Easy Steak Fingers

Steak fingers are the ultimate comfort food—a delicious combination of tender strips of steak, coated in a crispy, golden batter and served with a creamy dipping sauce. These bite-sized delights are perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or even as a hearty lunch. With their irresistible crunch and juicy interior, steak fingers are a nostalgic favorite that brings classic diner flavors right to your kitchen.

This easy steak finger recipe is designed to make preparation straightforward, while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Paired with a homemade country-style gravy, these steak fingers are sure to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure perfectly crispy, tender steak fingers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly seasoned batter locks in the steak’s juiciness while creating a satisfying crunch.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, steak fingers are easy to serve and enjoy.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a flavorful dish without the fuss.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main course, or finger food for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep ahead for convenient frying later.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 4–5 steak fingers

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Steak Fingers:

• 1 pound (450g) cube steak or tenderized round steak
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Country-Style Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Dips:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Place the cube steak on a cutting board and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide and 4–5 inches long.
2. Pat the steak strips dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture

1. In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix well.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce (if using).

Step 3: Bread the Steak Fingers

1. Dip each steak strip into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off excess flour.
2. Dip the floured steak strip into the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
3. Return the steak strip to the flour mixture, pressing it lightly to ensure an even coating. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with all the steak strips.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

1. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent results.

Step 5: Fry the Steak Fingers

1. Carefully place a few steak fingers into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Remove the steak fingers with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with the remaining steak fingers.

Step 6: Prepare the Country-Style Gravy

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until lightly golden.
2. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the steak fingers warm with the country-style gravy on the side or drizzled over the top.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredient Background

• Cube Steak: Tenderized for easy preparation, cube steak is ideal for quick frying and ensures tender bites.
• Cornstarch: Helps create an extra crispy coating that stays light and airy.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat while ensuring the batter adheres well.
• Country-Style Gravy: A creamy, peppery sauce that’s the perfect complement to the crispy steak fingers.

Technique Tips

• Double Coating: Ensure each steak strip gets two coatings of flour mixture for maximum crunch.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent heat to prevent greasy or undercooked steak fingers.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Steak Finger Sliders: Use the steak fingers as the protein in mini sandwiches with buns, lettuce, and a dollop of gravy.
• Steak Finger Platter: Serve alongside crispy fries, coleslaw, and dipping sauces for a full meal.
• Steak Finger Salad: Top a fresh salad with sliced steak fingers for a hearty twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Oil: Fresh oil ensures the best flavor and prevents old, off-tasting results.
• Rest After Frying: Let the steak fingers rest on paper towels for a minute to drain excess oil.
• Keep Warm: Place fried steak fingers in a low-temperature oven (200°F/95°C) while frying the rest.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Steak Fingers: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cheesy Gravy: Stir shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the gravy for a rich twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Bread the steak fingers and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
• Refrigeration: Store cooked steak fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Air-Fried Steak Fingers: Cook the breaded steak fingers in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
• Low-Fat Gravy: Use low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to lighten the gravy.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game-Day Snack: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, and hot sauce for dipping.
• Family Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring a tray of steak fingers with multiple dipping sauces to impress the crowd.

Special Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Shallow bowls for breading
• Kitchen thermometer for frying
• Paper towels for draining

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works well, but tenderize it with a meat mallet for best results.

Q2: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Pat the steak dry before breading and ensure each strip is fully coated with both the wet and dry mixtures.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk or another plant-based alternative in place of buttermilk and milk for the gravy.

Q4: What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal due to their high smoke points.

Q5: Can I bake the steak fingers?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q6: How do I know when the steak fingers are done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

Q7: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Scale the ingredients proportionally and fry in batches for best results.

Conclusion

Easy steak fingers are a delightful combination of crispy coating and tender steak, making them a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion. With straightforward preparation and ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade version of a diner favorite without the hassle. Paired with creamy country-style gravy, steak fingers deliver classic comfort food flavors that never go out of style. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a family gathering, or a special event, these steak fingers are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

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