Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe

Cube steak: A tenderized cut of beef that is perfect for frying.

All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the steak to create a crispy coating.

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the steak.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the steak.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that hold all the sandwich components together.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the sandwich.

Sliced tomato: Provides juiciness and a slight sweetness.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it complements the fried steak perfectly.

When dredging the cube steaks in flour and buttermilk, make sure to press the flour firmly into the meat to create a thick, even coating. This will help achieve a crispy, golden crust when frying. Additionally, let the coated steaks rest for a few minutes before frying to allow the coating to adhere better, reducing the risk of it falling off during cooking.

• cube steak - Substitute with ground beef patties: Ground beef patties can provide a similar texture and flavor when breaded and fried.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

• buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can mimic the tanginess and thickness of buttermilk.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory depth and can enhance the overall flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls offer a sturdier and more textured alternative.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach adds a different texture and more nutrients.

• sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a sweet and smoky flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy and creamy alternative with fewer calories.

• Allow the fried steaks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the steaks soggy.

• Wrap each fried steak individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain their crispiness and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped steaks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the steaks in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat refrigerated steaks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steaks on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For frozen steaks, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even heating and maintains their texture.

• If you prefer a quicker reheating method, use a microwave. Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• For the hamburger buns, store them in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag for up to 1 month.

• To refresh frozen buns, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker method, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.

• Store shredded lettuce and sliced tomato in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use them within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

• Keep mayonnaise refrigerated and use it within the expiration date indicated on the jar. Always use a clean utensil to avoid contamination.

• When ready to assemble the sandwich, follow the original recipe instructions for the freshest and most delicious results.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fried steak on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the steak loosely with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Place the fried steak in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steak is hot and crispy again.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fried steak in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak is hot and crispy.

• To reheat the hamburger buns, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of reheating the steak. Alternatively, you can lightly toast them in a toaster or on a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.

• For the lettuce and tomato, it's best to use fresh ingredients. However, if you must reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to take the chill off, but be cautious as they can become soggy.

• Reassemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on the reheated buns, adding the fresh or lightly reheated lettuce and tomato, and placing the reheated fried steak in the middle. Enjoy your revived Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich!

• Skillet: Used to fry the cube steaks until they are golden brown.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the steaks in the skillet to ensure even cooking.

• Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried steaks.

• Mixing bowls: Needed for dredging the steaks in flour and buttermilk.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the flour and buttermilk accurately.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the buttermilk to ensure it is smooth.

• Knife: Used to slice the tomato for the sandwich.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the tomato.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading mayonnaise on the buns.

• Plates: For assembling and serving the sandwiches.

• Hamburger buns: The base for the sandwich, holding all the ingredients together.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to cook.

Use a large skillet: Fry multiple cube steaks at once to save time.

Preheat the oil: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the steaks to reduce cooking time.

Assemble efficiently: Lay out buns, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise while the steaks are frying.

Use a wire rack: Drain the fried steaks on a wire rack over paper towels to keep them crispy and save time on cleanup.