but other oils like peanut or vegetable oil can also work.
Can I prepare the spicy mayo in advance?
Yes, spicy mayo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich with Spicy Mayo delivers a delightful combination of crispy textures and bold flavors. The spicy mayo adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the savory, tenderized steak. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds and provide a hearty dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Tuna Sandwich
Replace cube steaks with canned tuna mixed with spicy mayo, and serve it on toasted bread with lettuce for a refreshing sandwich.
Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich
Use fried chicken fillets instead of cube steaks, and pair with spicy mayo, lettuce, and pickles on a bun for a classic twist.
Vegetable Tempura Burger
Fry a mix of seasonal vegetables in a tempura batter, serve on a bun with spicy mayo and lettuce for a vegetarian option.
Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich
Bread cauliflower florets with a spicy coating, fry until crispy, and serve in a bun with spicy mayo and crisp lettuce.
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
Sauté shrimp with chipotle seasoning and serve in taco shells with spicy mayo drizzled on top and shredded lettuce for a flavorful seafood option.
