What Kind of Meat Does Cracker Barrel Use for Their Country Fried Steak?

Cracker Barrel has become famous for its hearty Southern-style comfort food, and one of its standout dishes is the country fried steak. This dish features tender meat, a crispy breading, and a rich, savory gravy, creating a flavor combination that many people love. But fans often wonder: what kind of meat does Cracker Barrel use for their country fried steak? Here’s an in-depth look at Cracker Barrel’s meat choice, why it’s perfect for country fried steak, and what makes this dish so uniquely delicious.

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A Southern Classic: What is Country Fried Steak?

Country fried steak holds a special place in Southern American cuisine, celebrated for its warm, comforting qualities. This classic dish consists of a breaded, fried piece of meat, typically beef, served with a creamy gravy that’s often white. The origins of country fried steak trace back to the American South, where it shares similarities with the German dish Wiener Schnitzel but has evolved into a distinctly Southern comfort food.

At Cracker Barrel, their approach to country fried steak stands out. With high-quality ingredients and a traditional preparation style, Cracker Barrel has perfected this dish over time. But what kind of meat does Cracker Barrel use for their country fried steak to achieve the ideal balance of flavor and texture? They rely on cube steak, a cut that’s tenderized and suited for a crispy coating and rich gravy.

What Kind of Meat Does Cracker Barrel Use?

Cracker Barrel uses cube steak for their country fried steak. Cube steak is a type of beef that undergoes mechanical tenderization, which softens the meat and creates small cube-like indentations on its surface. This process gives cube steak a unique texture that holds up well under a breaded coating. Typically, cube steak comes from tougher cuts like top round or sirloin, which benefit from tenderization, making the meat easier to chew and ideal for frying.

Why Cube Steak is Perfect for Country Fried Steak

Cube steak offers several qualities that make it the ideal choice for Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak. Here’s why Cracker Barrel uses it:

1. Tender Texture: The tenderizing process creates a soft, easy-to-eat texture that works beautifully with the crispy breading.
2. Flavor Absorption: Because of its surface texture, cube steak holds onto seasoning, breading, and gravy very well, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
3. Affordability: Cube steak is cost-effective compared to premium cuts like ribeye or filet, making it perfect for a homestyle meal. Cracker Barrel can thus offer a delicious and satisfying dish at a reasonable price.

For more insight into cube steak and its versatility, you can read this helpful guide on is cube steak the same as stew meat. Understanding the differences in these cuts can help you see why Cracker Barrel uses cube steak for their country fried steak.

How Cracker Barrel Prepares Its Country Fried Steak

Cracker Barrel’s preparation method enhances the flavor and texture of country fried steak, making it a memorable dining experience. Here’s how they prepare this classic dish:

1. Seasoned Flour Coating: The cube steak is first coated in a seasoned flour mixture that includes salt, pepper, and other spices. This layer provides initial flavor right from the start.
2. Buttermilk Dip: After the first flour coating, Cracker Barrel dips the steak in buttermilk, which adds tanginess and helps the flour stick to the meat.
3. Double Coating: The steak goes back into the flour mixture for a second coating, creating a thick, crunchy crust.
4. Pan-Frying: Cracker Barrel pan-fries the steak until it turns golden brown, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
5. Creamy Gravy: To finish, Cracker Barrel serves the steak with creamy white gravy, which complements the savory flavors of the meat and breading.

For those interested in other Southern-inspired dishes, you might also like this recipe for garlic butter steak potatoes skillet. It highlights similar flavors and techniques that are popular in Southern cuisine.

Country Fried Steak vs. Chicken Fried Steak

Though people often use the terms interchangeably, country fried steak and chicken fried steak have distinct differences. Here’s a quick comparison to clarify:

• Country Fried Steak: Usually pan-fried, served with a brown or white gravy, and known for its rustic, home-cooked appeal. You’ll frequently find this dish in Southern diners and family-style restaurants.
• Chicken Fried Steak: This variation is often deep-fried and served with white, creamy gravy. Its lighter, crispier coating resembles the breading on fried chicken, which is how it got its name.

Interestingly, Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak more closely resembles chicken fried steak, as it’s served with a rich, creamy gravy. This addition enhances the flavors of the breaded cube steak, creating a complete and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Profile of Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak

Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak offers a filling, indulgent meal. Here’s a closer look at its nutritional elements:

• Calories: Each serving contains around 600-800 calories, depending on portion size.
• Protein: Cube steak provides approximately 25-30 grams of protein per serving, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
• Fats: The pan-frying process and creamy gravy add fat, giving the dish its rich texture and flavor.
• Carbohydrates: The breading and gravy provide most of the carbohydrates, creating a balanced comfort food option.

For a more balanced meal, consider pairing Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak with lighter sides like green beans or a side salad. To find more ideas for healthy side dishes, check out this easy guide on how long to boil green beans.

FAQs on Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak

Here are some common questions about what kind of meat Cracker Barrel uses for their country fried steak and other details:

What kind of meat does Cracker Barrel use for their country fried steak?
Cracker Barrel uses cube steak, a tenderized beef cut that’s well-suited for frying and holds up beautifully with breading and gravy.

Is Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak different from chicken fried steak?
Yes, although Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak closely resembles chicken fried steak with its creamy white gravy, the subtle flavor differences set them apart.

Does Cracker Barrel prepare their country fried steak fresh?
Cracker Barrel prioritizes freshness and quality in their ingredients. Although certain steps are standardized across locations, the ingredients are fresh to ensure consistency and quality.

Does Cracker Barrel offer a gluten-free option for country fried steak?
At this time, Cracker Barrel doesn’t provide a gluten-free version of this dish, as the breading includes flour, which contains gluten.

Can you order a lighter version of Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak?
The country fried steak is intended to be hearty and indulgent, but you can reduce calories by requesting a smaller portion or skipping the gravy.

Are there other popular meat dishes at Cracker Barrel?
Cracker Barrel’s menu has many meat-based dishes that highlight Southern flavors. Another favorite is their meatloaf, which brings similar comfort and flavor. For more information, check out the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe.

Why Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak Stands Out

Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak remains a fan favorite because of its tender meat, crispy breading, and flavorful gravy. Cracker Barrel uses cube steak for their country fried steak to achieve a tender, delicious result that works perfectly with the crispy coating and creamy gravy. This combination of ingredients and traditional preparation methods offers diners a taste of true Southern comfort.

In addition to the delicious food, Cracker Barrel offers an experience of Southern hospitality and homestyle dining. For those who love hearty, comforting Southern dishes, Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak provides an unforgettable taste of the South.

Making Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak at Home

If you want to bring a taste of Cracker Barrel into your own kitchen, try this simple recipe inspired by their country fried steak:

Ingredients:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup flour
• Salt, pepper, and spices (like paprika and garlic powder)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup milk or cream (for gravy)

Instructions:

1. Season and Coat: Combine flour, salt, pepper, and spices in a bowl. Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, then dip in buttermilk.
2. Double Coat: Dredge the steak in flour again for a thicker, crunchier crust.
3. Fry: Pan-fry the steaks in hot oil until they turn golden brown.
4. Make Gravy: Remove excess oil, then add milk or cream to the pan and stir until the gravy thickens.
5. Serve: Pour the gravy over the steaks and serve immediately.

This recipe captures the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak, letting you enjoy this Southern classic at home.

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Conclusion

For those who appreciate homestyle Southern cooking, Cracker Barrel’s country fried steak offers an authentic and comforting experience. Whether enjoyed at the restaurant or made at home, this dish delivers the flavor and nostalgia that define Southern cuisine. And if you’re exploring Cracker Barrel’s other classics, don’t miss their Cracker Barrel meatloaf, another homestyle favorite that brings Southern flavor to the table.