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Chicken Fried Steak With Fried Oysters and Cream Gravy

This Southern classic combines tender, crispy chicken fried steak with delicately fried oysters, all topped with a rich, peppery cream gravy. The dish elevates comfort food to restaurant-worthy status with its perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern

Ingredients
  

For the Steak & Oysters
  • 32 ounces beef top round steak cut into 4 steaks, about 1/2-inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour for coating the steaks (plus 2 additional tablespoons will be used later for the gravy)
  • 1/4 cup seasoning salt or spice essence Emeril’s blend works perfectly
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 pint oysters
For the Cream Gravy
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon additional seasoning salt or spice essence
  • 2 1/2 cups milk

Equipment

  • Meat mallet
  • Large bowls
  • Heavy skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Wire rack
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Place the 32 ounces of top round steak on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet, pound each steak until very tender—around 1/8-inch thick—to break down tough muscle fibers.
  2. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of seasoning salt. In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk with the remaining seasoning salt. Dredge each tenderized steak in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk, then recoat in the flour mixture to achieve a double layer for an extra-crispy crust.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to about 350°F (the oil should be roughly 1/2-inch deep). Fry the coated steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. Fry the oysters separately for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
  4. After frying, drain most of the oil from the skillet, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons. Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup of finely sliced green onion; cook until the onions are softened.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the softened onions and stir constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 1/2 cups of milk, then season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon additional seasoning salt. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches a thick, gravy-like consistency.
  6. Plate the chicken fried steak and fried oysters, generously drizzling with the warm cream gravy. Enjoy this Southern masterpiece on its own or served alongside classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, corn on the cob, or warm buttermilk biscuits.

Notes

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a bold Southern classic with an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. You can experiment by swapping beef for tenderized pork cutlets or replacing oysters with shrimp or scallops if desired. For a quick buttermilk substitute, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and gently reheated to enjoy again with your favorite sides.