Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy - My Home Made Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 beef cube steaks, about 4 oz (115 g) each
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup reserved frying oil
• 1/4 cup reserved seasoned flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper