CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK WITH CRACKED-PEPPER GRAVY

Chicken-Fried Steak with Cracked-Pepper Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 eggs
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup bock beer
2 cups vegetable oil
4 tenderized round steaks (about 1/2 pound each)
2 cups Cracked Pepper Gravy, recipe follows
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/3 cup milk
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Steps:

Prepare the flour spice by blending the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Set aside on a plate or waxed paper.
Prepare the batter by mixing the eggs with a whisk, in a large bowl. Add the cream and beer. Whisk to blend. Set aside.
In a deep, heavy skillet, heat the oil to 350 degrees.
While the oil is heating, prepare the round steaks by dredging them in the flour spice, taking care to evenly coat the meat. Shake off any excess. Dip the meat into the batter, and then again in the flour spice, evenly coating the batter so it is dry on the outside.
When the oil temperature reaches 350 degrees (when a drop of batter sizzles when dropped in it), gently slide one steak into the hot oil. Cook the steak about 5 minutes. Turn in the oil, taking care not to break the coating, and cook the meat 5 more minutes, or until the batter is nicely browned. Drain the cooked steak on paper towels. Repeat with the other steaks. Hold the cooked steaks in a 225-degree oven until all 4 are done.
Pour Cracked Pepper Gravy over the steaks and serve.
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. When the foam subsides, whisk in the flour. Continually whisk until the flour cooks, becoming a fragrant light brown. Slowly add the milk, continuing to whisk to keep lumps from forming. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gravy for 10 minutes to cook and reduce. Serve hot.