Keto Chicken Fried Steak brings together the comforting crunch of a classic with a low-carb twist you’ll love. Juicy, tender steak is coated in a golden, crispy almond flour crust, offering a satisfying texture that’s both hearty and indulgent. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend treat.
Every bite delivers a harmony of savory flavors, from the rich, buttery pan sauce to the perfectly seasoned steak. The keto-friendly ingredients keep it light yet deeply satisfying, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy a Southern favorite. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Fried Steak and Sausage Gravy
- For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 1 lb. cube steak, ¼ inch thick (ensure even thickness for even cooking)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds, keto crackers, or almond meal (use your preferred keto-friendly coating)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking oil (avocado oil recommended for high heat)
- For the Keto Sausage Gravy:
- 1 lb ground pork breakfast sausage
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak:
- Season both sides of the cube steak with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs to create the egg wash.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds (or keto crackers/almond meal), Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to make the coating mixture.
- Heat ½ inch of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip each cube steak into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are coated, then press into the coating mixture, flipping to coat evenly.
- Carefully place the coated steak into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip halfway through.
- Transfer the cooked steak to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining steaks.
- Make the Keto Sausage Gravy:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and soft.
- Pour in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute, ensuring everything is heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the sausage gravy generously over the keto chicken fried steak. Serve hot and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the keto sausage gravy is a delicious classic, you can switch things up with other low-carb sauces. Try a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce or a tangy sugar-free BBQ drizzle. For toppings, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dollop of sugar-free ranch dressing or a side of zesty keto-friendly coleslaw.
How to Store and Reheat for Maximum Freshness
Store leftover keto chicken fried steak and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For the gravy, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Avoid microwaving the steak to keep the coating crispy!
Quick Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your pork rind coating and egg wash the night before. You can also cook the sausage for the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When frying the steak, use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F—this prevents soggy coating and ensures even cooking. If you’re short on time, skip the gravy and serve with a simple side of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles.
Recipe Variations to Keep It Exciting
Swap out the cube steak for chicken breasts or pork chops for a different twist. If you’re not a fan of pork rinds, try using crushed keto crackers or almond meal for the coating. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mix. Vegetarian? Use portobello mushrooms instead of steak and crumbled vegan sausage for the gravy.
Essential Equipment for Success
A large cast-iron skillet is ideal for frying the steak evenly, but a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works too. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak—it should reach 145°F for medium-rare. A spider strainer or slotted spatula makes flipping and removing the steak from hot oil easier and safer. Don’t forget a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil after frying!
Keto Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak
- 1 lb. cube steak ¼ inch thick
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds or keto crackers, or almond meal
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking oil (we use avocado oil)
For the Keto Sausage Gravy
- 1 lb. ground pork breakfast sausage
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Chicken Fried Steak
- Salt and pepper both sides of the cube steak.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and eggs.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip the cube steak into the egg wash and flip it to coat both sides.
- Dip the egg coated steak into the crunchy coating and flip to coat.
- Gently lower the coated cube steak into the hot oil. Fry golden brown, then using tongs flip to fry the other side.
- Once cooked, place on a plate with a paper towel. Repeat with the next piece of steak.
- For the Sausage Gravy
- Heat a large frying pan to medium temperature. Add crumbled sausage and cook until the sausage is no longer pink, using a spatula to break up the crumbles.
- Remove the sausage from the pan; set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent and soft. Stir often.
- Add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a boil.
- Once the gravy begins to boil, lower the heat and simmer for one minute.
- Add the sausage back to the pan and continue to cook and stir for one minute.
- Spoon the gravy over the top of the keto chicken fried steak and serve hot.