50 States Sandwich Challenge: Oklahoma

 There have been a few times on this list where the state sandwich jumps out to you in an "of course!" moment.  This is one of those moments.  Country fried steak and Oklahoma and synonymous, so much so that in 1988, the state legislature officially named it the official MEAL of Oklahoma.  Country fried steak is the classic example of an inexpensive regional utilized by the workings class.  And with nothing but beef ranches around, steak was plentiful.  Simply put your favorite meal in between two pieces of potato bread, and voila, you have yourself a state sandwich.  It's exact origins are impossible to know as America began conquering settling the heartlands with German and Scottish immigrants preparing their cash livestock in the ways of the old country.  (See, schnitzel and collops) The very earliest known recipe on record appeared in an 1838 cookbook by Mary Randolph titled The Virginia Housewife. (Just edging out Senator Warren's 1984 Pow Wow Chow cookbook by about 150 years.) Sadly, I did not opt for this recipe and instead went with an online recipe made by some random person in Oklahoma.  What can I say, I am a man of the people.  

Ingredients:

1 Pound Cube Steak

2 Cups Vegetable Oil

1 Egg

1/2 Cup Milk

2/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour

1 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

4 Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls

4 Leaves Lettuce

1/4 Cup White Country Gravy, for serving

1. Add oil to large skillet and heat on medium to 350 degrees.

2. Add egg and milk together in a bowl and mix well.  Take the 2nd bowl and mix the flour, salt, and pepper.  

3. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture to egg, and back to four before carefully placing in hot oil.  Cook for 3 minutes on each side.  Transfer to a paper towel plate to drain.

4. Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom before topping with a piece of steak.  Pour country gravy on top generously. (Or don't, it's your life).