Craving a quick weeknight dinner solution? Try our easy crispy chicken fried steak fingers recipe made with tender steak and homemade breading, perfect for a family favorite meal, save for later

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of steak, the crunch of fried chicken, and the versatility of finger foods, all in one delicious package. The Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe is a creative twist on traditional favorites, utilizing everyday ingredients to produce an impressive and mouth-watering meal that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a snack. This recipe stands out for its ease of preparation, balanced flavors, and the exciting texture combination that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be accessible, fun, and rewarding.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe brings together common ingredients in a unique way, ensuring that the flavors are balanced and that you likely have most of what you need already in your pantry.
Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive outcome, the preparation and cooking process are straightforward and require minimal specialized equipment, making it a great option for weeknights or special occasions.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The dish looks and tastes like it was prepared in a professional kitchen, but the steps to get there are surprisingly simple, making it a great choice for those looking to impress without the fuss.

Key Ingredients

The Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature taste and texture. You’ll need steak fingers (or thinly sliced steak), all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for the lightest crunch), and your choice of seasonings. For the frying, you’ll need a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil. Practical substitutions can be made for seasonings and the type of breadcrumbs, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences. Additionally, for those looking for a lighter option, baking instead of frying is a viable alternative, though it will slightly alter the texture and taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your steak fingers. If using whole steak, slice it into finger-like strips. Season the steak with your choice of herbs and spices. In separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Prepare your breading station by having these dishes lined up in the order of flour, eggs, and then breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Dip each steak finger into the flour, coating it lightly, then into the eggs, making sure they’re fully coated, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the steak to ensure they stick well. Place the breaded steak fingers on a plate or tray. This process is called “breading” and is crucial for achieving the crispy exterior.
Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. When the oil is hot, add a few of the breaded steak fingers to the skillet (do not overcrowd). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining steak fingers. For a baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
Step 4: Once fried or baked, place the crispy chicken fried steak fingers on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy! You can serve them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a homemade aioli.

Handy Tips

When breading, make sure each piece is fully coated, but not overly so, as this can lead to a thick, heavy breading that overpowers the steak.
For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the breaded steak fingers in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and fry up crisper.
Be mindful of the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior is fully cooked. If it’s too cold, the food will absorb too much oil and be greasy.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying. The ideal temperature for frying the steak fingers is between 325°F and 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Timing will depend on the thickness of your steak fingers and the heat of your oil, but generally, 3-4 minutes per side is a good rule of thumb. Always check for doneness by cutting into one of the fingers; it should be cooked through and there should be no pink color remaining.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch is what sets this dish apart. The key is in the breading process and the frying technique. Using Panko breadcrumbs provides a lighter, crisper coating than regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, not overcrowding the skillet allows each piece to fry evenly and prevents the oil temperature from dropping, which can result in a greasy or soft exterior. For baked versions, achieving crunch can be a bit more challenging, but using a higher oven temperature and not overbaking can help maintain a crispy exterior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an extra golden and crispy exterior, you can add a step before frying where you lightly dust the breaded steak fingers with a bit of cornstarch or flour. This helps in creating a crunchier coating.
Using a thermometer for the oil ensures that you’re always frying at the optimal temperature, which is crucial for the best results.
Don’t skip the step of letting the fried steak fingers rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps in absorbing excess oil, making the dish less greasy and more enjoyable.

Storage Tips

Leftover crispy chicken fried steak fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the breaded but unfried steak fingers on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Fry or bake them frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
When reheating, it’s best to use the oven to maintain crispiness and avoid sogginess that can come from microwaving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While crispy chicken fried steak fingers are typically enjoyed fresh, they can also be a fun and unique gift, especially for parties or events. Consider packaging them in paper cones or boxes lined with parchment paper, and serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. For a more rustic look, you can wrap them individually in parchment paper and twine, perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering. Don’t forget to include a few of your favorite dipping sauces on the side to complement the flavors.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or smoked paprika to give your crispy chicken fried steak fingers a unique flavor profile.
🌟 Creative toppings: Once cooked, top your steak fingers with grated cheese, chopped herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, consider swapping the steak with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices, maintaining the breading and frying process for a similar texture and taste experience.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your breading is not sticking well, try chilling the breaded pieces before frying, or ensure that each piece is fully coated in the eggs before applying the breadcrumbs.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor, or different types of cheese for added flavor in the breading.
Over/undercooking signs: Always check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it’s cooked through. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F, medium at 140°F, and well-done at 160°F.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the breaded steak fingers before frying for up to 2 months. Simply fry or bake them frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Ensure that all ingredients, including the seasonings, are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

The Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe is a versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy dish to make. With its unique blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a special occasion dish, or just something new to try, this recipe is a great choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special in your kitchen.

Crispy Chicken Steak Fingers Fried Recipe