Steak Fingers are crispy, golden-fried strips of tender beef, coated in a seasoned batter and served with creamy country gravy. This classic comfort food is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Whether as a fun appetizer, game-day snack, or family dinner, these steak fingers are always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection.
- Great for dipping – Pair with gravy, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Kid-friendly – A fun twist on chicken tenders!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Steak Fingers:
- Cube steak, cut into strips
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Country Gravy:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Prepare the Steak Fingers:
- Set up dredging stations: In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the steak: Dip each steak strip into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture.
- Fry until golden: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the steak fingers in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Country Gravy:
- Melt butter: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add milk and season: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Serve steak fingers hot with a side of country gravy for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter.
- Oven-baked option – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer method – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air fryer for a crispier texture.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked steak fingers for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for steak fingers?
Cube steak is best because it’s already tenderized, but sirloin or round steak also works.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes! Buttermilk adds extra tenderness and flavor to the coating.
Why is my coating not sticking?
Ensure the steak is dry before coating, and press the flour mixture firmly onto the meat.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well for frying steak fingers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Coat the steak fingers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
How do I make the batter extra crispy?
Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps create a crunchier texture.
What dipping sauces go well with steak fingers?
Country gravy is classic, but ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce are great options too.
Can I use an egg-free batter?
Yes! Use buttermilk alone or a cornstarch-water slurry as an alternative.
How do I prevent greasy steak fingers?
Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of regular flour.
Conclusion
Steak Fingers are a crispy, delicious twist on a classic Southern dish, perfect for dipping in rich country gravy. With their crunchy coating and tender beef inside, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them today for a fun and satisfying meal!
PrintSteak Fingers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Steak Fingers are crispy, golden-brown strips of tenderized steak, breaded and fried to perfection. Serve them with creamy country gravy for the ultimate comfort food meal!
Ingredients
For the Steak Fingers:
- 1 1/2 lbs cube steak (or tenderized sirloin), cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Country Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Make the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and mix in buttermilk.
- Bread the steak: Dredge each steak strip in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the steak for a crispy crust.
- Fry the steak fingers: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C). Fry steak fingers in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the gravy: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously, until thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve steak fingers hot with country gravy on the side for dipping!
Notes
Extra crispy: Let breaded steak fingers rest for 10 minutes before frying.
Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
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