Steak Fingers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: Steak Fingers! Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these golden strips of breaded beef are everything you want in a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something irresistibly satisfying, steak fingers are the answer. They come together fast, fry up beautifully, and make even picky eaters ask for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: You’ll go from prepping to plate in under 30 minutes—yes, it’s really that quick.
• Crispy and Juicy: The perfect contrast between a crunchy crust and tender steak inside. Every bite is a little bit of heaven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore these, and adults secretly love them even more. They’re a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile: Serve them with fries, mashed potatoes, or even over a salad. They fit right in wherever you need them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy, golden beauties:

• Tenderized beef cutlets: Look for cube steak or round steak that’s already been tenderized—this keeps the inside melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Flour: The base of your breading. It gives the coating that golden, crunchy texture.
• Cornstarch: For extra crunch. Just a little added to the flour makes a big difference.
• Eggs: Acts as the glue to help the breading stick to the meat.
• Buttermilk: Adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat even more.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper—this combo gives the crust bold, savory flavor.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point.
• Optional dipping sauce: Ranch, country gravy, or spicy ketchup—don’t skip the sauce!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for a spicier version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, and double-check your seasonings.
• Baked Option: Not into frying? Bake them in a hot oven or air fryer until golden brown and crispy.
• Chicken Fingers Twist: Swap the steak for chicken tenders if beef isn’t your thing.

How to Make Steak Fingers

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations

Set up two bowls—one with a mix of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, and the other with beaten eggs and buttermilk.

Step 2: Dredge the Steak

Cut your tenderized steak into finger-length strips. Dip each strip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the flour on firmly to get that crispy coating.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a heavy skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a bit of flour—around 350°F.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Working in batches, carefully fry the steak fingers until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll get soggy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer the cooked steak fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use tenderized beef: It saves you time and guarantees that soft, steakhouse-style bite.
• Double-dip for extra crunch: For an ultra-thick crust, dip the steak fingers twice in the egg and flour mixtures.
• Season every layer: Don’t skimp on the seasoning—flavoring both the flour and the egg mixture gives you the most delicious results.
• Let them rest: After breading, let the coated steak fingers rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better.

How to Serve

These steak fingers are delicious straight out of the skillet, but they’re even better with the right sides and dips.

Dipping Sauces:

Country gravy, creamy ranch, or a spicy chipotle mayo are all perfect pairings.

Classic Sides:

Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or crinkle-cut fries for a down-home diner feel.

Light and Fresh:

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay crispy with a quick reheat.

Freezing

Freeze cooked steak fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.

FAQs

Can I make steak fingers ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the steak strips and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Tenderized cube steak or minute steak works best. These cuts cook quickly and stay tender when fried.

Can I bake steak fingers instead of frying?
Absolutely. Spray them with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

How do I keep them crispy after frying?
Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven while you finish the batch. This prevents them from getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s fast enough for a Tuesday night but tasty enough for Friday cravings, Steak Fingers are it. Crispy, golden, and incredibly easy to make, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab your skillet and dive into a plate of pure deliciousness—your taste buds will thank you!

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