Description
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are crispy, golden battered strips of cube steak fried to perfection and served with a creamy homemade gravy. This comforting Southern-inspired dish makes for a delicious appetizer or main course, featuring tender steak bites coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and fried until crisp, then paired with a rich milk gravy.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Fingers
- 1 lb cube steak, cut into strips (about 1-inch wide)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Cut the cube steak into strips about 1-inch wide. Season the strips lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Dredge the Steak Fingers: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until combined. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Dip each steak strip into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside for frying.
- Fry the Steak Fingers: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the steak fingers in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it forms a golden roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the fried steak fingers hot with the creamy homemade gravy either poured over or on the side as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetable oil heated to the proper temperature to ensure crispy steak fingers without absorbing excess oil.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Allow the coating on the steak fingers to set briefly before frying to ensure it adheres well.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore consistency.
