10 Best Sides for Chicken Fried Steak You’ll Find Amazing
I grew up in the south, and that’s where I first tasted country-fried steak. It’s a classic dish down there, and for good reason- it’s delicious!
There are all sorts of ways to make country fried steak, but my favorite is with a crispy breading and a creamy gravy.
Of course, no meal is complete without a side dish or two. And when it comes to country fried steak, there are many options to choose from, each with its unique set of benefits.
In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes to serve with country fried steak.
Sides for Country Fried Steak
- Coleslaw
- Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Oven-Roasted Veggies
- Green Bean Casserole
- Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Potatoes
- BBQ Sauce
- Classic Blue Wedge Salad
- French Fries
- Stir-Fried Green Beans
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish that pairs well with country-fried steak. It’s also a relatively healthy option, as it’s low in calories and fat.
There are many different ways to make coleslaw, but my personal favorite is with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a homemade dressing made with Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
The health benefits of coleslaw include:
– Low in calories and fat
– Good source of vitamins A and C
– Can help to improve digestion
How to Make the Best Coleslaw
When it comes to making coleslaw, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, make sure you shred the cabbage thinly. This will help to ensure that the dressing coats evenly.
Next, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dressings. As I mentioned, my personal favorite is made with Greek yogurt, but you can also use mayonnaise or even a vinaigrette.
Finally, make sure you give the coleslaw enough time to marinate. This will help to soften the cabbage and allow the flavors of the dressing to meld together.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything- and country-fried steak is no exception. This dish is comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
There are a variety of ways to prepare macaroni and cheese, but my preferred method is with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. I also like to add bacon or green onions into the mix.
Healthwise, this side dish isn’t the best option, as it’s high in calories and fat. However, it is a good source of protein and calcium.
Here are a few tips for making the best macaroni and cheese:
– Use good quality cheddar cheese for the sauce. I like to use aged cheddar, as it has a deeper flavor.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp cheddar will add a nice bite, while a Gruyere will give the dish a more sophisticated flavor.
– Use fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to add an extra dimension of flavor.
Oven-Roasted Veggies
This side dish comes correctly with all the health benefits without sacrificing flavor. Country fried steak is delicious, but it isn’t the healthiest option. However, pairing it with oven-roasted vegetables helps to offset some of the negatives.
Moreso, this dish is incredibly easy to make. Simply chop up your favorite veggies- I like to use carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes- and toss them in olive oil and your favorite herbs. Then, roast in a 400-degree oven until tender.
Apart from being low in calories, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help to boost your immune system.
A lot of people tend to worry about the vegetables losing their nutrients when roasted, but an easy way to roast vegetables while retaining the nutrients is to avoid overcooking them.
That means you can only roast them until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them.
Green Bean Casserole
This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, salty, and crunchy- everything you could want in a side dish. It’s also a classic Thanksgiving staple, which means it has to be good.
The common ingredients in green bean casserole are, of course, green beans, cheese, butter, black pepper, salt, and so on. These are then mixed with a creamy sauce, usually made with cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy fried onions.
Green bean casserole is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. While it’s not the healthiest option on this list, it is a healthier alternative to some of the other classic side dishes out there.
When it comes to making green bean casserole, I like to use fresh green beans. However, you can also use frozen green beans if you’re short on time.
Mashed Potatoes
I hope that there will never come a time when mashed potatoes are not considered a classic side dish. They are the perfect comfort food, and they go well with just about anything.
Country fried steak is no exception.
Mashed potatoes are relatively easy to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that will help you to make the best-mashed potatoes possible.
First, make sure to use starchy potatoes, such as russet or Yukon Gold. These types of potatoes will make for a creamier mashed potato.
Second, don’t overwork the potatoes. When they are overcooked, they can become gummy and dense.
And finally, add your favorite toppings. I like to add butter, sour cream, and chives, but you can use whatever you like.
Baked Potatoes
Since I was a kid, baked potatoes have been a part of my life. My mom would make them for dinner at least once a week, and I have continued the tradition with my own family.
Baked potatoes are a great side dish because they are so versatile. You can top them with just about anything, from chili and cheese to broccoli and cheddar.
They are a great source of carbohydrates and protein, despite being a low-fat, low-cholesterol food item. You might be surprised, but a large baked potato actually has more potassium than a banana.
BBQ Sauce
Just the thought of eating my chicken fried steak with BBQ sauce is making my mouth water.
Barbecue sauce is the perfect condiment for country-fried steak. It is sweet, tangy, and savory, with a hint of spice.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your own barbecue sauce. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want.
The best part about making your own barbecue sauce is that you can control the ingredients. That means you can make it as healthy or as unhealthy as you want.
So, what say you?
Classic Blue Wedge Salad
I have never been a fan of iceberg lettuce, but I will make an exception for blue cheese dressing.
There is something about the combination of creamy blue cheese and crisp iceberg lettuce that just works. Add in some diced tomatoes and bacon, and you have a perfect side dish.
This salad is also a great source of vitamins, as well as calcium. Blue cheese dressing is high in fat, but you can use a low-fat version if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
When it comes to making this salad, I like to use pre-made blue cheese dressing. It saves time, and it’s just as good as homemade.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own blue cheese dressing.
French Fries
My darling french fries are the perfect side dish for country-fried steak. No kidding!
They are salty, crispy, and delicious. Not to mention, they are a classic side dish that everyone loves.
French fries are relatively easy to make, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, use high-quality oil. I would suggest using peanut oil, but you can use whatever you like.
Second, make sure the potatoes are cut evenly. This will help them to cook evenly.
And finally, don’t over-crowd the pan. You want to make sure that the fries have enough room to breathe.
Stir-Fried Green Beans
I love green beans, and I especially love them when they are stir-fried.
Stir-fried green beans are a great side dish because they are healthy and delicious. They are also relatively easy to make.
The key to making perfect stir-fried green beans is to not overcook them. You want them to be crisp, not soggy.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to use fresh green beans. Frozen green beans will not work as well.
If you get it right, stir-fried green beans make a perfect side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gravy should I use for my country-fried steak?
There are many different types of gravy you can use for your country-fried steak. The most popular gravies are brown gravy, white gravy, and sausage gravy.
How do I make sure my country-fried steak is cooked all the way through?
The best way to make sure your country-fried steak is cooked all the way through is to use a meat thermometer.
Where can I find country-fried steak?
Country fried steak is typically found in the southern United States.
Conclusion
Now, the ball is in your court. It’s time to choose the perfect side dish for your country-fried steak.
I just want you to know that no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong. And even if you do, life is for learning. At least you know one more thing now, right?
So, go ahead and experiment. Try new things. Be brave enough to choose the side dish of your dreams. I know you can do it!
Until next time, my friend.