Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak

Ingredients

• 3 beef cube steaks, ½-inch thick
• 1 tbsp salt
• ¼ cup ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp bacon drippings
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk, combined with ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 eggs
• to taste all-purpose flour, plus 3 tbsp

Steps

1. Season the steaks with salt and 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper.
2. In a pie plate, combine the eggs with paprika and cayenne.
3. Dip the steaks into the egg mixture.
4. In another pie plate, place some all-purpose flour.
5. Dredge the battered steaks with the flour.
6. Move to a cooling rack and let rest 10–15 minutes.
7. Wash this once you start frying, or get a clean one.
8. Heat a 12 inch cast-iron skillet over medium high heat.
9. Once hot, pour in 2 tbsp drippings.
10. Add the steaks in a triangle formation around the edges of the pan.
11. Fry for 4 minutes per side.
12. Remove the steaks from the pan and drain on a cooling rack above a sheet pan.
13. Keep the steaks warm in a 250°F oven.
14. Add the remaining drippings and 3 tbsp flour.
15. Whisk continuously until a blonde color is achieved.
16. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
17. Bring to a boil over medium heat until reduced by ¾.
18. Add the milk mixture and remaining black pepper.
19. Keep over medium heat until the gravy coats the back of a spoon.
20. Remove the steaks to serving platters and drizzle with gravy.
21. Serve warm.