This Southern steak dish is a twist on classic fried chicken. Although it uses beef instead of chicken, you’re left with a chicken fried steak dish that’s just as crispy and comforting. While the exact origins of this American classic are hard to trace, it became popular in the 1800s in states like Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, where beef was produced. Some even say this dish’s inception was influenced by German and Austrian immigrants, whose wiener schnitzel resembles chicken fried steak.

The use of cubed steak, which are tenderized pieces of thin steak that are also notably inexpensive, makes this meal accessible, while also allowing for creativity with the use of seasonings and spices. Whether you serve it for breakfast with eggs and hash browns, or with veggies for dinner, a dollop of creamy country gravy is non-negotiable when it comes to diner-style chicken fried steak.