If you love bold flavors with a crispy, satisfying crunch, then you’re going to adore this Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe. This sandwich brings together tender cube steaks coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy crust, layered with a creamy, spicy mayo that gives it a wonderful kick. It’s comfort food with a fiery twist, and each bite is packed with so much texture and flavor that it feels like a celebration in your mouth. Whether for a weekend lunch or a fun dinner, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe. Each ingredient plays a precise role, from the seasoning in the breading that adds depth, to the sriracha-enhanced mayo that brings that punch of heat.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the spicy sauce that balances heat and richness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright tang to cut through the richness of the fried steak.
- Crushed garlic: Infuses savory depth into the mayo for extra flavor.
- Sriracha or hot sauce: The essential ingredient for that irresistible spicy kick.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season the mayo and the meat perfectly for balanced flavor.
- Pre-tenderized cube steaks (about 1 pound): Tender, thin, and ideal for quick frying.
- Large eggs: Help the flour mixture adhere to the steak for a crispy crust.
- Milk: Lightens the egg wash to ensure that perfect breading texture.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crispy coating, seasoned for bold taste.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper: Layered spices that give warmth and subtle smokiness to the breading.
- Canola oil: Perfect for frying because it maintains a steady heat without overpowering flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness when finishing the steaks in the pan.
- Hamburger buns: Soft yet sturdy to hold all that deliciousness.
- Leaf lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the spicy, fried meat.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
Start by combining the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and sriracha or hot sauce in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. This spicy mayo is going to be the star sauce that elevates the entire sandwich, balancing the heat with creamy tanginess. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you work on the steak.
Step 2: Season and Bread the Cube Steaks
Pat the pre-tenderized cube steaks dry and sprinkle them with kosher salt first. In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk to make an egg wash. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dip each steak first into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. This two-step coating is what will create that unmistakable crispy crust.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks to Golden Perfection
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. Carefully place the breaded steaks in the oil—don’t overcrowd the pan—and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Before you finish, toss in the butter and baste the steaks for an extra layer of flavor and richness. When done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
Slice your hamburger buns and lightly toast them either in the oven or a dry skillet until just golden. This helps prevent sogginess when you add the spicy mayo and juicy steak. Spread a generous amount of the prepared spicy mayo on the bottom halves of the buns, add a crisp leaf of lettuce, then top with the fried steak. Place the bun tops on, press lightly, and you’re ready to dig in.
How to Serve Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can take your sandwich from great to unforgettable. Crisp pickle slices add a sharp tang that cuts through the richness, while thinly sliced red onions give a nice crunch and mild bite. Consider adding a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese if you want to amp up the indulgence even more.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich pairs beautifully with classic Southern-inspired sides. Think creamy coleslaw that adds cool creaminess, crispy French fries, or even a fresh garden salad to balance the heat. The cool, crunchy sides perfectly complement the sandwich’s bold flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra fun presentation, serve your sandwich open-faced on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side. You can also cut the sandwich diagonally and secure each half with a colorful toothpick for easy sharing. Serving with a small bowl of extra spicy mayo for dipping is always a crowd pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sandwich is best eaten within 1 to 2 days, as the breading loses some of its crispness over time. Keep the spicy mayo separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked fried steaks separately before assembling the sandwich. Wrap each steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The buns and mayo don’t freeze well, so add those fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to revive the crispiness without drying it out. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture. Warm the buns separately and assemble just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat for this sandwich?
While cube steaks are ideal because they are tenderized and cook quickly, you can use thinly pounded round steak or sirloin. Just be sure to tenderize them properly to maintain that juicy, tender bite.
How spicy is the Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe?
The heat level really depends on how much sriracha or hot sauce you use. The recipe as written offers a nice medium spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or swap for a milder hot sauce.
Can this sandwich be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour and check that your hot sauce and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy this spicy sandwich without gluten.
Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare and fry the steaks ahead of time, keep the spicy mayo and buns separate, then quickly assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat. It’s a fantastic option for a flavorful, make-ahead lunch or dinner.
What’s the best type of bun for this sandwich?
You want a bun that’s soft enough to bite through but sturdy enough to hold the fried steak and toppings without falling apart. Classic hamburger buns or brioche buns work beautifully for both flavor and texture balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about a sandwich that combines spicy, crispy, tender, and creamy all in one bite. This Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe is a delightful twist on comfort food that brings exciting flavors to your table with every sandwich you make. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first delicious bite!
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Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich recipe features crispy, tenderized cube steaks coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Served on a toasted hamburger bun with fresh lettuce and a spicy, tangy sriracha mayonnaise, this sandwich combines comforting Southern-style cooking with a spicy twist for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sriracha Mayonnaise
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1½ tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Steak and Breading
- 4 pre-tenderized cube steaks (about 1 pound)
- Kosher salt for seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking and Assembly
- 1 cup canola oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 leaves lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Sriracha Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, sriracha or hot sauce, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season the Cube Steaks: Lightly season both sides of the pre-tenderized cube steaks with kosher salt. This will enhance the meat’s natural flavor before breading.
- Set up Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. In another shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Bread the Steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each piece is completely coated for a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of bread sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the Steaks: Carefully add the breaded cube steaks to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the steak is cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the fried steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Add unsalted butter to the skillet to melt and lightly toast the hamburger buns cut side down until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the prepared sriracha mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a leaf of fresh lettuce, then add the crispy fried steak. Finish with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of sriracha in the mayonnaise or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to get a crispy coating without sogginess.
- You can substitute buttermilk for milk in the egg wash for added tenderness and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the steak reaches at least 145°F for safe consumption.
- Leftover fried steaks can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
