Get the recipe here.
If you're trying to eat clean — or tackle Gwyneth Paltrow's 5-day detox — avert your eyes. Quickly. Because all it takes is one look at this mash-up of the South's greatest comfort foods (served in one bowl!) to make you forgo kale salads and chicken bone broth soups. This meal's the meat-and-potato lover's answer to quinoa and Buddha bowls. It's definitely not diet food — it's more stick-to-your-ribs, soul-satisfying fare — and there's a serious trick to making the chicken-fried steak nuggets and gravy that goes on top of it. It's the kind of time-saver that will make you actually want to make chicken fried steak. Promise.
First, you'll need to set up a dredging station, which sounds more intimidating than it actually is. You're just setting up two shallow bowls — one with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne mixed together, and one with beaten eggs — right next to the oven. Chop cubed steak into bite-sized pieces, preheat a skillet filled about an inch high with oil (over medium-high heat; the oil will shimmer a bit when it's nice and sizzling hot). Using tongs, dip the steak pieces into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, then back into the flour mixture. Place them in the oil, frying the nuggets for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, then put them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Here's where the hack comes into play: Drain most of the grease, but not all of it. You want about 1/4 cup left over in the skillet. Whisk in flour, a tablespoon at a time, cooking the mixture over medium heat. Boom! You've just created a roux, all in the very same pan. Slowly whisk in the milk, season with salt and pepper (and maybe a pinch of cayenne, if you like a kick), and you're ready to go.
The best part about these bowls is that you can create a build-your-own dinner bar, setting up bowls of toppings and letting people customize them as they see fit. Mashed potatoes are a must for the base, though mashed sweet potatoes, rice or shredded romaine could also work.
As for toppings, go buck wild:
- corn
- shredded cheese
- grilled onions
- peas
- green beans
- scallions (or chives)
- hot sauce
You'll never hit up the drive thru for one of those KFC Bowls again.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
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