Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, is remembered for his transformative domestic policies, controversial foreign policies, and his deep connection to his Texas roots. One dish that Johnson loved, and that reflected his background and identity, was Chicken Fried Steak.
A staple of Southern comfort food, this dish embodies the simplicity, heartiness, and down-to-earth nature of Johnson’s upbringing in rural Texas.
In this post, we’ll explore Johnson’s life, his political journey, and his love of chicken fried steak—plus, we’ll share an authentic recipe so you can make it yourself.
A Texas Upbringing: Humble Beginnings for a Future President
Lyndon B. Johnson was born on August 27, 1908, near Stonewall, Texas, in a small farmhouse. Growing up in the rural Hill Country, Johnson experienced the economic challenges that shaped his political philosophy.
His family struggled financially, which gave him firsthand insight into the hardships faced by working-class Americans, particularly farmers. These experiences in the Texas countryside would later inspire his fight against poverty during his presidency.
Southern and Texan staples, like Chicken Fried Steak, were regular fare in the Johnson household. The dish, made by breading and frying a tenderized piece of beef, was the perfect comfort food for a family used to long hours of hard work. This connection to his roots never left Johnson, and he maintained a love for simple, hearty meals throughout his life.
The Rise to Power: Johnson’s Political Climb
Johnson’s political journey began when he worked as a congressional aide in Washington, D.C., in the early 1930s. His ambition and work ethic quickly earned him a reputation as someone to watch.
By 1937, Johnson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where his understanding of rural issues made him an effective advocate for his district in Texas.
By 1949, Johnson had been elected to the Senate, where he honed his political skills and became the Senate Majority Leader. Known for his ability to build coalitions and pass legislation, Johnson was a master of the political game.
His effectiveness in Congress earned him the vice-presidential nomination in 1960 alongside John F. Kennedy, a position that would lead to the most pivotal moment of his career.
The Tragedy of JFK’s Assassination and Johnson’s Ascension
On November 22, 1963, the course of American history changed forever. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, thrusting Johnson into the presidency. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One, with a nation in mourning and in shock. As he assumed the office, Johnson was tasked with continuing Kennedy’s vision while navigating a deeply divided country.
Though Johnson initially faced skepticism, he quickly proved his political prowess by passing key pieces of legislation that Kennedy had been advocating for, including civil rights reforms and anti-poverty measures.
The Great Society: Johnson’s Vision for America
Johnson’s most significant legacy comes from his Great Society programs, a set of domestic initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty, advancing civil rights, and improving education and healthcare. Some of the most notable achievements include:
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A landmark law that ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Ensured that African Americans and other minorities could vote without facing unfair barriers.
- Medicare and Medicaid: Introduced in 1965, these programs extended healthcare coverage to elderly and low-income Americans.
These reforms fundamentally changed the American landscape, with many of these programs still in effect today. However, Johnson’s presidency was not without controversy.
The Vietnam War: A Dark Cloud Over Johnson’s Presidency
While Johnson’s domestic policies were transformative, his foreign policy was marked by the Vietnam War. Initially inheriting the conflict from Kennedy, Johnson expanded U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, a decision that led to widespread protests and political unrest.
As casualties mounted and no end seemed in sight, public opinion turned against the war and, by extension, Johnson himself. The war overshadowed much of his Great Society’s achievements, and in 1968, facing growing opposition, Johnson chose not to run for re-election.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Legacy: A President of Contradictions
Johnson’s presidency was a mix of incredible domestic success and foreign policy failures. While his Great Society programs left a lasting positive impact on civil rights and healthcare, the Vietnam War significantly tarnished his reputation.
Despite this, historians now view Johnson as one of the most consequential presidents of the 20th century, with his domestic accomplishments far outlasting the Vietnam controversy.
Throughout his life and presidency, Johnson remained a man deeply connected to his roots. At his LBJ Ranch in Texas, he often hosted guests with simple, comforting Southern meals, including his beloved Chicken Fried Steak.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Favorite Food: Chicken Fried Steak
Now, let’s dive into a classic Southern dish that Lyndon B. Johnson loved—Chicken Fried Steak. A crispy, savory, and satisfying meal, it’s a staple of Texas cuisine and one that Johnson enjoyed both in his early life and as a man of power.
Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
- 1 small cube steak about 4-6 oz
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar as a substitute
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tbsp butter for frying
- For the Gravy:
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk plus a little extra if needed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Pat the cube steak dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up your dredging station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Coat the steak: Dip the steak into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture for a thick coating.
- Fry the steak: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the gravy: Pour out excess oil, leaving 1 tbsp in the pan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk while stirring to form a gravy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Pour the gravy over the fried steak and enjoy with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Video
Notes
- Tenderizing Tip: If you don’t have pre-tenderized cube steak, use a meat mallet to pound top round steak until thin and tender before dredging.
- Gravy Consistency: For a thinner gravy, add a little more milk as you whisk. For a thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer, stirring frequently.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can keep fried steak warm in a low oven (200°F) while preparing the gravy, so it stays crispy and hot when served.