Southern Fried Cube Steak

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp thyme, fresh leaves
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 salt and ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp oil
• (2) 1/8 cup milk
• 1 1/2 pounds cubed steak (6 cubed steaks)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200°- 250°F (your lowest oven setting)

• Beat eggs and milk, set aside
• In another pie pan mix all dry ingredients together
• Season the meat with salt and pepper
• Dredge in flour, shake off excess, dredge in egg, shake off excess, and dredge in flour once more
• Place on a plate or baking pan and allow to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.
• Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle a couple of drops of water into oil, if water pops the oil is ready to fry. Place a couple of pieces of meat in skillet, cook approximately 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown
• Remove from oil, place on a wire rack set on a baking pan, place in pre-heated oven to keep warm until all meat is cooked

For the Gravy:

• After you fry your steaks drain all remaining oil retaining 3-4 tablespoons to make a Roux, retain some of the bits and pieces from the bottom of the pan.
• Whisk the flour into the oil and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Whisk in milk a little at a time.
• Return to medium-high heat and stir until gravy starts to thicken.
• Make sure to scrape the bits off the bottom as you are stirring
• Add salt and pepper to taste.