Soul Food Meat Dishes

As you explore the cooking that characterizes the Deep South, you may not warm up to the raccoon or possum soaked in salt water and moonshine that is smoked, stewed, and then baked with sweet potatoes, but perhaps the following soul food meat dishes below are a bit more appetizing to consider for your next dinner.

Country Fried Steak - Also referred to as "chicken fried steak," beef is deep-fried using crisp flour (or batter coating) and then typically served with a side of white gravy. A recipe for country fried steak may include the following ingredients: eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, flour, milk, and topped with a gravy that consists of flour and milk.

Fried Chicken - The fried chicken typical of the South is cooked in pure lard and coated with seasoned flour. Chicken is dipped in a mixture of breading that is then deep-fried, pan fried, or pressure fried. The breading acts as a sealant that traps the juices, while allowing the absorption of fat in the fryer. Fried chicken doesn’t always have to include the bone, as some folks enjoy boneless and skinless cuts of meat. Often times, the breast meat is used to make chicken fingers.

Fried Fish - There are many different kinds of fish that are indicative of soul food. Catfish is extremely popular, followed by whiting, bluegills, and porgies. Fish is soaked in a seasoned cornmeal mixture often using milk, eggs, and spices. Deep-frying is the favored method of cooking. Often, the fish is placed on bread and served as a sandwich or combined with typical sides for a full dinner.

Ribs - While pork ribs are commonly used to make this dish, beef ribs are also favorable. Usually, this is the part of the animal that is less meaty and is often cooked as a slab. Ribs are typically roasted, grilled, or smoked. Sets of ribs that are served together consist of three to four pieces. This is referred to as a rack (rack of ribs). Today, barbecue pork ribs are a popular item on many restaurant menus in the United States. This practice has also opened the gateway to an assortment of tasty barbeque sauces.

Additional meaty soul food recipe ideas for the brave and curious to consider includes chitterlings with hot sauce and vinegar (the cleaned and prepared intestines of the hog that are slowed cooked, parboiled, battered, and fried); batter-fried chicken livers; batter-fried chicken gizzards; oxtail soup; smoked ham hocks and cabbage; meatloaf with brown gravy; and livermush, which is made with cornmeal and organ meats of the pig. While this may not seem to be very appetizing to you, some experts believe that these organ meats are highly nutritious especially for people in their childbearing years.