Chicken-fried steak pounded tender, breaded, and smothered in creamy white pepper gravy is a Texas family tradition. This hearty, protein-packed comfort food is Southern cooking at its most indulgent.
Lay each cube steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness for tenderness.
In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk eggs and milk in another bowl.
Dredge each steak in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour for a double coat.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add steaks in batches, frying 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on a rack.
For the gravy, discard all but 2 tbsp of oil from the skillet. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp seasoned flour and cook over medium for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups milk gradually, stirring and scraping up browned bits, and simmer until thick (about 5 minutes). Season with extra salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.
Plate steaks hot and ladle generous cream gravy over top, serving immediately.