This Dollywood-inspired Southern Country-Fried Steak comes together in no time

Ingredients

For Country-Fried Steak:

4 (8-ounce) cube steaks, pounded 1/4" thick

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup canola oil

For White Pepper Gravy:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. To make Country-Fried Steak: Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. In a shallow container with a wide bottom, whisk milk with eggs. In a second shallow container with a wide bottom, stir together flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Dredge a steak in flour mixture on both sides, shake off excess, then dip both sides in egg mixture, letting excess drip back into container. Dredge once more in flour mixture and place on a clean work surface. Repeat with remaining steaks.

3. Fry Method: In a large cast iron skillet fitted with a thermometer, add oil 1/4" deep and set over medium heat. Heat oil to 375°F. Working in batches, fry steaks 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a large plate lined with paper towels.

4. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place an oven- safe metal rack over a large baking sheet and spray generously with cooking spray. Place coated steaks on rack and spray flour coating lightly with cooking spray. Bake 12 minutes, flip steaks, and bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. To make White Pepper Gravy: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Sprinkle flour onto butter and whisk to form a paste. Increase heat to medium and drizzle in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

6. Add pepper and salt to pan and continue whisking occasionally until gravy has thickened, about 5 minutes. Spoon over Country-Fried Steak and serve.