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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Transform cube steak into uniform strips measuring approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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