Country Fried Steak

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbcube steak$14.23
• 1.5 cupall-purpose flour$0.41
• 2 eachlarge eggs$1.15
• 2 cupwhole milk$0.75
• 0.5 cupvegetable oil$0.63
• 2 tbspunsalted butter$0.24
• 0.5 cupbeef broth$0.25
• 1 tspblack pepper$0.13
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 1 tsppaprika$0.13
• Total for 4 servings$17.94

Most of the cost is cube steak ($14.23) and large eggs ($1.15). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $16.50. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with half of the kosher salt and half of the black pepper.
2. Set up two shallow dredging dishes: in the first, whisk together the all-purpose flour (reserving 3 tablespoons for the gravy), paprika, and the remaining kosher salt and black pepper; in the second, whisk together the large eggs and 1/4 cup of the whole milk.
3. Dredge each steak thoroughly in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg mixture to coat completely, and then dredge again in the flour, pressing firmly so the coating adheres.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F / 175°C). Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, fry the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.
5. Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet, keeping the browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium, melt the unsalted butter in the skillet, and whisk in the reserved 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
6. Slowly pour in the remaining 1 3/4 cups of whole milk and the beef broth while whisking constantly. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Arrange the fried steaks on dinner plates, ladle the warm peppery gravy generously over top, and serve immediately.