Country Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 3 tbsp pan drippings (for gravy)
• 3 tbsp flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups whole milk (for gravy)

Instructions

1. Pound cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thick using a meat mallet.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish.
3. Whisk eggs and buttermilk together in another dish.
4. Dredge each steak in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat in flour again.
5. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F.
6. Fry steaks 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
7. For gravy: Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of drippings.
8. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, scraping up browned bits.
9. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
10. Season generously with salt and plenty of black pepper.
11. Serve steaks smothered in gravy.