Michael Symon’s COFFEE Chicken Fried Steak: A Bold Twist on a Classic

Welcome to a culinary adventure where traditional comfort meets unexpected bold flavors! In this exciting recipe, renowned chef Michael Symon takes the classic chicken fried steak and elevates it with a delightful twist that coffee lovers will adore. This COFFEE Chicken Fried Steak is coated in crushed BBQ chips combined with the rich depth of instant coffee, then generously topped with a luscious white gravy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this savory dish that’s perfect for any gathering!

Recipe Overview

Level: Intermediate
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Fried Steak:

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup crushed BBQ chips
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 pound cube steak

• For the White Gravy:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

Directions

1. Prepare Your Grill: Set up your grill for cooking with indirect heat. For a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. For a gas grill, heat one side only.

2. Create the Breading Station:

   • In one dish, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper.
   • In a second dish, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
   • In a third dish, combine rice flour, instant coffee, crushed BBQ chips, and 1 cup of flour; season as well.

3. Heat the Oil: Place a large cast-iron skillet over the direct heat side of the grill. Add enough olive oil to come up about 1 inch along the side of the skillet, and preheat to 350°F.

4. Bread the Steaks: Dredge each piece of cube steak in the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the flour and BBQ chips mixture. Shake off any excess.

5. Fry the Steaks: Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil in batches. Cook them until golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once finished, transfer them to a cooling rack and set aside.

6. Make the Gravy: Discard the leftover oil while ensuring to keep the browned bits in the skillet for flavor. Return the skillet to the grill over direct heat, add butter, and let it melt. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, cooking until golden brown (about 4 minutes).

7. Add the Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk in thirds, making sure to avoid lumps. Add buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Cook, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency (about 5 to 7 minutes). Stir in chopped parsley and chives, then move to indirect heat to keep warm.

8. Serve: Place a piece of the crispy chicken fried steak on a plate and generously spoon the creamy white gravy over the top. Enjoy the rich flavors and crispy textures that this innovative dish offers!

Final Thoughts

Michael Symon’s COFFEE Chicken Fried Steak is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that truly stands out. With a little time and some creative flair in your kitchen, you’ll impress everyone at your dining table. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready for some unforgettable flavor!

Watch the video by Food Network

Video “Michael Symon's COFFEE Chicken Fried Steak | Symon's Dinners Cooking Out 🔥🍴 Food Network” was uploaded on 07/05/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network