Crunchy Steak Fingers Recipe: A Fun Twist on Classic Comfort

Comfort food takes on a delightful crunch with these mouthwatering steak fingers that redefine classic diner-style meals.

Tender beef strips coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading promise pure culinary satisfaction.

Each golden-brown piece delivers a satisfying snap when you bite into its delectable exterior.

The secret lies in selecting quality meat and mastering a simple yet fantastic breading technique.

Salt, pepper, and a blend of herbs elevate these crispy steak fingers from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms an everyday protein into a restaurant-worthy experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Tools to Fry Up Crisp Steak Fingers

• Large skillet: Perfect for frying crispy steak fingers evenly.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing cube steak into neat strips.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut steak strips quickly and precisely.
• Mixing bowls (3): One for flour mixture, one for egg wash, and one for panko.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending eggs and milk smoothly.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing steak fingers from hot oil.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Saucepan: Used for preparing creamy country gravy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Frying Steak Fingers Without a Fuss

• Slice the Meat

Cut cube steak into long, thin strips perfect for munching.

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with zesty spices in one bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in another bowl. This combo will give your steak fingers killer crunch.

• Dunk and Dredge

Roll each meat strip through seasoned flour, then egg mixture, then back into flour. Press coating gently to make it stick like best friends.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat oil until it shimmers with delicious potential, around 350F. This is your golden ticket to crispy perfection.

• Fry to Gorgeous Goldness

Drop strips carefully into hot oil. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they’re sporting a stunning bronzed tan. Let them rest on paper towels to drain extra oil.

• Whip Up Creamy Gravy

Melt butter in a pan. Sprinkle flour and stir until light golden. Pour milk slowly, whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper until gravy becomes smooth and dreamy.

• Serve and Devour

Plate those crispy steak fingers alongside the velvety gravy. Dive in while they’re hot and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Variations to Make Your Steak Fingers Unique

• Mix flour and panko for an ultra-crunchy exterior that stays crisp longer than traditional breading.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches 145F for medium-rare, preventing tough or dry meat while maintaining perfect tenderness.
• Prepare steak fingers in advance and reheat in the oven at 375F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness without additional oil.
• Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture.
• Skip traditional breading and use crushed pork rinds instead, creating a protein-packed alternative that's keto-friendly and equally delicious.

Serving Steak Fingers With the Right Sides

• Southern Comfort Platter: Pair the crispy steak fingers with fluffy mashed potatoes and buttery corn kernels for a classic comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Picnic Style Feast: Serve alongside coleslaw, baked beans, and buttermilk biscuits for a hearty outdoor meal that screams summer barbecue and family gatherings.
• Dipping Delight: Create a variety of dipping sauces like spicy ranch, honey mustard, or zesty marinara to add extra flavor and excitement to each crunchy bite of steak fingers.
• Game Day Appetizer: Arrange steak fingers on a large platter with toothpicks and multiple dipping sauces for the perfect shareable finger food during sports watch parties or casual get-togethers.

Store Those Steak Fingers for Another Day

• Prepare multiple batches of steak fingers and freeze them in airtight containers. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for maximum crispiness.
• Store cooked steak fingers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep gravy separately in a different container to maintain the crispy texture. Consume within the recommended timeframe for optimal taste and quality.
• Cool steak fingers completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup. Place on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooling and maintain the crispy coating's integrity.
• Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy. Use an air fryer or conventional oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the original crunchiness and warmth of the steak fingers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything That Makes Steak Fingers So Good

• Cube Steak: Tenderized beef perfect for creating crispy, mouthwatering strips with rich flavor and easy-to-chew texture.

• Flour: Creates a crisp, golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides a delightful crunch.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuse deep, savory aromatic layers into the coating.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the breading.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle kick of heat that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the meat's natural taste.
• Eggs, Milk: Bind the coating together and create a rich, golden crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers an ultra-crispy, light texture for an irresistible crunch.

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the country gravy with luxurious flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy and creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect gravy texture.
• Cooking Oil: Enables deep frying and creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Crispy Steak Fingers Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets crispy indulgence with these steak fingers, delivering a golden-brown crunch that beckons hungry diners. Crunchy breaded beef strips paired with creamy dipping sauce promise a satisfying meal that brings classic diner charm straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 lb (450 g) cube steak or round steak, cut into 1-inch wide strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Transform cube steak into uniform strips measuring approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
2. Coating Choreography: Create a three-stage dredging station combining seasoned flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk eggs and milk in a separate vessel, then arrange panko crumbs for an optional crispy exterior. Methodically coat each meat strip by dipping first into seasoned flour, then egg mixture, and finally returning to flour or rolling in panko for enhanced texture.
3. Temperature Control: Heat cooking oil in a spacious skillet to precisely 350F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal golden-brown results. Carefully introduce meat strips in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure thorough, crisp cooking.
4. Frying Technique: Cook steak fingers for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve an evenly bronzed, crunchy exterior. Transfer finished pieces onto paper towel-lined surfaces to absorb excess oil.
5. Gravy Creation: Melt butter in a separate saucepan, gradually incorporating flour and whisking until achieving a light golden roux. Slowly introduce milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich country gravy. Season with salt and black pepper to complement the crispy steak fingers.
6. Presentation: Serve steak fingers immediately alongside warm country gravy, allowing diners to indulge in a classic comfort food experience.

Notes

• Select cube steak for tender, easily breakable meat that guarantees a softer texture and faster cooking time.
• Maintain consistent 350°F oil heat to prevent soggy or burnt steak fingers, using a kitchen thermometer for precise monitoring.
• Fry steak fingers in small batches to ensure even crispy coating and prevent oil temperature drops that lead to greasy results.
• Double-dip steak strips in flour and egg mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy exterior that holds up better during frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg