There can be nothing more satisfying than a warmed plate of Chicken Fried Steak and buttery mashed potatoes smothered in peppery creamed gravy and a side of crisp green beans.
Chicken Fried Steak has become so popular that it is now served in many fine dining establishments across the nation using exotic meats such as antelope and elk. The flattened meat, usually a cheaper cut, is tenderized and given a floury egg bath and fried in a cast iron skillet or deep fried giving the cut a flavorful crisped crust with craggy peeks and valleys of crunchy, meaty goodness that captures the aforementioned gravy giving the dish an element of comfort.
The history of Chicken Fried Steak comes with a bit of adversity, as all indigenous foods will, but most agree with the notion that Chicken Fried Steak is almost identical to German schnitzel and is similar to Scottish collops, and it is very possible that ethnic settlements of these people, particularly the Germans of the Hill Country of Texas, were instrumental in developing CFS as a use for cheap, tough cuts of beef.
Oklahoma might take exception to origins story Due to the idea that their state dish is actually Chicken Fried Steak, but they hitched themselves to the flavor wagon around the time of World War II.
In more recent history we look to friend of CraveDFW, Jeffrey Yarbrough, as he created a day of celebration and joy as we mark the official Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day – October 26th. The day’s founder said on this auspicious occasion, “I am honored to have worked closely with restaurateurs Tom Perini and Ralph Sheffield to elevate this savory southern dish that reflects our state history. Besides my wife and kids as the loves of my life, creating the official Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day has been a dream come true and makes me so proud to be a Texan.”
And so it is; October 26th is a fast day of revelry to enjoy and make feast of the named plate of goodness. We will celebrate by bringing you stories this month that name some of our favorite Chicken Fried Steaks, culminating with a great list that marks restaurants across the great state of Texas that we regard in making a fine version for all to enjoy.
