Every so often, I find myself craving a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia straight from my childhood kitchen. That’s exactly how I felt the day I decided to whip up these classic chicken fried steak fingers. The sound of sizzling batter transported me back to simpler times, where family gatherings and home-cooked meals were the highlight of the week.
You know those busy weekday evenings when the thought of fast food just doesn’t cut it? That’s when these crispy, tender steak fingers come to the rescue. Easy to prepare, they offer a punch of flavor and are perfect for indulging your loved ones or treating yourself after a long day.
I’ve fallen in love with the crunchy exterior hiding juicy, flavorful steak inside, and trust me, this is a dish that promises to impress. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that will make your kitchen shine and bring everyone together around the table!
Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Comforting Nostalgia: Each bite transports you back to cherished family meals, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday enjoyment.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The delightful crunch of the batter paired with juicy steak creates an unforgettable texture combination.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you’ll be whipping up these delicious steak fingers in no time, even on the busiest evenings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at your next gathering, and watch everyone come back for seconds. They’re sure to impress!
Versatile Serving Options: Pair with your favorite sauces or sides for a complete meal, whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Get ready to relish the warmth and satisfaction of homemade goodness!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Ingredients
For the Steak
• Beef cubed steak – Choose high-quality cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning both the steak and flour, bringing out the meat’s natural flavors.
For the Breading
• All-purpose flour – This creates a crispy coating; season it well for added flavor.
• Buttermilk – Provides tenderness and a rich flavor that makes the chicken fried steak fingers irresistible.
• Egg – Helps the coating adhere and adds richness to the batter.
For Frying
• Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, for the best frying results.
These Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to warm your soul!
How to Make Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
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Heat Oil: Pour 1 inch of oil into a large cast iron skillet. Warm the oil over medium heat while you prepare the steak, ensuring it’s hot enough to fry (look for a sizzle when testing).
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Prepare Flour: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine the seasonings evenly throughout the flour.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another shallow dish, beat together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. This mixture adds richness and flavor to your steak fingers.
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Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange the flour mixture and the milk mixture next to each other. This will create a convenient dredging station for coating the steak strips.
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Cut and Season Steak: Slice the beef cubed steak into 1-inch strips. Season each side with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re well flavored before breading.
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Dredge Strips: First, dip each steak strip into the seasoned flour, coating both sides. Next, place it in the egg mixture, ensuring a thorough coating, and return it to the flour for a final dusting. Shake off any excess flour gently.
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Fry Strips: When the oil is hot (sprinkle a few drops of flour to test; it should sizzle), carefully add the strips into the skillet one by one, leaving space in between.
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Turn Strips: Using tongs, turn the strips once they start to brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Aim for a beautiful golden hue on each side.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once browned, carefully remove the steak fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined rack to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Fridge: Store any leftover steak fingers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that crunchy texture.
Freezer: To freeze, place the cooked steak fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to regain their crispiness.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving steak fingers at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Expert Tips for Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
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Choose Quality Meat: Opt for fresh, high-quality beef cubed steak for better flavor and tenderness. A good cut makes all the difference in your chicken fried steak fingers.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the flour and meat. Proper seasoning is key to elevating the taste and preventing blandness.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on your oil’s temperature. If it’s too low, the batter can become greasy; if too high, it may burn. Aim for a steady sizzle when frying.
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Dredging Technique: Don’t rush the dredging process! Coating each strip thoroughly in flour, then buttermilk, and back to flour ensures a crunchy exterior.
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Drain Properly: After frying, always allow your steak fingers to rest on a paper towel-lined rack. This step helps maintain their crispiness by removing excess oil.
With these expert tips, you’ll create the perfect classic chicken fried steak fingers that your friends and family will crave!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a meal prep dream come true! You can prep the steak strips by cutting and seasoning them (with salt and pepper) up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can set up your dredging station by combining the flour, salt, and pepper, and whipping together the buttermilk and egg mixture; both can be stored separately in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. When it’s time to serve, simply dredge the prepped strips as directed, fry them up, and you’ll enjoy that delicious homemade comfort without the last-minute rush—just as irresistible as when freshly made!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Finger Variations
Feel free to get creative with this beloved dish, exploring different twirls that will elevate your dining experience.
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Pork Option: Substitute beef cubed steak with thin pork chops for a delicious twist that offers another layer of flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a similar crunch without the gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a flavorful heat that elevates each tender bite.
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Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the flour for an aromatic touch that enhances the dish tremendously.
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Buttermilk Swap: Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or coconut milk for a different flavor profile while still keeping it tender and juicy.
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Cheesy Bliss: Mix grated Parmesan or cheddar into the flour mixture for a cheesy crunch that adds richness and a savory twist.
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Baked Version: For a lighter alternative, coat and place the steak fingers on a baking sheet; spray with oil and bake until crispy at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
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Sweet Dip: Serve with a honey mustard sauce or spicy ketchup for a unique dipping option that tantalizes your taste buds.
Each variation offers its own charm, inviting you to enjoy a new experience with every bite!
What to Serve with Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers?
Creating a delightful meal is all about balance, and these crispy steak fingers are the perfect starting point!
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Crispy French Fries: The ultimate comfort food pairing, crispy fries offer a satisfying crunch that complements the tender steak. Imagine dipping them in a creamy ranch sauce for a flavor explosion!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky, buttery mashed potatoes provide an indulgent base that soaks up the savory juices from your steak fingers. The comforting creaminess contrasts beautifully with their crunch.
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Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy coleslaw adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the fried steak. It’s a classic side that brings a refreshing twist to your plate!
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Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Serve with a tangy honey mustard for a sweet and zesty burst that enhances each bite of your steak fingers. It’s a delicious twist that will keep everyone coming back for more!
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn complements the flavors of the steak fingers while adding a fun, summery touch to your meal. Their juicy kernels are irresistible!
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Garlic Green Beans: Tender, sautéed green beans infused with garlic provide a nutrient-rich side that balances the meal beautifully. Their crispness and vibrant color elevate your plate while offering a lovely crunch.
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Classic Southern Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a must for any hearty meal. With a drizzle of honey or a smear of jam, they provide the perfect sweet contrast to savory steak fingers!
With these pairings, you’re set to create a delicious feast that warms the heart and satisfies the soul!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe FAQs
What type of beef cubed steak should I use?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality beef cubed steak for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for cuts that are bright red with minimal dark spots. Fresh meat will always enhance your dish and provide that delightful juicy texture we all love.
How should I store leftover steak fingers?
Place any leftover steak fingers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend popping them in the oven to restore that wonderful crunch—just about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick!
Can I freeze classic chicken fried steak fingers?
Very! To freeze, first, let the cooked steak fingers cool completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, typically 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. This method preserves their texture and flavor beautifully!
How do I reheat frozen steak fingers?
For best results, reheat your frozen steak fingers straight from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and warmed through. This will help maintain that delicious crunch!
Can I use an air fryer for cooking these steak fingers?
Absolutely! Using an air fryer will still deliver that satisfying crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the steak fingers in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispiness. It’s a healthier option that still tastes fantastic!
Are chicken fried steak fingers suitable for everyone?
It’s important to note that these steak fingers contain buttermilk and egg, which may trigger allergies in some individuals. If you need to make a dairy-free or egg-free version, you might try using almond milk or a flaxseed egg as substitutes. Remember to always communicate with friends and family regarding dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 inch of oil into a large cast iron skillet. Warm the oil over medium heat.
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, beat together the egg and buttermilk until smooth.
- Arrange the flour mixture and the milk mixture next to each other.
- Slice the beef cubed steak into 1-inch strips. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each strip in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then return to flour for a final dusting.
- Carefully add the strips into the skillet once the oil is hot.
- Turn the strips once they start to brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove the steak fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined rack.