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Chicken Fried Steak Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak Gravy
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Master the art of Southern comfort food with this rich and creamy Chicken Fried Steak Gravy recipe. Made from scratch using simple pantry staples, this peppery, luscious gravy enhances crispy chicken fried steak and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted vegetables. Easy to customize with various spice levels and variations, it’s a versatile, homemade classic that elevates any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup pan drippings or beef broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, generously to taste
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Variations

  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use oil instead of butter
  • Extra Peppery: Double the black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Herb Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Mushroom Gravy: Sauté ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms with butter before adding flour
  • Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth and plant-based milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roux Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot but not browned, whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. This roux will thicken the gravy and create its base texture.
  2. Cook the Roux to Develop Flavor: Continue cooking the roux for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a subtle nutty aroma essential for rich gravy.
  3. Gradually Add Milk and Broth: Slowly pour in the milk and pan drippings or beef broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Stir continuously until the gravy begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
  4. Season the Gravy: Add salt, a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings to ensure the pepper flavor stands out prominently.
  5. Simmer Until Perfect: Reduce heat to low and let the gravy simmer gently for 5 minutes or until it reaches your preferred thickness, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
  • Remove raw flour taste by properly cooking the roux before adding liquids.
  • Add liquids gradually while whisking to avoid lumps and maintain a smooth consistency.
  • Adjust gravy thickness by adding more milk/broth if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin.
  • Save pan drippings from the fried steak for enhanced gravy flavor.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen consistency.
  • Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days and freeze well up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Fried Steak Gravy, Southern gravy, comfort food, creamy gravy, homemade gravy, pepper gravy

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/chicken-fried-steak-gravy/