There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy, golden-brown steak fingers. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the rich, savory goodness that makes comfort food so irresistible. If you love classic Southern flavors, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, crispy-coated steak strip, dunking it into your favorite dipping sauce, and experiencing that satisfying crunch. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for an appetizer, a main course, or even a game-day snack. These steak fingers are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of sides.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
No complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen—just a straightforward, foolproof method that guarantees crispy, juicy steak fingers every time.
Customizable
Adjust the seasonings to your taste, swap the steak for chicken if you prefer, or experiment with different dipping sauces to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Cube Steak
The star of the show! This cut is tenderized and perfect for frying, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites in every piece.
Flour
The base for that crispy, golden coating. It gives the steak fingers that signature crunch.
Eggs
Help bind the coating to the steak fingers, ensuring an even, crispy crust that won’t fall off during frying.
Buttermilk
Adds a tangy richness and helps tenderize the meat while enhancing the flavor.
Seasonings
A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives these steak fingers their signature taste.
Oil
For frying to golden perfection. Use vegetable or peanut oil for the best results.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating your oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your steak fingers that perfect crispy texture.
Prepare the Coating
In one bowl, whisk together the flour and seasonings. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
Coat the Steak Fingers
Dredge each steak strip in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the steak to ensure it sticks well.
Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the coated steak fingers into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Rest
Remove the steak fingers from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like country gravy, ranch, or honey mustard. Pair with mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of country gravy.
- Pair with crispy fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Enjoy with a side of coleslaw for a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Dip into honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t skip the buttermilk soak – It tenderizes the meat and adds incredible flavor.
- Double-dip for extra crunch – If you love an ultra-crispy coating, repeat the flour-egg-flour dredging process.
- Use a thermometer – Keep the oil at 350°F to ensure even frying and a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Drain properly – Let the fried steak fingers rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels for maximum crispiness.
- Experiment with spices – Add cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat? Yes! While cube steak works best, you can also use thinly sliced sirloin or round steak that’s been tenderized.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can coat the steak fingers in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
What’s the best oil for frying? Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works best for a crispy, golden crust.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I freeze them? Yes! Freeze the cooked steak fingers on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
What dipping sauces go well with this? Country gravy, honey mustard, ranch, or even spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
What can I serve with these? Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, fries, or even a simple salad work perfectly.
Can I air-fry these? Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, a fun appetizer, or a comforting snack, they’re guaranteed to impress. With their golden-brown crunch and mouthwatering taste, these steak fingers will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So go ahead, give them a try, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Print
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a delightful Southern comfort food featuring tender strips of beef, seasoned and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy gravy, they’re perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the Steak Fingers:
- 1.5 pounds cube steak, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Steak Fingers:
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge each steak strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place coated strips on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes.
-
Fry the Steak Fingers:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 325°F (165°C).
- Fry steak fingers in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Remove all but 1/4 cup of oil from the skillet, leaving any browned bits.
- Over medium heat, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
-
Serve:
- Serve the steak fingers hot with the gravy on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Variations: For added flavor, incorporate spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika into the flour mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or green beans for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg