Made with tender cubed steak, a crispy almond flour coating, and accompanied by a creamy white gravy, this keto chicken fried steak recipe brings all the comfort food flavors you love—without the carbs!
Why do they call it chicken fried steak?
Okay, here's the question EVERYONE and their mother wants to know...
Is chicken fried steak - chicken or steak?
And the answer is... neither! Well, sort of. The name "chicken fried steak" can be a bit misleading because it's actually made with beef - usually cube steak (tenderized round steak). But the method of cooking and breading is similar to that of fried chicken, hence the name.
Think of it as a "steak that's been fried like chicken."
The cubed steak is coated in a mixture of flour and seasonings and then fried until crispy and golden brown. This creates a deliciously crunchy outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
How to make keto chicken fried steak
Unfortunately, traditional chicken fried steak is not keto-friendly due to the high-carb breading and flour used in the recipe. But with a few simple swaps, we can easily turn this classic southern dish into a low-carb version that's just as tasty!
Here's what you'll need to make the best chicken fried steak:
- Cubed steak (or sirloin tip steak if you can't find it)
- Almond flour (instead of regular flour)
- Eggs and heavy cream (for the egg wash)
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper)
- Cooking oil for frying (choose a keto-friendly option like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow the instructions in the recipe card down below. And don't forget that homemade white gravy - it's the perfect finishing touch to this keto chicken fried steak.
The best steak for chicken fried steak
When you're picking the best steak for chicken fried steak, go for a thin and tender cut. This way, it cooks evenly, stays juicy inside, and gets crispy on the outside. Most people use cube steak, which is made from tenderized round steak.
But if you can't find that at your local store, sirloin tip steak or even thinly sliced ribeye will do the trick, too!
Why does my breading fall off my chicken fried steak?
If you find that your breading is falling off, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening:
- Make sure your steaks are well-coated in the almond flour mixture before dipping them into the egg wash. This way, the breading will stick better.
- Let the coated steaks sit for a few minutes before frying. This gives the coating time to set and stick to the steak better.
- When you're putting the steaks in the hot oil, make sure they're not touching each other or the sides of the skillet. If they do, the breading might rub off while cooking. Cook them in batches if you need to.
Don't forget the white gravy!
No chicken fried steak is complete without a generous drizzle of creamy white gravy. Good news—there’s an easy keto-friendly version to go with this recipe! It’s made with heavy cream, butter, and xanthan gum to thicken it up perfectly.
What to serve with Southern chicken fried steak
Chicken fried steak is a hearty dish that's typically served with some classic Southern sides. And just because you're following a keto diet, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy these delicious traditional accompaniments!
In place of mashed potatoes, serve your chicken fried steak with cauliflower mash. It's a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that pairs perfectly with the crispy, flavorful steak and creamy white gravy. You'll hardly even notice the difference!
Cheesy macaroni and cheese is another popular side dish for chicken fried steak, but of course, my version is made with keto-friendly ingredients. It's a rich and creamy casserole that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings
For some greenery on the plate, steam or sauté some southern green beans (add a bit of bacon) or serve a side of oven-roasted asparagus. The fresh, vibrant flavors of the vegetables complement the richness of the steak and gravy perfectly.
And lastly, to go along with the white gravy, whip up a batch of keto cheddar biscuits on the side. It's a classic Southern staple that you won't want to miss out on! It's perfect for dipping into that gravy.
Love This Keto Chicken Fried Steak? Try These Recipes!
If you really enjoyed this steak recipe, try these keto recipes whenever you are craving a full comfort meal:
- Chipotle's Beef Barbacoa - Recreate your favorite Mexican takeout dish at home with this keto-friendly version. Slow-cooked beef in a flavorful sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or on its own.
- Keto Mongolian Beef (P.F. Chang's Copycat) - Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with a sweet and savory sauce, served over cauliflower rice for a complete meal!
- Mississippi Mud Roast - Slow-cooked beef roast smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, perfect for Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week.
- Boneless Pork Ribs - Tender and juicy pork ribs baked in a tangy, homemade BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or cozy dinner at home.
- Slow Cooker Sirloin Steak Tips - Chunks of steak slow-cooked in a savory and flavorful gravy. Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Recipe
Keto Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 pieces cubed steak
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- cooking oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil for frying
For Serving:
- keto white gravy without sausage
- cauliflower mash
- southern green beans or any low-carb vegetable of your choice
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream to create an egg wash.
- Pat the cubed steaks dry with paper towels, then dredge them in the seasoned almond flour mixture, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Dip the coated steaks into the egg wash, then dredge them again in the almond flour mixture to double coat.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Keto Chicken Fried Steak hot with cauliflower mash, green beans, and a generous drizzle of keto white gravy.
Notes
- Serving Size = 1 Steak.
- If you can only find large cube steaks, you may need to cut them in half to make 4 steaks.
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
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Peter
I'm going to have to give this a try. I've missed chicken-fried steak. Would _definitely_ have to cook in batches, though. I've already dealt with normal CFS having the coating coming off. I'll take that "rest the steaks after coating" tip in stride as well - that should help quite a bit.