Does Country Fried Steak Have a Lot of Carbs? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While the beef itself is naturally low in carbohydrates, a single serving of traditional country fried steak can contain anywhere from 20 to over 60 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the preparation. This high carb count comes primarily from the thick flour-based breading and the accompanying gravy, making it a dish that requires careful consideration for those on a low-carb diet. This analysis explores the key nutritional factors at play.

Quick Summary

Country fried steak, a Southern comfort classic, is high in carbs due to its flour or cornmeal breading and thick gravy. The exact carb count varies based on preparation methods and accompanying side dishes.

Key Points

Breading is the Carb Source: The high carbohydrate content in country fried steak comes from the flour or cornmeal used in its breading, not the beef itself.
Gravy Adds Carbs: The flour-based gravy, a standard accompaniment, further increases the overall carb count of the dish.
Keto Versions are Possible: You can create a low-carb version by substituting the breading with alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or pork rinds.
Side Dishes Matter: Serving traditional country fried steak with carb-heavy sides like mashed potatoes and biscuits drastically raises the total carbohydrate load.
Low-Carb Gravy Exists: Keto-friendly gravy can be made using heavy cream and thickening agents like xanthan gum or cauliflower puree instead of flour.
Cooking Method Impacts Health: Air frying or using less oil can make country fried steak healthier in terms of fat and calories, though the breading's carb count remains.

The Carb Culprit: Breading and Gravy

At its core, beef is a protein-rich, zero-carb food. However, the process of transforming a simple cube steak into a delicious country fried steak is where the carbohydrates are introduced. The standard recipe involves a multi-step dredging process, coating the steak in a mixture of flour, seasonings, and sometimes cornmeal, before frying it to a golden-brown crisp. Each layer of this coating adds to the total carbohydrate content. While a thin, light crust will contain fewer carbs, a thick, double-dredged coating will significantly raise the number.

The second major contributor to the carb count is the gravy, a non-negotiable component for many enthusiasts. The creamy white gravy is typically made by creating a roux, which involves cooking flour and a fat source together, and then adding milk. The flour in the roux is pure carbohydrate, and the amount used directly impacts the final dish's carb load. When served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits, the overall meal's carbohydrate total can skyrocket, positioning it as a hearty, but carb-dense, comfort food.

Comparing Traditional vs. Low-Carb Versions

For those watching their carb intake, a standard country fried steak is off the menu, but modern modifications allow for a tasty alternative. By swapping key ingredients, you can significantly reduce the carb count.

Traditional Ingredients

Steak: Cube steak (tenderized round or sirloin)
Breading: All-purpose flour, sometimes mixed with cornmeal or crackers
Gravy Base: Roux (flour cooked in pan drippings), milk
Sides: Mashed potatoes, biscuits, corn

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Steak: Same cube steak, but prepared differently
Breading: Keto-friendly flour alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or crushed pork rinds
Gravy Base: Thickening agents like xanthan gum or pureed cauliflower instead of flour; heavy cream instead of milk
Sides: Cauliflower mash, steamed green beans, keto biscuits

A Simple Nutritional Comparison

This table illustrates the stark difference in carb content between a typical traditional recipe and a well-made keto alternative. The figures are based on averaged nutritional data and can vary by recipe.


Feature	Traditional Country Fried Steak	Keto Country Fried Steak
Carbohydrates	30-60g+ per serving	~5-15g per serving
Net Carbs	25-55g+	<10g
Breading Ingredients	Wheat flour, possibly cornmeal	Almond flour, pork rinds, coconut flour
Gravy Ingredients	Flour, milk, butter	Heavy cream, xanthan gum or cauliflower
Typical Calories	400-600+ kcal	400-550 kcal
Keto Friendly?	No	Yes

Can You Make It Healthier?

Yes, it is possible to make a healthier version of country fried steak without completely sacrificing the experience. Besides the keto options, here are other ways to modify the dish:

Use a Lighter Breading: Opt for a single dredge in a thinner coating to reduce the amount of flour. Consider mixing in spices and herbs for flavor instead of relying on a thick crust.
Air Fry Instead of Deep Fry: Frying the steaks in an air fryer or pan-frying with less oil can cut down on fat and calories, although the carb content of the breading remains the same. The texture will be different but still satisfyingly crisp.
Control Portion Size: Simply eating a smaller piece of steak with gravy can help manage carb intake without needing a complete recipe overhaul. Pair it with a side salad instead of carb-heavy sides.
Gravy Modification: Use less flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of a traditional roux to thicken the gravy, which will lower the carbs but may not be completely keto-friendly. Another option is a beef broth reduction, which is naturally low in carbs.

Serving Suggestions for a Lighter Meal

For those looking to enjoy country fried steak without the high carb count, here are some ideal pairings:

Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and a touch of butter, these offer a flavorful, low-carb vegetable side.
Mashed Cauliflower: A surprisingly creamy and convincing stand-in for mashed potatoes.
Roasted Asparagus: A simple and healthy side that complements the richness of the steak and gravy.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the main dish.

For additional recipe ideas and resources on Southern cooking, consider visiting Food Network's extensive recipe database, which often includes lighter variations of classic dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the beef itself is carb-free, traditional country fried steak does contain a lot of carbs, primarily due to the flour or cornmeal breading and the flour-based gravy. The total carbohydrate count is heavily influenced by the preparation method and accompanying side dishes. However, with simple modifications like using low-carb flour alternatives and adjusting the gravy recipe, it is entirely possible to enjoy a low-carb, keto-friendly version of this beloved comfort food without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical restaurant or homemade country fried steak can contain anywhere from 20 to over 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving, with the amount depending on the thickness of the breading and the type of gravy served.

The primary source of carbohydrates in country fried steak is the coating, which is made from all-purpose flour and sometimes cornmeal. This, combined with the flour-based gravy, accounts for most of the carb content.

No, a traditional country fried steak is not keto-friendly due to the high-carb flour used in the breading and gravy. However, keto-friendly versions can be made with low-carb alternatives.

For a low-carb alternative to flour, you can use ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or finely crushed pork rinds to create a crispy coating for country fried steak.

To make a low-carb gravy, replace the flour with a keto-friendly thickening agent such as xanthan gum or pureed cauliflower. Use heavy cream instead of milk for a rich and creamy texture.

No, the cooking method (pan-frying or deep-frying) does not alter the carbohydrate content of the breading itself. The carb count is determined by the ingredients used in the coating.

Great low-carb side dishes include mashed cauliflower, steamed or sautéed green beans, and roasted asparagus, which all pair well with a keto version of the steak and gravy.