Chicken Fried Steak with Jalapeno Bacon Gravy

Ingredients

Flour Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Egg/Milk Mixture

• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce

Remaining Ingredients

• 6 pieces cubed steak
• Vegetable oil or shortening
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Equipment Large Cast Iron Pan

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place a metal rack inside of a rimmed baking sheet. (This is to keep the cooked chicken fried steak warm while you make the gravy.)

2. 2

   Combine all flour mixture ingredients in a pie pan. Set aside.

3. 3

   Whisk together milk, eggs and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Set aside.

4. 4

   Pat cubed steak dry with paper towels. If thicker then 1/2-inch pound the steaks to flatten them some.

5. 5

   Dredge the steaks in the flour mixture, coat in egg mixture and then dredge a second time in the flour mixture.

6. 6

   Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil or shortening in a large pan, preferably cast iron.

7. 7

   In two batches so you don't crowd the pan, cook the steak for 4 minutes per side. Briefly place on a paper towel-lined plate and then on the wire rack set inside the baking sheet. Keep warm in the oven.

8. 8

   Once both batches have been cooked, pour off excess oil from pan, leaving about 1/4 cup.

9. 9

   Place back over heat and add the bacon. Cook until it is about halfway cooked. Add the jalapeno and continue to cook until the bacon is crispy.

10. 10

    Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

11. 11

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes. If you want your gravy thinner, add a little more milk.

12. 12

    Season gravy to taste with salt and pepper.

13. 13

    To serve, spoon gravy over chicken fried steak.

Notes