Unleash Your Inner Chef: Mastering Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the Oven

AvatarByErick Benitez

Are you craving a delicious and comforting meal but not in the mood to deep fry? Look no further than this article on how to cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven. With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful and crispy steak without the mess and hassle of frying. In this guide, we will explore the method for achieving the perfect oven-baked chicken fried steak, so get your appetite ready and let’s dive in!

What is Omaha Chicken Fried Steak?

Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern-style dish that has made its way into kitchens and restaurants all over the country. It consists of tenderized and seasoned steak, breaded and fried to a golden brown, smothered with creamy gravy, and served with your choice of sides. The dish originated in Texas in the early 1900s but gained popularity during the Great Depression due to its inexpensive ingredients and delicious taste.

To make an authentic Omaha Chicken Fried Steak, you will need a few essential ingredients such as cube steak or round steak, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, spices like garlic powder and paprika, and vegetable or canola oil for frying. It may sound simple, but the key to a perfect Chicken Fried Steak lies in the preparation process.

Firstly, the steak needs to be tenderized using a meat mallet or a fork. This will help break down the tough muscle fibers and create a more tender texture. Then, it needs to be seasoned generously with salt and pepper before being dredged in flour. Next comes dipping it in egg wash before coating it back in flour for a second time. This double coating gives it that extra crunch that makes this dish so irresistible.

Why Cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the Oven?

Traditionally, Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is cooked on a stovetop using hot oil for pan-frying. However, cooking it in the oven offers several advantages over this method.

Firstly, cooking Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven is much healthier than frying it on the stovetop. You won’t have to worry about consuming extra calories from the oil used for frying. Also, using an oven ensures even heat distribution throughout the meat, resulting in perfectly cooked steak every time.

Moreover, cooking it in an oven saves you time and effort as you won’t have to stand over a hot stovetop, constantly flipping the steaks. You can simply place them in the oven and let it do the work while you attend to other tasks.

How to Cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the Oven?

To cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven, you will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Start by tenderizing and seasoning your steaks as mentioned earlier and set them aside.
  2. In a shallow dish, beat together eggs and milk with a pinch of salt.
  3. In another dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices of your choice.
  4. Dip each piece of steak first in the egg mixture and then coat it with flour on both sides.
  5. Place the coated steaks on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle or spray with cooking oil for added crispiness.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time for even browning.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Tips for Making Perfect Omaha Chicken Fried Steak

As simple as this dish may seem, there are a few tips that can take your Omaha Chicken Fried Steak to the next level.

  • Choose good quality steak: The key ingredient of this dish is obviously the steak. Make sure to choose high-quality meat that is well marbled for maximum flavor.
  • Tenderize properly: Using a mallet or fork, tenderize the steak evenly on both sides until it reaches about ¼-inch thickness. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and remains tender.
  • Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Make sure to season each step – tenderizing, coating with flour, and egg wash – to get that perfect flavor in every bite.
  • Use the right oil: When baking Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven, it is essential to use an oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil. This will prevent the steaks from burning or getting a burnt taste.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between each steak on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can result in steaks cooking unevenly and becoming soggy instead of crispy.

What to Serve with Omaha Chicken Fried Steak?

Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is often served with mashed potatoes and gravy, but there are many other delicious side dish options that pair well with this dish.

  1. Mashed potatoes and gravy
  2. Creamed corn
  3. Southern-style green beans
  4. Honey-glazed carrots
  5. Bacon wrapped asparagus
  6. Mac

    What is Omaha Chicken Fried Steak?

    Omaha Chicken Fried Steak, also known as country fried steak or pan-fried steak, is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in Southern cuisine. It consists of a tender cut of steak, typically a cube steak, that is battered and fried until crispy and golden brown. The name “chicken fried” may be misleading, as there is no actual chicken used in the dish. Rather, it refers to the cooking method similar to that of frying chicken.

    Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

    To make the perfect Omaha Chicken Fried Steak, it is important to start with the right cut of meat. Most traditional recipes call for using cube steaks, which are thin cuts of beef from the top or bottom round portion of the cow. These cuts are tenderized with a meat mallet or machine to make them even thinner and more tender.

    While cube steaks are commonly used for this dish, you can also use other cuts such as sirloin or round steak. Just be sure to tenderize them before cooking by pounding them with a meat mallet or scoring them with a knife.

    The Breading Process

    The key to achieving crispy and flavorful Omaha Chicken Fried Steak lies in the breading process. First, you will need to prepare three bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. Dip each piece of meat into the flour first, then into the eggs (making sure it is fully coated), and finally into the breadcrumbs or seasoned flour.

    For an extra crunchy coating, you can double dip your steak by repeating this process. Alternatively, you can also use crushed crackers or cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a unique twist on this classic dish.

    Frying Techniques

    There are two main ways to cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak – pan-frying and deep frying. Pan-frying involves cooking the steak in a skillet or frying pan with a shallow layer of oil. This method produces crispy and flavorful results, but it can also take longer and may require flipping the steak multiple times to ensure even cooking.

    On the other hand, deep frying involves submerging the steak in hot oil for a quicker cooking time and a more evenly browned crust. However, this method requires a larger amount of oil and may be messier.

    The Oven Method

    Another way to cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is in the oven. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy this tasty dish without all the oil and grease from traditional frying methods. To make Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven, you will need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place your breaded steaks on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

    Serving Suggestions

    Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is traditionally served with creamy gravy made from leftover drippings from the frying process. You can also pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even on top of a salad for a healthier option. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top before serving.

    Another delicious way to serve Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is by turning it into sandwiches or wraps. Simply slice the cooked steak into strips and place it on your choice of bread or wrap along with some lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and condiments for a satisfying meal on-the-go.

    In conclusion, cooking Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven is a healthier alternative that does not compromise on taste or texture. With choices of cuts of meat, different breading techniques, and cooking methods, there are endless possibilities to create your own unique version of this classic dish. So whip up a batch of mouthwatering Omaha Chicken Fried Steak today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

    Q: What is Omaha Chicken Fried Steak?
    A: Omaha Chicken Fried Steak is a popular dish made from tenderized steak that has been seasoned, coated in flour or breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.

    Q: Can I cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven instead of on the stove?
    A: Yes, you can use your oven to cook Omaha Chicken Fried Steak. It is a healthier option compared to frying it on the stove and still results in a delicious crispy exterior and tender interior.

    Q: How do I properly prepare my Omaha Chicken Fried Steak for cooking in the oven?
    A: To prepare your steak for oven cooking, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, coat it in flour or breadcrumbs to create a crisp outer layer.

    Q: Do I need to preheat my oven before baking Omaha Chicken Fried Steak?
    A: Yes, it is important to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking. Preheating ensures that the steak cooks evenly and at the right temperature.

    Q: How long should I bake my Omaha Chicken Fried Steak in the oven?
    A: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 375°F for a thin cut steak and 25-30 minutes for thicker cuts. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (internal temperature of 145°F).

    Q: Can I use frozen or thawed chicken fried steak when cooking in the oven?
    A: It’s best to thaw chicken fried steak before cooking it in the oven. This helps prevent uneven cooking and allows for better flavor absorption from seasonings and coatings. If you must use frozen steak, increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.

    In conclusion, learning how to cook Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a flavorful and juicy chicken fried steak that rivals any restaurant version.

    Firstly, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients such as Omaha steaks, seasoned flour, and fresh herbs to ensure the best flavor. Secondly, proper preparation techniques such as pounding the steak thin and marinating it in buttermilk will result in a tender and flavorful meat. Thirdly, using a hot cast iron skillet for the initial sear and finishing off in the oven will give the steak a crispy crust while keeping it moist inside.

    One of the key takeaways from this process is that cooking Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods without sacrificing taste. This method also eliminates the mess and potential hazards associated with frying on a stovetop.

    Furthermore, cooking Omaha chicken fried steak in the oven allows for more control over cooking time and temperature, resulting in consistently delicious results each time.

    Overall, mastering this delicious dish may take some practice and experimentation with seasoning and techniques, but the end result is well worth it. Whether you are craving some Southern comfort

    Author Profile

    Erick Benitez
    Erick Benitez
    In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

    The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

    Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

    Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

    Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.