A Chuckwagon Sandwich is the ideal comfort food. It combines Southern-style decadence with a western-style look. At its core is a golden, crispy chicken-fried steak made from cube steak that has been tenderized, dipped in a spiced batter, and fried to perfection. It has the crunch of fried chicken and the rich, juicy texture of steak.
The Evolution of the Chuckwagon Sandwich
At first, chuckwagon meals were simple. They were made up of dried meats and coffee, which were easy to carry by wagon. Over time, the chuckwagon sandwich changed into two famous types: the original chicken-fried steak sandwich and a deli-style version with fine meats and cheeses like roast beef, gouda, and pastrami.
For the deli version, a brioche bun goes well with chopped lettuce and fresh tomato pieces, as well as mustard, mayonnaise, or a smoky chipotle sauce.
The Perfect Chicken-Fried Steak
Typically, lean cuts of beef such as top round or sirloin tip are utilized to prepare chicken-fried steak. Because it’s already cooked, a cube steak is the best choice. The secret to achieving the perfect crispy exterior is to double-coat it: first, coat it in flour, and then dip it in an egg wash before frying it to achieve that characteristic crunch.
Marinating in Buttermilk
It is best to let the steak soak in buttermilk for at least an hour, or even overnight. The acidity in the buttermilk helps break down the meat fibers, making the steak very soft and delicious.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chuckwagon Sandwich
- Use a deep pan: A cast-iron skillet is best, but any deep nonstick pan will do.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature. For the crispiest structure, heat the oil to 350°F. To see if the oil is ready, add a few drops of water and watch it sizzle. If it doesn’t, you are done.
- Avoid overcrowding: Don’t crowd the pan; fry in small batches to make sure everything cooks evenly and the oil stays at the right temperature.
How to Assemble Your Chuckwagon Sandwich
After the chicken-fried steak is golden brown and the extra oil has been drained, you can put together your sandwich:
- To make the bread or bun taste better and get more crunch, toast it.
- Add some mayonnaise (or any other sauce you like) on top.
- Add fresh tomato pieces and lettuce shreds.
- Add the fried steak on top.
- You can make your sandwich better by adding cheese, bacon, or unique sauces.
Different creative Chuckwagon sandwich ideas
Want to step it up a notch? Here are some tasty extras to try:
- Spicy Kick: Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo make this a spicy kick.
- BBQ lover’s delight: spicy BBQ sauce, crunchy onion rings, and coleslaw.
- Breakfast Edition: there’s an American cheese, a fried egg, and hot sauce on top.
- Gourmet Style: has blue cheese, lettuce, onions that have been roasted, and a balsamic glaze.
- Tex-Mex Twist: add guacamole, salsa, cheddar cheese, and broken up tortilla chips.
What to Serve with a Chuckwagon Sandwich
Even though this sandwich is filling on its own, a great side dish can really make your meal. Take a look at these pairs:
- French fries that are crispy
- Onion rings in gold
- Wedge-shaped potatoes
- The original salad
- A fresh green salad
- Grilled veggies
New recipe for a Chuckwagon sandwich
Ingredients:
For the steak:
- 2 cube steak slices (top round or sirloin tip)
- 2 cups buttermilk (to season)
- 1 cup flour for everything
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 2 tsp of chili spice
- 2 to 3 cups of cooking oil (canola or veggie)
For the burger:
- 1 brioche bun or loaf of handmade bread
- 2 tablespoons of mayo
- 1 tomato cut into slices
- 1 cup of chopped lettuce
Instructions:
- Marinate the steak: Let the steak soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight.
- Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. In a different bowl, put the flour.
- Cover the steak: take it out of the buttermilk, coat it with flour, dip it in the egg mix, and cover it again with flour.
- Heat oil to 350°F: Use a food thermometer or water drops to check when the oil is at 350°F.
- Fry the steaks: Cook for about 5 minutes, turning them over every so often, until they are golden brown. Use a paper towel to drain.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on the bread, then put lettuce and tomato on top. Finally, add the crispy steak.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- 653 kcal of calories
- 58.4 grams of carbs
- 61.4 g of protein
- 18 grams of fat
- 3.4 grams of fiber
- 754 mg of sodium
- 5 grams of sugar
Conclusion
A favorite that will never go out of style, the Chuckwagon Sandwich has strong tastes and a crispy texture. This sandwich is sure to fill you up, whether you stick to the classic chicken-fried steak version or try a deli-style version. To make it more modern and delicious, try it with your favorite toppings and side foods.
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