Fried Pork Steaks with Country Gravy: A Southern Comfort Food Staple in Georgia

Pork steaks are a staple of Southern comfort food, and they're especially popular in Georgia. This recipe for Fried Pork Steaks with Country Gravy is not only easy to make, but it's also delicious, and budget-friendly. The gravy is the perfect complement to the juicy, tender pork steaks, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 2-4 pork steaks

• 2-4 tbsps of butter, salted

• 2-4 tbsps cooking oil

• 1/4-1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

• 1-2 cups of milk

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsps of cornstarch + 1/4 cup water for cornstarch slurry (optional)

Instructions:

Browning the Pork Steaks

1. In a deep large cast iron pan, add your oil and butter and let it melt over medium to high heat.

2. In a large bowl, add your pork steaks, salt, black pepper, and flour and coat each pork steak well.

3. Once the pork is coated and the butter has melted, add them to the skillet and allow them to brown on both sides. They don't have to be fully cooked once they're browned. Just set them to the side on a plate for when we need them again.

4. Repeat with all the pork steaks until they are browned. Set them to the side until ready to use them again.

Making the Gravy

1. Once you've browned all the pork steaks, add your leftover flour from coating the pork chops into the skillet. Whisk and get rid of any lumps. Cook on a low temperature and let it brown for about 5-10 minutes. The longer and the better. The darker the better.

2. Once done, add your milk and allow it to thicken. This is where you trust the process. Let it thicken on a low heat.

Finishing the Dish

1. Once the gravy has thickened, add your pork steaks back in and cook for 10-15 minutes on low in the gravy. This assures the pork steaks finished cooking through. Flip them occasionally to make sure of even cooking and coating in the gravy.

2. Now if your gravy breaks, remove the pork chops and add the cornstarch slurry. Whisk together until it forms a thick paste. Turn the heat off and slowly add 1/4-1/2 a cup of milk at a time whisking together well until the gravy is your desired consistency.

3. Once done, just put the pork chops back into the gravy.

4. Then just serve with mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and green beans! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory gravy.

• Dinner rolls: Soak up the gravy with a warm and buttery dinner roll.

• Green beans: Add a little bit of green to the plate and balance out the richness of the pork and gravy.

• Corn on the cob: A sweet and crunchy side dish that complements the pork and gravy nicely.

• Coleslaw: A cool and refreshing side dish that adds a bit of acidity to the plate and cuts through the richness of the pork and gravy.

In conclusion, Fried Pork Steaks with Country Gravy is an easy, delicious and budget-friendly recipe that is a Southern Comfort Food staple in Georgia. It's a dish that has been passed down through generations, and it's a true classic of southern cuisine. The recipe is easy to follow, and you can adjust the ingredients based on your preference. The most important thing is to trust the process, and let the gravy thicken on a low heat. Be sure to flip the pork steaks occasionally for even cooking and coating in the gravy.

The use of a cast iron skillet is also key for this recipe as it helps to create a crispy crust on the pork steaks and also helps to create a rich, flavorful gravy. The addition of butter also adds richness and depth of flavor to the gravy. The use of cornstarch slurry is also optional, but it is a great way to thicken the gravy if needed. And with this recipe, you'll be able to enjoy a true Southern comfort food classic in the comfort of your own home. So give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments!