If you have ever been to Omaha, Nebraska, you may have had the pleasure of trying their famous chicken fried steak. This delicious dish is a Southern classic that is typically made by deep-frying breaded steak. However, if you prefer a healthier and easier alternative, you can cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven

By baking instead of frying, you can enjoy the same crispy and flavorful steak without the extra oil. The oven also ensures that the steak cooks evenly and retains its moisture. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, so you can indulge in this mouthwatering dish from the comfort of your home.

To start, you will need a few simple ingredients, including steak, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings of your choice. The steak should be tenderized and pounded thin to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly in the oven. You can use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy spoon to achieve the desired thickness.

Next, you will prepare the breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Season each component with your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will add flavor to every layer of the steak. Dip each piece of steak into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it thoroughly.

Once all the steak pieces are coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little bit of oil over the top to help achieve a crispy texture. Bake the steaks in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip the steaks halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides are crispy.

Preparation for Omaha Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Before you start cooking Omaha Chicken Fried Steak, it is important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have the following items:

  • 4 Omaha Steak Chicken Fried Steaks
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil (enough for frying)

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the Omaha Chicken Fried Steaks:

  1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  2. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and buttermilk together.
  3. Dip each Omaha Chicken Fried Steak into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
  4. Then dip the steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
  5. Dip the steak back into the flour mixture, coating both sides again.
  6. Repeat the process for each steak, placing them on a plate as you go.
  7. Once all the steaks are coated, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Carefully place the steaks into the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Now that you have prepared the Omaha Chicken Fried Steaks, you can serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When it comes to cooking Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. The ideal cut for this dish is cube steak, which is a tenderized beef cut that has been run through a mechanical tenderizer. The tenderizing process creates small indentations on the surface of the meat, allowing the breading to adhere better and resulting in a more tender finished product.

Cube steak is typically made from top round or top sirloin, both of which have a relatively low fat content and are well-suited for frying. These cuts are lean and flavorful, making them the perfect choice for chicken fried steak. When purchasing cube steak, look for pieces that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, as they will cook more evenly in the oven.

Alternative Cuts

If cube steak is not available, you can use other cuts of beef for your chicken fried steak. Round steak, which comes from the hind leg of the cow, is a popular choice. This cut is lean and has a rich, beefy flavor. However, since round steak is not as tender as cube steak, it may require longer cooking times to achieve the desired level of tenderness.

You can also use sirloin steak, which is a bit more tender and flavorful than round steak. Sirloin comes from the rear back portion of the cow and has a good amount of marbling, which adds juiciness to the meat. Keep in mind that sirloin steak cooks faster than round steak, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Regardless of the cut you choose, it’s important to trim any excess fat from the meat before cooking. This will prevent the steak from becoming too greasy. Additionally, allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking will help it cook more evenly in the oven.

Gathering Ingredients

Before you can start cooking Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:

  • Steak: You will need 4 (6-ounce) beef cube steaks for this recipe.

  • Flour mixture: Prepare a mixture by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.

  • Egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of milk until well combined.

  • Breading mixture: Prepare a breading mixture by combining 1 cup of crushed saltine crackers and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

  • Oil: You will need about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for frying the steaks.

  • Additional ingredients: You may also need salt and pepper to season the steaks before cooking.

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Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Instructions for Omaha Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Preparing a delicious Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to enjoy a crispy and flavorful meal:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk until well combined.
  4. Place a steak on a cutting board and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  5. Dip the steak into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  6. Dip the flour-coated steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  7. Place the steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased wire rack.
  8. Repeat steps 4-7 for the remaining steaks.
  9. Drizzle melted butter over each steak.
  10. Bake the steaks in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  12. Serve the Omaha chicken fried steaks with your favorite sides and enjoy!

With these simple instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering Omaha chicken fried steak ready to impress your family and friends. Bon appétit!

Tenderizing and Seasoning the Meat

Before cooking Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, it’s important to tenderize the meat to ensure it turns out juicy and flavorful. There are a few methods you can use to tenderize the steak:

1. Marinating

One approach is to marinate the steak to help break down the muscle fibers, making it more tender. You can create a simple marinade using ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2. Using a Meat Tenderizer

An alternative method is to use a meat tenderizer tool to physically break down the muscle fibers. Pound the steak using the tenderizer tool, focusing on any thicker or tougher areas. This will help tenderize the meat and make it more enjoyable to eat.

Once you’ve tenderized the steak, it’s time to season it. Here’s how you can season Omaha chicken fried steak:

1. Salt and Pepper

Start by generously seasoning both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. This will provide a basic flavor foundation for the dish.

2. Additional Seasonings

Feel free to add additional seasonings to enhance the taste of the steak. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Sprinkle these seasonings over both sides of the steak, pressing them gently into the meat to ensure they adhere well.

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Once you’ve tenderized and seasoned the Omaha chicken fried steak, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.

Dipping and Coating the Steak

Before cooking your Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, it’s important to properly dip and coat the steak to ensure a crispy and flavorful crust.

1. Season the Steak

Start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.

2. Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up a dredging station by filling a shallow dish with all-purpose flour. In a separate shallow dish, beat eggs until well combined. This will be used for dipping the steak.

3. Dip the Steak

Take each seasoned steak and dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Egg Wash

Next, dip the flour-coated steak into the beaten eggs, ensuring that both sides are coated. This will help the breading stick to the meat.

5. Breading the Steak

Finally, place the steak back into the flour dish and coat it again with flour, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks. Shake off any excess flour.

Once you have finished dipping and coating all of the steaks, they are ready to be cooked in the oven or fried in a pan to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior.

FAQ

What ingredients do I need to cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven?

To cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven, you will need the following ingredients: 4 Omaha Steaks chicken fried steaks, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.

What temperature should I set the oven to when cooking Omaha chicken fried steak?

You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before cooking Omaha chicken fried steak.

How long should I cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven?

Cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken fried steaks?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat instead of chicken fried steaks. You can try using beef cube steaks or pork cutlets for a different variation.

What can I serve with Omaha chicken fried steak?

Omaha chicken fried steak can be served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of vegetables like green beans or corn. It is a hearty and delicious meal.

What is Omaha chicken fried steak?

Omaha chicken fried steak is a classic American dish made from tenderized beef cutlets that are breaded, fried, and then baked in the oven.