Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable and satisfying Easy Keto Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak. This classic Southern comfort food gets a complete low-carb makeover, delivering all the rich flavors and crispy textures you crave without derailing your ketogenic lifestyle. Forget bland diet meals; this recipe features perfectly tenderized cube steaks, coated in a seasoned almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese breading, pan-fried to golden perfection. The result is a wonderfully crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior, all drizzled with a creamy, rich country gravy that can be enhanced with savory sausage for an extra layer of flavor. Prepare to transform your dinner table with a dish that’s both incredibly simple to make and irresistibly delicious, proving that staying keto doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite comfort foods.
Table of Contents
Why is it Called Chicken Fried Steak? Unraveling the Mystery
Many are often surprised to learn that a dish named “chicken fried steak” contains no chicken at all. The intriguing name actually stems from its preparation method, which closely mirrors that of traditional Southern fried chicken—a beloved culinary staple. Both dishes involve a tenderized piece of meat (or poultry) dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and then pan-fried to achieve a beautifully crisp, golden crust. This cooking style is deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, which is why you’ll also frequently hear it referred to as “country fried steak,” a direct nod to its regional heritage and rustic appeal.
Traditionally, chicken fried steak is crafted from a breaded cutlet, generously seasoned with salt, pepper, and various spices, then shallow-fried in a cast-iron skillet until both sides are perfectly browned and crunchy. Our keto version preserves this time-honored technique while making smart substitutions to keep it low-carb and gluten-free, ensuring that the authentic taste and texture remain intact.
Selecting the Perfect Meat: Cube Steak for Tender Results
The foundation of an outstanding chicken fried steak lies in selecting the right cut of meat. For this recipe, cube steaks are the undisputed champion. But what exactly is a cube steak? It typically refers to a cut of beef, often from the top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized and flattened through a mechanical process called “cubing.” This process involves pounding the meat with a meat tenderizer, which leaves distinct square-shaped indentations—hence the name “cube steak.”
This pre-tenderized cut is ideal for chicken fried steak because it ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and cooks quickly, preventing it from drying out during the frying process. The tenderizing also creates a larger surface area, allowing the seasoned breading to adhere beautifully, creating that signature crispy crust. When shopping, look for pre-cubed steaks, as using tenderized meat is crucial for achieving the desired texture and tenderness in your keto chicken fried steak.
Mastering Keto Chicken Fried Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious keto chicken fried steak is straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key is in the setup and the quality of your low-carb ingredients. This recipe ingeniously replaces traditional wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and Parmesan cheese, creating a perfectly seasoned and crispy coating that’s both keto-friendly and bursting with flavor. Here’s how you can achieve perfection:
- **Prepare Your Breading Station:** Start by setting up a dredging station. You’ll need two large bowls. In the first bowl, combine almond flour, finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. In the second bowl, whisk together heavy whipping cream and eggs until well combined.
- **Dredge the Steaks:** Take each tenderized cube steak and first dip it into the almond flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a generous coating on all sides. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the steak into the egg and cream mixture, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, return the steak to the almond flour mixture for a second coating, again pressing gently to adhere the breading. This double-dredging technique is crucial for a thick, crispy crust. Place the breaded steaks on a plate or cutting board and set aside.
- **Preheat Your Skillet:** Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and melted unsalted butter. Ensure you have about ¼ inch of oil in the pan to achieve proper frying. Allow the oil to heat up sufficiently—it should shimmer slightly but not smoke—before adding the steaks.
- **Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection:** Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, fry in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the breading is a rich golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil and keep them crispy while you prepare the gravy.
The Art of Country Gravy: Creamy, Flavorful, and Keto-Friendly
No chicken fried steak is complete without a generous smothering of rich, creamy country gravy. This keto version delivers all the comforting flavor without the carb count of traditional flour-thickened gravies. Here’s how to make it:
To start, if you desire a classic country gravy with a hearty, savory kick, begin by adding 4 ounces of ground breakfast sausage to the same pan you used for frying the steaks (after removing the cooked steaks). Break up the sausage and pan-fry it over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step infuses the gravy with incredible depth of flavor.
Once the sausage is cooked (or if you’re skipping the sausage, proceed directly after frying the steaks), reduce the heat to medium. Add heavy cream to the pan, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk continuously, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits are packed with flavor. To achieve the perfect thickness for your keto gravy, you’ll use xanthan gum. In a small separate bowl, combine ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum with 2-3 tablespoons of the hot liquid gravy from the pan. Stir this mixture vigorously until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Immediately whisk this paste back into the main gravy in the pan. Continue to stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes. The gravy will thicken as it simmers and will continue to thicken further as it cools slightly. Remove from heat and serve immediately over your crispy keto chicken fried steaks.
Choosing the Best Frying Oil for Keto Chicken Fried Steak
The choice of frying oil significantly impacts both the flavor and the success of your keto chicken fried steak. When pan-frying, it’s essential to use an oil that is neutral in flavor and possesses a high smoke point. A neutral flavor ensures that the oil doesn’t impart unwanted tastes to your delicious steak. For this reason, I advise against using coconut oil, as its distinct flavor can easily transfer to the food.
The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it starts to burn and break down, producing smoke and potentially undesirable flavors. Oils with high smoke points are crucial for frying because they can withstand the higher temperatures needed to achieve a crispy crust without scorching. Excellent choices include olive oil or avocado oil. Through extensive testing, I’ve found that avocado oil performs exceptionally well in this recipe, often surpassing olive oil in results. When combined with a touch of unsalted butter, avocado oil not only contributes to a superior crispiness but also plays a vital role in keeping the delicate keto breading intact on the steaks throughout the frying process. Its high smoke point and mild flavor make it the ideal choice for perfectly golden and crunchy chicken fried steak.
Secrets to Maintaining Crispy Breading: Tips for Success
Achieving and maintaining a perfectly crisp breading on your keto chicken fried steak can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple techniques, you’ll get it right every time. The goal is to prevent the breading from falling off during frying, ensuring every bite is as crunchy and delicious as the last.
- **The Power of Avocado Oil:** As mentioned, using avocado oil is a great first step. Its properties help the breading adhere better and crisp up beautifully.
- **The Chilling Trick:** After you’ve breaded your steaks, don’t rush them into the hot oil. The keto breading, made with almond flour and Parmesan, tends to be quite sticky. Placing this sticky coating directly into hot oil can lead to it detaching. To combat this, transfer the breaded steaks to the refrigerator and let them chill for 20-30 minutes. This crucial step allows the breading to firm up and adhere more securely to the meat, significantly reducing the chances of it falling off during frying.
- **Optimal Oil Depth:** The amount of oil in your pan is more important than you might think. Aim for approximately ¼ inch of oil in your skillet. This provides enough depth for the steaks to fry evenly without being fully submerged (like deep frying) or struggling to get crispy (like shallow pan-frying with too little oil). Too much oil can sometimes cause the breading to float off, while too little can lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Adjust the oil amount based on the size of your pan to maintain this ideal depth.
- **Gentle Flipping Technique:** When it’s time to flip your steak patties, exercise caution and a delicate touch. Rushing or being too aggressive can easily dislodge the breading, especially on the side that hasn’t fully cooked and hardened yet. Use tongs or a spatula with care, ensuring a smooth, even flip. Not only will this preserve your breading, but it also helps prevent splashes of hot oil, keeping you safe in the kitchen. Patience is key for that perfectly intact, golden crust.
Almond Flour Substitutions: Keeping it Low Carb
The combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese in this keto chicken fried steak recipe is a true culinary winner. This blend provides a delightful texture and rich flavor without any overpowering “almondy” taste, thanks to the savory balance provided by the Parmesan. The cheese enhances the overall profile without being too assertive, creating a harmonious and delicious breading.
If you’re looking for an alternative to almond flour, or simply prefer a different flavor profile, crushed pork rinds are an excellent low-carb substitute. You can use them in the same 1:1 ratio as almond flour. Pork rinds will impart an even crispier texture and a distinct, savory flavor that many find irresistible in keto fried dishes.
It’s important to note that this recipe has not been tested with coconut flour. Coconut flour behaves very differently from almond flour; it is significantly more absorbent and dense, meaning it does not have a 1:1 substitution ratio. Using coconut flour in this recipe would likely result in a dry, crumbly breading and an undesirable texture. For best results and to maintain the integrity of the dish, stick to almond flour or crushed pork rinds as specified.
Understanding Xanthan Gum: The Keto Thickening Agent
Xanthan gum is a remarkable ingredient that plays a crucial role in many keto and gluten-free recipes, including our country gravy. It’s a natural polysaccharide commonly used as a food additive, primarily acting as a thickening and stabilizing agent. In baking, it helps to bind ingredients together and improve texture, mimicking the role of gluten in traditional flours. For our gravy, it’s indispensable for achieving that luscious, thick consistency without adding any carbs from wheat flour.
You only need a very small amount—typically around half a teaspoon for most recipes—as it’s incredibly potent. A common pitfall when using xanthan gum is adding it directly to hot liquids, which can result in clumping. To avoid this, always mix it with a small amount of the liquid you intend to thicken (or a bit of oil) first to create a slurry before whisking it into the main dish. When purchasing xanthan gum, look for a gluten-free variety, which ensures it hasn’t been cross-contaminated with wheat products during processing. You can easily find xanthan gum here on Amazon.
If you don’t have xanthan gum on hand, you can try substituting it with a couple of ounces of cream cheese. Cream cheese will melt into the hot gravy, adding richness and a lovely creamy thickness, though the final texture may be slightly different from what xanthan gum provides.
Nutritional Breakdown: Calories and Carbs
One of the significant advantages of this recipe is its excellent macro profile, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. Each serving of this delicious keto low carb chicken fried steak (without the optional gravy) contains approximately 594 calories and a mere 6 grams of net carbs. This makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized while staying well within your daily carb limits. The combination of protein from the steak, healthy fats from the frying oil and butter, and the low-carb breading ensures that this dish provides substantial nourishment, fitting perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle.
Freezer-Friendly Tips: Enjoying Leftovers Later
This keto chicken fried steak is an excellent candidate for meal prep or for freezing leftovers to enjoy on busy days. To properly freeze the cooked steaks, allow them to cool completely after frying. Once cool, wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for 3-4 months, retaining their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost the frozen steaks in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the breading has crisped up again. This method helps prevent the breading from becoming soggy, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Perfect Keto Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
A fantastic keto low carb chicken fried steak deserves equally delicious and keto-friendly side dishes. Here are some excellent options that will beautifully complement the rich flavors and textures of your main course, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal:
- Keto Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, fluffy alternative to mashed potatoes, this cauliflower mash is the ideal base for soaking up that savory country gravy.
- Air Fryer Green Beans: Quick, crispy, and flavorful, these green beans offer a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the steak.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: Perfectly roasted and tender-crisp, broccoli is a classic side that’s packed with nutrients and low in carbs.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Elegant and easy, roasted asparagus provides a delicate flavor and satisfying texture.
- Keto Broccoli Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for balancing out the meal.
More Keto Low-Carb Comfort Food Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this keto low carb chicken fried steak, you’ll be thrilled to discover that a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite comforting dishes. There’s a wide array of delicious low-carb options that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Explore these other fantastic keto comfort food recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Keto Low-Carb Smothered Pork Chops: Tender pork chops slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a cozy evening.
- Smothered Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce, a true Southern delight made keto-friendly.
- Keto Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: All the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, layered into a convenient and delicious casserole.
- Keto Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: The iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak transformed into an easy, comforting casserole.
- Keto Low Carb Orange Chicken: A vibrant and tangy take on a takeout classic, proving that even your favorite Asian dishes can be made keto.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Easy Keto Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak
Save this recipe here.
Saved!
Ingredients
- 1 pound cube steaks Cut into 4 steaks
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted and measured solid.
Country Gravy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum See notes.
- 4 ounces ground breakfast sausage Optional if you want sausage gravy. See recipe notes for how to incorporate it.
Instructions
- Set up a cooking station. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and eggs. Keep a moist kitchen towel nearby, as your hands will get sticky during the breading process.
- Dredge each cube steak in the almond flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Then dip it into the cream and egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dip it back into the almond flour mixture for a second, thorough coating. Set each breaded steak aside on a clean plate or cutting board. For best results, chill the breaded steaks in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and melted unsalted butter, ensuring there’s about ¼ inch of oil in the pan. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers.
- Carefully place the breaded cube steaks into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use a delicate touch when flipping to keep the breading intact.
- Remove the cooked chicken fried steaks from the pan and set them aside on a wire rack to keep them crispy. Reduce the heat on the pan to medium for the gravy.
- **For Sausage Gravy (Optional):** If using, add 4 ounces of ground breakfast sausage to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, leaving some for flavor.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the pan, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the gravy.
- In a small separate bowl, combine ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum with 2 tablespoons of the hot gravy mixture from the pan. Whisk vigorously until a thick, smooth paste (a slurry) forms.
- Add this xanthan gum slurry back into the main gravy in the pan. Stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes as the gravy thickens. Remove the pan from heat; the gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it stands. Serve warm over your keto chicken fried steaks.
Video
Notes
- Macros noted exclude optional gravy to provide a baseline nutritional value for the steak itself.
- **For Country Gravy with Sausage:** After frying steaks, remove them. Add 4 ounces of ground breakfast sausage to the pan and cook until browned. Then, proceed with adding cream and the remaining gravy steps, incorporating the sausage into the gravy.
- **Air Fryer Option:** You can air fry these steaks at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispy finish with less oil.
- **Oil Selection:** Always use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying. Avocado oil is highly recommended as it helps keep the breading intact better than olive oil when combined with butter. Avoid coconut oil due to its distinct flavor.
- **Breading Substitutions:** Almond flour can be substituted 1:1 with crushed pork rinds for a different texture and flavor. Coconut flour is not recommended due to its high absorbency and different cooking properties.
- **Xanthan Gum Alternatives:** If xanthan gum isn’t available, you can use a couple of ounces of cream cheese to thicken the gravy. This will give it a rich, creamy consistency.
- **Breading Adherence Tip:** To prevent breading from falling off, chill the breaded steaks in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to firm up.
- **Oil Level for Frying:** Maintain approximately ¼ inch of oil in your pan. Too much or too little oil can lead to breading loss.
- **Gentle Flipping:** Be careful when flipping the steaks to avoid dislodging the breading or splashing hot grease. Flip gently to ensure even cooking and an intact crust.
- **Non-Keto Gravy Thickener:** If carb count is not a concern, you can thicken gravy with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (a slurry). Add more as needed until desired thickness is reached.