For the Steak:

• 4 (½ pound) beef cube steaks

For the Breading:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Batter:

• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For Frying and Gravy:

• 3 cups vegetable shortening for frying
• 4 cups milk
• kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste