If you are craving that irresistible, crispy, and tender Southern comfort food, this Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy strips of cube steak soaked in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy batter, and fried to golden brown perfection. These steak fingers deliver all the crunch and savory satisfaction you expect from chicken fried steak, but in fun, finger-friendly portions that make for a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family meal or impressing friends, this recipe has got you covered with simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but carefully selected to create the delicious taste and texture signature to the Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe. Each element from the tender cube steak to the smoky paprika plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and that perfect crispy crust.
- 1 pound cube steak (cut into strips): The base protein, tenderized for perfect bite-sized fingers.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tang to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick during marinating for a flavor boost.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the crunchy coating that we all love.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the breading and meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth in the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Contributes a subtle savory layer to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a beautiful color and smoky touch that elevates the dish.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a glue to secure the crispy flour coating to the steak fingers.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak Fingers
Begin by placing your beautiful strips of cube steak into a bowl with the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. This marinade isn’t just for tenderness; it infuses the meat with moisture and a subtle tang that balances the rich flavors later on. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the magic to happen—up to 4 hours is even better if you have the time.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
While the meat is marinating, mix together your dry ingredients—flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and that beautiful smoked paprika—in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs well. Setting up this “double-dip” breading is clutch to getting your Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe perfectly crispy and flavorful.
Step 3: Bread the Steak Strips
Remove each strip from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip each strip into the flour mixture first, then into the beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating adheres well. This double coating method creates that irresistibly crispy crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. Fry the breaded steak strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the steak fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil—this keeps them nice and crunchy.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe
Garnishes
To take these steak fingers to the next level, consider serving them with classic country gravy drizzled beautifully on top or on the side for dipping. Ranch dressing or honey mustard are also stellar companions that add a creamy or tangy contrast to the crispy bites, turning each forkful into a flavor party.
Side Dishes
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Mashed potatoes with rich gravy, creamy coleslaw, or even buttery corn on the cob complement the crunchy steak fingers superbly. These sides help create a full, satisfying meal with contrasting textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Present your steak fingers as sliders by placing them on mini buns with a dollop of ranch or honey mustard, lettuce, and pickles. Alternatively, serve them skewered with fresh veggies for a fun appetizer platter perfect for sharing. The portability and versatility of these steak fingers lend themselves well to any creative meal idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftover chicken fried steak fingers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy their crispy goodness even after the initial meal.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the steak fingers on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This is a great way to always have a crunchy snack or quick dinner option on hand.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your chicken fried steak fingers and maintain their original crispiness is to use an oven or air fryer. Heat them at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?
Cube steak is preferred because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly, but you can try thinly sliced round steak or sirloin if you can pound it tender. Just remember thinner cuts will cook faster.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak fingers in buttermilk?
Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, even a quick 15-minute soak will improve tenderness and moisture.
What oil is best for frying Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but canola or peanut oil also works beautifully for frying these fingers golden and crispy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and just be sure the other seasonings and hot sauce are gluten-free as well.
How do I get the coating extra crispy?
Double-dip the steak fingers in the flour-egg-flour as instructed, and don’t overcrowd the pan while frying so the temperature stays consistent. Drying the strips slightly before breading can also help the coating stick better.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and delightfully crispy about making this Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress at any gathering. With each golden piece delivering juicy, tender meat wrapped in a perfect batter, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add this Southern classic to your favorite comfort food lineup.
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Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are crispy, tender strips of cube steak marinated in buttermilk and fried to golden perfection. This Southern American classic offers a deliciously seasoned coating and is perfect served with country gravy or your favorite dipping sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak Fingers
- 1 pound cube steak, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional for Serving
- Country gravy
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Place the cube steak strips in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create a seasoned flour mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
- Bread the Steak Fingers: Remove steak strips from the marinade. Dip each strip first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and again into the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high until it reaches approximately 350°F, suitable for frying.
- Fry the Steak Fingers: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the breaded steak strips for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked steak fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of country gravy, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the steak fingers by repeating the flour-egg-flour coating process.
- Serve with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
