Sink your teeth into these irresistible Steak Fingers! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or party appetizers. Try this easy recipe today and watch them disappear!
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Indulge in Comfort: The Perfect Steak Fingers Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly cooked steak. But what if you could enjoy that same mouthwatering flavor in a convenient, finger-friendly format? Enter steak fingers – a delicious twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
What Are Steak Fingers?
Steak Fingers are thinly sliced strips of beef that are typically breaded and fried to golden perfection. They offer all the savory goodness of a traditional steak in a more portable and snackable form. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches, steak fingers are versatile and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
The Appeal of Steak Fingers Basket
Served in a delightful basket, Steak Fingers offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal, the crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy steak, creating a culinary experience that’s truly satisfying. With a side of dipping sauce and your favorite accompaniments, a Steak Fingers basket is sure to leave you craving more.
Exploring Chicken Fried Steak Fingers
A twist on the classic Southern dish, Chicken Fried Steak Fingers take the concept of comfort food to new heights. Breaded and fried to perfection, these savory morsels offer a delectable blend of crunchy coating and succulent steak. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in rich gravy, Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the epitome of indulgence.
Embracing Country Fried Steak Fingers
Country Fried Steak Fingers evoke memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. With a hearty coating of seasoned breading and a satisfying crunch, these Southern favorites are a timeless classic. Whether enjoyed alongside fluffy biscuits and gravy or as part of a hearty breakfast, Country Fried Steak Fingers are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
From Steak Fingers baskets to Chicken Fried Steak Fingers and Country Fried Steak Fingers, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this beloved comfort food. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a hearty meal, these crispy delights are sure to hit the spot.
So, the next time you crave a taste of comfort, consider treating yourself to the savory delight of Steak Fingers. Your taste buds will thank you.
Steak Fingers Recipe: Ingredients & Equipment
To make this Steak Fingers recipe, you will need …
Ingredients
- boneless beef top round steak – If you can’t find top round steak, you can use other tender cuts of beef such as sirloin steak, ribeye steak, cube steak, or flank steak. Just make sure to tenderize them properly by pounding them to a ¼-inch thickness.
- lemon pepper – If you don’t have lemon pepper on hand, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts of lemon zest and black pepper. Alternatively, you can use other seasoning blends such as Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or steak seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- salt
- buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly before using it in the recipe. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a bit of water as a substitute.
- all-purpose flour – For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for wheat flour in the breading mixture.
- vegetable oil – You can substitute vegetable oil with other high-heat cooking oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil. Alternatively, you can use melted butter or clarified butter for added flavor.
Equipment
- plastic wrap and meat mallet
- knife and cutting board
- pie plate or similar vessel for dredging
- skillet and tongs
- paper towel lined plate or platter
How to make Steak Fingers
Serving Suggestions for Steak Fingers
- Dipping Sauces: Pair them with an array of dipping sauces for added flavor. Classic choices include tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, zesty honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce. Country Gravy (aka White Gravy or Cream Gravy) is a great choice, too!
- Side Dishes: Complement them with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or a crisp green salad.
- Sandwiches: Transform them into a delicious sandwich by placing them between slices of toasted bread or a soft bun. Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite condiments for a satisfying meal on the go.
- Fries or Onion Rings: Serve them alongside classic sides like crispy French fries or golden onion rings for a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Breakfast: Incorporate them into your breakfast routine by serving them alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, and toast. They also make a tasty addition to breakfast tacos or burritos.
- Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings. Pair them with an assortment of snacks like cheese cubes, vegetable crudité, and crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
- Sauce Drizzle: Elevate the presentation of your steak fingers by drizzling them with a complementary sauce just before serving. Consider options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnishes: Add a pop of color and freshness to them by garnishing them with chopped parsley, green onions, or diced tomatoes before serving.
Leftover Ideas
- Tacos or Wraps: Use them as a filling for tacos or wraps. Layer them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite salsa or sauce for a delicious handheld meal.
- Steak Finger Salad: Create a hearty salad by topping a bed of mixed greens with sliced chicken fried steak fingers. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded cheese, and your choice of dressing for a satisfying and flavorful salad.
- Steak Finger Pizza: Use them as a topping for homemade pizza. Spread marinara sauce over pizza dough, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, and arrange sliced steak fingers on top. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a tasty twist on pizza night.
- Steak Finger Bowl: Create a hearty and customizable bowl by serving them over a base of cooked rice or quinoa. Top with your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, black beans, corn, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Steak Finger Sliders: Miniature steak finger sliders are perfect for parties or gatherings. Place them on a slider bun and top with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles. Secure with a toothpick and serve as bite-sized snacks.
- Steak Finger Quesadillas: Make cheesy steak finger quesadillas by placing sliced steak fingers and shredded cheese between two flour tortillas. Cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy and golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
- Steak Finger Stir-Fry Bowls: Create flavorful stir-fry bowls by combining sliced country fried steak fingers with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Serve them over cooked rice or noodles and drizzle with your favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick and delicious meal.
- Steak Finger Wrap: Roll up steak fingers in a large flour tortilla along with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for a tasty and portable meal option.
Steak Fingers: FAQs
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or top round steak are ideal. These cuts are flavorful and tender, ensuring delicious results.
To tenderize the meat, place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to about ¼-inch thickness. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.
I’ve seen that this recipe works with pork steak and cube steak. Also – if you’re a fan – venison or elk – go ahead and try it!! Chicken breast or tenderloin can be used as a substitute for beef in steak fingers. Follow the same process of tenderizing and breading the chicken before frying.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
Yes, you can freeze cooked fingers for future use. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through.
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. Bread the steak strips and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before frying.
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Steak Fingers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless beef top round steak tenderized
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Place the steak between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut the steak into strips. Season with lemon pepper and salt.
- Drip the strips into the buttermilk and dredge in the flour.
- Heat 2 tbsp. of the oil on a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the strips and brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining strips.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- If you have leftover steak fingers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
- You can freeze cooked steak fingers for future use. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on January 3, 2013. Updated on March 26, 2024.
Oh my goodness! What memories you brought up with these! My dad made us finger steaks at least twice month growing up! I haven't had them in decades! Going on the menu for sure 🙂 Thanks Jamie!
The lemon pepper seems a nice addition! Pinned, this is something the family will love {especially Dimitri ..lol} Thanks for sharing, Jamie !
This is better than my plain old salt and peppered steak. Thank you for sharing.
We may have met by chance…but we become friends by choice.
http://simpleesue.com/pa-dutch-new-years-day-pork-sauerkraut
I had never heard of Steak Fingers in my life, only Chicken Fingers. I make Schnitzel from pounded steak, which we love at our house, and we do love us that Lemon Pepper, but have only used on chicken or fish.
Steak fingers always make me think of Dairy Queen. When I make them mashed potatoes are also a must, which is strange since DQ doesn't have mashed potatoes, lol.
Hi, Jamie! I was chatting with Evelyn after being out of blogging commission for two weeks time and she told me about you guys' new Sunday hop! Stopping by to follow you via GFC and ended up drooling over the Steak Fingers! I saw them and immediately thought "country cooking." LOL
Can't wait to link up with y'all Sunday! Would love to have you swing by my blog if you get a chance!
Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
http://shonaskye.blogspot.com
Looks good in the picture and I’ll surely try this at home.
My oldest daughter is such a carnivore. I bet she would love this!
Sounds easy to make and a comfort food. Thank you for sharing your recipe on Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party. Make sure to come back on Sunday to vote for your favorite recipes!
These look really good! They remind me of diner food also! Haven't had Steak Fingers in years! Thanks
Hi Jamie,
We just love Steak Fingers, they are wonderful. Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
We are not big beef eaters but this looks like it would be enjoyed by all. Can't wait to try it.
I haven't had steak fingers in years. Like since I was a child! You made me smile serving the same thing with them every time. We're like that with certain dishes too…and I don't know why! Thank you for coming by this week. I was kind of afraid people would forget since I took some time off.
My hubby would love these! He's a chicken-fried steak fan, and these look pretty similar. Yum! Thanks for sharing at OneCreativeMommy.com.