There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly cooked steak finger, its savory flavor melting in your mouth with each bite. I first discovered the joy of making Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers during a chilly weekend when the thought of fast food just didn’t appeal to me. As the lure of delicate, crispy coating filled my kitchen and blended with the warmth of a home-cooked meal, I knew I was in for a treat.
This dish isn’t just about feeding my family; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary. Using tender cubed steak, seasoned flour, and a splash of buttermilk, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with loved ones or a fun weeknight surprise, these steak fingers are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will bring the flavors of home right to your table!
Why are Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers a must-try?
Irresistible Crunch: The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, offering a delightful contrast to the tender steak inside.
Savory Flavor: Each piece is generously seasoned, delivering a savory punch that beats any fast-food option.
Quick Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a hearty meal in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners—everyone loves a good steak finger!
Versatile Pairing: Serve them with homemade gravy or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious twist. If you’re looking to elevate your meal further, try these steak fingers with an easy side of mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort food experience!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Ingredients
• Get ready to create magic with these irresistible steak fingers!
For the Steak Fingers
• Beef Cubed Steak – 3-4 lbs, choose top quality for the best texture and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 C, essential for achieving that crispy, golden crust.
• Buttermilk – 1 C, helps tenderize the meat while adding a rich flavor.
• Large Egg – 1, binds the coating together for an extra crispy finish.
• Salt and Pepper – to taste, these staples enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Oil for Frying – enough for about 1 inch in the skillet, ensures a perfect crispy exterior on your Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers.
For the White Gravy
• Butter – ¼ C, the base for a rich, flavorful gravy.
• Flour – ¼ C, to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
• Milk – 2 C, creamy and smooth, makes the gravy deliciously comforting.
• Salt and Pepper – to taste, season generously for maximum flavor.
Get your ingredients ready and prepare for a cooking adventure that will bring warmth and satisfaction right to your table!
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 and heat it over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough—it should shimmer when ready, typically taking about 5 minutes.
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Prepare Flour: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir to mix. This is your first step toward that delicious, crispy coating!
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another shallow dish, beat the large egg and buttermilk together. Pour this mixture into the dish to create a flavorful bath for your steak fingers.
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Set Up Dredging Station: Position both dishes next to each other. This easy assembly line will make coating the steak fingers a breeze.
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Cut and Season Steak: Slice your cubed steak into 1-inch strips. Don’t forget to season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Coat the Strips: First, dip each strip into the flour, ensuring it’s well coated. Next, immerse it in the egg mixture, and finish by returning it to the flour. Give a gentle shake to remove any excess coating.
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Fry the Strips: When the oil is hot, carefully place the coated strips side by side in the skillet. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once browned on both sides, remove the steak fingers from the skillet and set them on a paper towel-lined rack to drain off any excess oil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Pair your hot steak fingers with white gravy or your favorite dipping sauce, and savor the flavors of this hearty meal!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If you must leave them out, consume within 2 hours to ensure safety and quality.
Fridge: Store leftover steak fingers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezer: Place the cooled steak fingers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer while preserving flavor and texture.
Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen steak fingers at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-pan experience with your Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can bread the steak strips up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow the dredging steps mentioned earlier, then place the coated strips in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just heat your oil, fry the fingers as usual, and you’ll enjoy the same crispy, savory goodness as if they were freshly made. This simple technique saves time during busy weeknights, allowing you to serve a heartfelt meal with minimal effort and just as delicious results!
What to Serve with Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers?
Looking to elevate your meal experience? Pairing these crispy delights with the right sides can transform your dinner into a feast.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture complements the crunchy steak fingers, making each bite a heavenly experience. Add a drizzle of gravy for extra comfort!
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Steamed Green Beans: The freshness and slight crunch of green beans add a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the steak, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
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Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side offers a refreshing contrast to the savory steak fingers, making each bite a delightful surprise of textures and flavors.
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Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty steak fingers and gravy, adding a touch of Southern charm to your meal.
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Garden Salad: A light salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and lighten the overall meal, making it feel balanced and fresh.
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Homemade Biscuits: These fluffy delights are perfect for sopping up gravy and add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
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Iced Tea: Refreshing and slightly sweetened, iced tea enhances the meal’s flavors without overpowering them, making it a classic pairing.
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Apple Pie: For dessert, a slice of warm apple pie brings sweetness to the end of your meal, offering a satisfying conclusion after those savory steak fingers.
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Variations
Feel free to customize your steak fingers to fit your cravings and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a beautiful crispy coating that everyone can enjoy.
- Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a fiery twist that livens up each bite with a delightful heat.
- Herbed Flavor: Mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the flour for an aromatic touch that elevates the classic taste of your steak fingers.
- Cheesy Crunch: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese into your flour mixture for a rich, cheesy flavor and added crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, coat the strips with oil and bake them in the oven at 425°F for a crispy, lighter take on this dish.
- Veggie Delight: Substitute cubed steak with firm tofu or eggplant for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s equally satisfying with the same crunchy texture.
- Asian Twist: Dip the steak fingers in a soy sauce and sesame oil mixture before coating with flour for an umami boost and a hint of Asian flair.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a honey garlic sauce over the fried steak fingers after cooking for an irresistible sweet-and-savory finish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Expert Tips for Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
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Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—around 350°F is ideal. If it’s too cool, the steak fingers will absorb grease.
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Coating Technique: Ensure each strip is thoroughly coated in flour before dipping in the egg mixture to create a crispy outer layer for your steak fingers.
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Even Cooking: Fry in small batches, ensuring there’s enough space between each strip. Crowding the skillet will lead to uneven cooking and greasiness.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper—season every layer, from the flour to the steak, for robust flavor in your Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers.
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Drain Properly: Place fried steak fingers on a paper towel-lined rack immediately after frying to help them maintain their crispy texture by draining excess oil efficiently.
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best beef cubed steak?
Absolutely! When selecting beef cubed steak, look for cuts that are bright red with minimal dark spots. Ensure the meat feels firm and moist, as these characteristics indicate freshness. If possible, choose grass-fed beef for a richer flavor, and ask your butcher for recommendations if you’re unsure.
How should I store leftover steak fingers?
Very good question! Store any leftover Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunchy texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers?
Definitely! Allow the steak fingers to cool completely after frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 375°F for approximately 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my steak fingers are greasy?
If your steak fingers are greasy, it likely means the oil wasn’t hot enough when frying. To troubleshoot, make sure the oil temperature is around 350°F before adding the strips. If they do end up greasy after frying, you can place them on a paper towel-lined rack immediately to drain excess oil effectively.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe contains gluten from all-purpose flour, so if gluten is a concern, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Be mindful of allergies; always check the labels on your ingredients. Also, avoid feeding any seasoned steak fingers to pets, as many spices can be harmful to animals. Always keep the dish safely stored away from their reach.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Very easy to do! If you want to lighten things up, you can bake instead of fry. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the coated steak strips on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method results in a lower-fat version while still delivering delicious flavor. Enjoy your Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with a side of roasted vegetables for a more nutritious meal!
Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers: Irresistibly Crunchy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 inch of oil into a large cast iron skillet and heat it over medium heat until it shimmers.
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir to mix.
- In another shallow dish, beat the large egg and buttermilk together.
- Position both dishes next to each other for easy assembly.
- Slice your cubed steak into 1-inch strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Dip each strip into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour.
- Carefully place the coated strips in the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove steak fingers from the skillet and set them on a paper towel-lined rack.
- Serve with white gravy or your favorite dipping sauce.