Chicken fried steak holds a special place in the heart of Southern cuisine, and its Texas-style variation has made its way into Oklahoma’s culinary landscape. This beloved dish combines the hearty essence of beef with a crispy, golden coating that satisfies cravings and comforts the soul.
Texas-style chicken fried steak in Oklahoma offers a flavorful experience that’s well worth trying for food enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. The dish showcases the culinary traditions shared between neighboring states, highlighting the rich flavors and techniques that have been perfected over generations. As this classic meal continues to gain popularity beyond state lines, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-prepared comfort food.
1) Cattlemen’s Steakhouse Signature Steak
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City is renowned for its exceptional steaks. Their signature offering is the aged charcoal-grilled steak, which has garnered widespread acclaim.
The restaurant takes pride in its meticulous preparation methods. They carefully age their beef to enhance flavor and tenderness before cooking it over a charcoal grill.
This cooking technique imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the meat while creating a perfectly caramelized exterior. The result is a steak that is both juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Cattlemen’s offers various cuts of steak to suit different preferences. Diners can choose from options like ribeye, T-bone, and filet mignon.
The steakhouse also provides additional enhancements to complement the main dish. Guests can add grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or other sides to customize their meal.
Cattlemen’s commitment to quality and traditional cooking methods has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s enduring popularity is a testament to the consistent excellence of its signature steaks.
2) Junior’s Texas Chicken Fried Steak
Junior’s Texas Chicken Fried Steak stands out as a popular spot for this classic dish in Oklahoma. The restaurant prides itself on its authentic Texas-style preparation, using tender cube steaks as the base.
The chefs at Junior’s coat each steak in a seasoned flour mixture before dipping it in an egg wash. This process creates a crispy, golden-brown crust when fried.
Junior’s serves their chicken fried steak with a rich cream gravy, made from the pan drippings. The gravy is smooth and flavorful, complementing the crispy exterior of the steak perfectly.
Diners at Junior’s can expect generous portions, with the chicken fried steak often covering most of the plate. The dish typically comes with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
Junior’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods has earned them a loyal following. Many customers praise the consistency and flavor of their chicken fried steak.
3) Chimera’s Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak
Chimera’s Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak stands out as a popular dish in Oklahoma. The restaurant takes pride in its unique approach to this classic comfort food.
Chimera’s uses high-quality cube steaks as the foundation for their chicken fried steak. They carefully tenderize the meat to ensure a perfect texture.
The breading process involves a seasoned flour mixture and a buttermilk egg wash. This combination creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that complements the tender meat inside.
Chimera’s signature cream gravy adds the finishing touch to the dish. Made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, the gravy is rich and flavorful.
The restaurant serves their chicken fried steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. This hearty meal satisfies customers looking for authentic Southern flavors.
Chimera’s attention to detail and commitment to quality ingredients make their Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak a must-try for visitors to Oklahoma.
4) Tucker’s Onion Burgers Chicken Fried Steak Special
Tucker’s Onion Burgers, known for its hamburgers and vintage atmosphere, offers a unique twist on the classic chicken fried steak. This Oklahoma-based restaurant brings Texas-style flavors to its menu with a special chicken fried steak dish.
The chicken fried steak at Tucker’s is hand-breaded using their signature seasoning blend. It’s then fried to crispy perfection, creating a golden-brown crust that encases tender, flavorful beef.
Served on a toasted brioche bun, Tucker’s chicken fried steak sandwich combines textures and tastes. The soft bun contrasts with the crunchy exterior of the steak, while complementary toppings enhance the overall flavor profile.
Tucker’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods shines through in this dish. The restaurant’s dedication to handmade food extends from their popular onion burgers to this chicken fried steak special.
Visitors to Tucker’s can enjoy this Texas-inspired dish alongside classic sides like crispy fries or creamy shakes. The chicken fried steak special offers a taste of Texan cuisine in the heart of Oklahoma.
5) The Diner’s Okie Chicken Fried Steak
The Diner’s Okie Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved dish in Oklahoma that pays homage to Texas-style cuisine. This hearty meal features a tenderized beef cutlet coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection.
The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful interior that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. The Diner’s version typically uses high-quality beef and a secret blend of spices in the breading.
A generous ladle of cream gravy tops the steak, adding rich flavor and moisture. The gravy often includes black pepper and bits of crispy coating for extra texture and taste.
Served alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, this dish embodies comfort food at its finest. Many Oklahoma diners take pride in their unique twists on this Texas-inspired favorite.
The Diner’s Okie Chicken Fried Steak has become a staple in local eateries across the state. It represents a delicious fusion of regional culinary traditions and showcases Oklahoma’s love for hearty, satisfying meals.
6) Del Rancho’s Famous Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
Del Rancho, an Oklahoma-based restaurant chain, has gained a reputation for its exceptional chicken fried steak sandwich. This beloved menu item combines the best of Texas-style chicken fried steak with the convenience of a handheld sandwich.
The sandwich features a large, tenderized cube steak that is breaded and fried to golden perfection. The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful interior that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
Del Rancho’s chicken fried steak sandwich is often referred to as the “Steak Sandwich Supreme.” It’s served on a soft bun with traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
The generous size of the chicken fried steak is a hallmark of Del Rancho’s offering. It often extends well beyond the edges of the bun, providing a substantial meal for diners.
While rooted in Oklahoma, Del Rancho’s take on the chicken fried steak sandwich incorporates elements of Texas-style preparation. This fusion of regional flavors attracts customers from neighboring states, including some who travel significant distances to enjoy this culinary delight.
7) Charlotte’s Texan Delight
Charlotte’s Texan Delight offers a taste of authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak in Oklahoma. This popular restaurant brings the Lone Star State’s beloved dish across state lines.
The kitchen prepares the chicken fried steak using traditional methods. Tenderized cube steak is coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped in egg wash before being breaded again.
Fried to a golden-brown crisp, the steak emerges with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. The dish is topped with a generous ladleful of creamy pepper gravy, a hallmark of Texas-style preparation.
Charlotte’s serves their chicken fried steak with classic Southern sides. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and freshly baked rolls round out the plate.
The restaurant’s atmosphere captures the essence of a Texas diner. Cowboy decor and country music create an authentic ambiance for diners to enjoy their meal.
Locals and visitors alike praise Charlotte’s for bringing a taste of Texas to Oklahoma. The chicken fried steak has become a favorite among those seeking comfort food with Texan flair.
8) Ron’s Jumbo Chicken Fried Steak
Ron’s Jumbo Chicken Fried Steak is a popular dish in Oklahoma that pays homage to the classic Texas-style preparation. This sizable portion of tenderized beef is coated in a crispy, well-seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection.
The steak is typically served with a generous ladling of creamy white gravy, adding richness and complementing the crunchy exterior. Side dishes often include mashed potatoes and green beans, creating a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ron’s version stands out for its impressive size, often hanging over the edges of the plate. The restaurant prides itself on using quality beef and a secret blend of spices in the breading, resulting in a flavorful crust that adheres well to the meat.
Diners appreciate the consistent quality and generous portions at Ron’s. The chicken fried steak has become a local favorite, drawing patrons from across the state who are eager to tackle this formidable dish.
While rooted in Texas tradition, Ron’s Jumbo Chicken Fried Steak showcases Oklahoma’s embrace and interpretation of this beloved comfort food. It exemplifies how regional cuisines can cross state lines and evolve in new locations.
9) Sunnyside Diner’s Home-Style Favorite
Sunnyside Diner in Oklahoma serves a beloved chicken fried steak that captures the essence of home-style cooking. Their version of this Texas-inspired dish has become a local favorite.
The diner’s chicken fried steak features tender beef that is lightly breaded and golden fried to perfection. It is then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy that complements the crispy exterior.
Sunnyside Diner offers this classic dish as part of their breakfast menu, pairing it with eggs for a hearty start to the day. The combination of savory steak and fluffy eggs satisfies customers seeking a filling meal.
The restaurant prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where diners can feel at home. This comfortable environment enhances the enjoyment of their home-style chicken fried steak.
Sunnyside Diner’s commitment to quality and tradition makes their chicken fried steak a must-try for locals and visitors alike. It exemplifies how Oklahoma has embraced and perfected this Texas-born dish.
10) Fat Granny’s Texas-Style Chicken Dish
Fat Granny’s in Oklahoma serves up a mouthwatering Texas-style chicken fried steak that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. This beloved dish features a tender cube steak coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust.
The restaurant’s secret lies in their perfectly seasoned flour mixture, which adds just the right amount of flavor to the breading. They dip the steak in a mixture of eggs and milk before coating it in the seasoned flour.
Fat Granny’s fries the breaded steak to perfection, achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. The result is a satisfying crunch with every bite, complemented by the tender meat inside.
The dish comes smothered in a rich, creamy gravy made from pan drippings, flour, and milk. This velvety sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the chicken fried steak.
Served alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, Fat Granny’s Texas-style chicken dish offers a true taste of Southern hospitality in the heart of Oklahoma.
Historical Context of Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak traces its roots to German and Austrian immigrants who settled in Texas during the 19th century. These settlers brought with them recipes for Wiener schnitzel, a breaded veal cutlet.
As beef was more readily available in Texas, locals adapted the dish using tenderized beef instead of veal. The name “chicken fried steak” emerged due to its preparation method, similar to that of fried chicken.
By the early 20th century, chicken fried steak had become a staple in Texas cuisine. Its popularity spread throughout the state, with regional variations developing over time.
Three distinct styles of chicken fried steak emerged in Texas:
- Central Texas: Uses breadcrumbs, resembling the original schnitzel
- East Texas: Features a thicker, richer breading
- West Texas: Employs a simpler pan-fried method without egg wash
The dish gained widespread recognition beyond Texas borders in the mid-20th century. It became a symbol of Texas culinary culture, representing the state’s unique blend of European influences and frontier resourcefulness.
Today, chicken fried steak remains an iconic Texas dish, beloved for its crispy exterior, tender meat, and hearty gravy. Its enduring popularity has made it a fixture in diners and restaurants across the Southwest.
Culinary Roots in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s culinary landscape blends frontier traditions with Southern influences, creating a unique food culture. The state’s passion for chicken fried steak reflects its agricultural heritage and hearty, comforting flavors.
Local Ingredients and Flavor Profiles
Oklahoma’s chicken fried steak showcases locally sourced beef, often from the state’s numerous cattle ranches. Cooks typically use tenderized round steak or cube steak, pounded thin for maximum tenderness.
The crispy coating features a blend of flour, salt, pepper, and sometimes paprika or garlic powder. This seasoning mix gives the dish its distinctive Oklahoma flavor profile.
Cream gravy, a staple accompaniment, incorporates milk or cream from local dairies. Chefs often add black pepper for a subtle kick, balancing the richness of the gravy.
Cultural Significance in Oklahoma
Chicken fried steak holds a special place in Oklahoma’s culinary identity. The dish gained popularity during the Great Depression, offering a filling meal from affordable ingredients.
Many Oklahomans consider it a comfort food, evoking memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. Local diners and family restaurants often feature chicken fried steak as a menu staple.
The dish’s popularity has led to its inclusion in food festivals and cooking competitions across the state. Some towns even host annual chicken fried steak festivals, celebrating this beloved culinary tradition.
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
Achieving the ideal chicken fried steak requires attention to detail and proper technique. The key lies in selecting quality ingredients, mastering the breading process, and perfecting the frying method.
Cooking Techniques and Methods
Start with tenderized cube steaks, about 1/4 inch thick. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour seasoned with salt and pepper, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and more seasoned flour. Dredge each steak in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat again in flour.
Heat oil in a large skillet to 375°F. Carefully place breaded steaks in hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
For extra crispy results, double-dip steaks in egg and flour mixtures before frying. Rest cooked steaks on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using thin or tough cuts of meat, which can lead to chewy results. Don’t skip tenderizing the steaks beforehand.
Resist the urge to flip steaks too often while frying. This can cause the breading to fall off. Flip only once when golden brown on the bottom.
Maintain proper oil temperature throughout cooking. Oil that’s too cool leads to greasy, soggy steaks. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Don’t press down on steaks with a spatula while cooking. This squeezes out juices, resulting in dry meat.