Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a fun, delicious twist on the classic chicken fried steak, making them perfect for dipping and snacking! Tender strips of beef are breaded and fried to crispy perfection, served alongside your favorite dipping sauce. These crispy, golden steak fingers are great as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as a game-day treat, or as a party appetizer, they’ll be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Perfectly Crispy

Each finger gets a perfect, golden-brown, crispy coating while keeping the steak inside tender and juicy. It’s the best of both worlds!

Easy to Serve and Eat

No need for knives or forks! These steak fingers are the ideal finger food—perfect for dipping, sharing, or snacking.

Versatile

Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, a simple salad, or your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or honey mustard. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

For the Steak Fingers:

• Beef Sirloin or Round Steak: Choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin or round steak for the best results.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used for the breading.
• Cornstarch: Helps make the breading extra crispy.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang to the breading and helps it adhere to the steak.
• Eggs: For the egg wash, helping the breading stick to the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the steak and breading.
• Garlic Powder: Adds flavor to the breading.
• Onion Powder: Gives a savory depth to the breading.
• Paprika: For a touch of smokiness in the breading.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional, for a little heat.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the steak fingers.

For the Gravy (optional but recommended):

• Butter: For the gravy base.
• Flour: To thicken the gravy.
• Beef Broth: Adds flavor and richness.
• Milk: To give the gravy a creamy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Slice the Steak: Cut the sirloin or round steak into thin strips, about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
2. Tenderize the Steak: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the steak strips until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This will make them tender and easier to cook.

Step 2: Bread the Steak Fingers

1. Set up the Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, add flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
2. Bread the Steak: Dredge each steak strip in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and coat it again in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Steak Fingers

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the Steak Fingers: Carefully add the breaded steak fingers to the hot oil, cooking them in batches so they’re not overcrowded. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Steak Fingers: Remove the steak fingers from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Prepare the Gravy: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
2. Add Liquid: Slowly whisk in beef broth and milk, and continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Pour the gravy over the crispy steak fingers or serve on the side for dipping.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, ketchup, or gravy) and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving (without gravy): 400
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%
Potassium: 450mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the steak fingers with creamy mashed potatoes and smother them in gravy for a classic Southern meal.
• Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the crispy steak fingers.
• Biscuits or Cornbread: Serve alongside warm biscuits or cornbread to soak up the gravy and add an extra layer of comfort.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the steak.

Additional Tips

• Double Coating: For an extra crispy crust, double-coat your steak fingers by dipping them back into the buttermilk mixture and flour mixture a second time.
• Air Fryer Option: You can also cook these in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Freezing for Later: If you make extra steak fingers, freeze them before frying. Simply place the breaded steak fingers on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two of cook time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! If you prefer chicken, you can substitute the beef with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cut them into strips and follow the same breading and frying process.

Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A2: Yes, you can bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the breaded steak fingers on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can bread the steak fingers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying. For longer storage, freeze the breaded fingers and cook them when needed.

Q4: What other sauces can I serve with these?
A4: In addition to gravy, these steak fingers are great with ranch dressing, ketchup, honey mustard, or even BBQ sauce.

Q5: How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
A5: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

Q6: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it over low heat, adding a little more broth or milk to thin it out if needed.

Q7: What’s the best cut of beef for steak fingers?
A7: Sirloin or round steak are great options. These cuts are tender, affordable, and cook well when breaded and fried.

Q8: Can I use buttermilk substitutes?
A8: Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.

Q9: Can I add some seasoning to the gravy?
A9: Absolutely! You can add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for extra flavor.

Q10: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the breading, and ensure your sauces and seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the ultimate comfort food, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Whether served as a fun appetizer or as a full meal, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh coleslaw, or a rich gravy for the perfect Southern-inspired dinner. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!

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