Name: Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; ½ cup flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ lbs cube steak (sliced into strips); 1 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 3 cups oil for frying; ¼ cup butter; 3 tablespoons flour; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ¼ cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream

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The aroma of Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy dancing in the kitchen can instantly take you back to comfort meals shared with family. Picture yourself pulling a crispy, golden piece of chicken-fried goodness from the sizzling oil, the sound of its crunch filling the air, as warm, rich gravy simmers on the stove, just waiting to be ladled generously over those tender steak strips. It’s the kind of dish that brings joy to plates and smiles all around the dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special Sunday dinner, these Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the perfect fit.

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Growing up, my mom would whip up this delightful dish whenever we needed a little comfort. It was always the highlight of our weeklong anticipation of the delicious crunch and that creamy gravy. Now, I can’t help but smile as I recreate those memories in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience the thrill too. Ready to delight in this crispy yet tender dish? Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish can be on your table super fast!
Irresistible Flavor: The crunch of the fried steak fingers paired with the creamy gravy is a flavor dream come true.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Fun to eat and visually appealing, these finger foods are perfect for both kids and adults.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a hearty dinner or a tasty late-night snack, these steak fingers fit the bill.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt the recipe for gluten-free eaters by using gluten-free flour for dredging.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup buttermilk: This tangy liquid tenderizes the steak while adding moisture and flavor. You can substitute with regular milk and a splash of vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk.
1 large egg: This binds the coating, lending a beautifully crispy texture. No substitutions are needed here, but sometimes I like to use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
½ cup flour: Used initially for the marinade to give the steak fingers a flavorful base. All-purpose flour works best.
1 teaspoon baking soda & 1 teaspoon baking powder: These will help create a lighter texture in your fried fingers. Stick with these specific leavening agents for optimal results.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavor throughout each layer of ingredients.
1 ½ lbs cube steak (sliced into strips): The star of the show! This budget-friendly cut is ideal for frying. You can use any beef cut that fries well, like round steak if preferred.
1 ½ cups flour: For dredging the steak fingers before frying; this gives the perfect crispy outer layer.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the steak.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This will infuse a smoky depth into the coating. Sweet paprika is a fine substitute if you prefer less heat.
1 teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper: Enhances the dredging mix.
3 cups oil for frying: Use vegetable or canola oil for a high smoke point. Avoid olive oil as its flavor may overwhelm the dish.
¼ cup butter: This will create the luscious gravy base.
3 tablespoons flour: The second use of flour helps thicken the gravy.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Tailors the flavor profile of the gravy.
1 ¼ cup milk & 1 cup heavy cream: These creamy ingredients make your gravy irresistibly luscious. You can use half-and-half if you’d like to save some calories.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy

Marinate the Steak: Start by whisking together the buttermilk, egg, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour this flavorful mixture over the sliced cube steaks, ensuring each piece gets a good coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour; this allows the meat to absorb the flavors and tenderize beautifully.

Heat the Oil: While the steak marinates, pour oil into a large pot or deep frying pan, heating it to 350°F. It’s crucial to get the oil hot to achieve that crispy exterior, so keep an oil thermometer handy for accuracy.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Take another medium bowl and mix the 1 ½ cups of flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful dredging mix will create a crunchy crust around your steak fingers.

Dredge the Steak Fingers: Once the steak has marinated, take each piece out, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Then dredge each strip thoroughly in the seasoned flour mix. Tap off any excess and transfer them to the hot oil, frying until each piece turns golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Make the Roux: In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Stir continuously until the mixture is lightly browned and fragrant; this step is essential for developing that rich, nutty flavor in your gravy.

Add the Liquid: As the roux begins to bubble, sprinkle in the black pepper. Whisk to incorporate before slowly adding the milk and heavy cream. The mixture will thicken gradually while you continue whisking, so be patient and keep stirring often. Allow the gravy to simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness, usually about 5 minutes.

Serve and Savor: By this time, your steak fingers should be crispy and the gravy luscious. Serve the chicken fried steak fingers hot with a generous drizzle of your homemade gravy over the top. Delicious!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (though they may not last long!), allow them to cool completely before storing them. Keep the steak fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about 3 days in a well-sealed container. You can freeze these cajun-inspired goodies for up to 3 months, just remember to separate them with parchment paper before sealing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The texture may change slightly, but it’s wonderful to refresh them in the oven!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before adding the steak fingers; if it’s too cold, they’ll become greasy instead of crispy.
Avoid overcrowding the pot during frying; it can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy fingers.
Allow the gravy to simmer gently—don’t rush this step for optimal thickness and flavor.
For a lighter gravy, you can use more milk and less cream while maintaining the delicious flavor.
Leftover gravy makes a fantastic dip for other dishes, so don’t hesitate to use it in exciting ways.
Feel free to experiment with spices in the flour mixture, like cayenne pepper for an added kick!

There’s something extraordinarily heartwarming about whipping up a plate of Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy. Not only is this recipe a reminder of cherished memories, but it’s a dish that you can easily share with your loved ones, creating new traditions. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a special occasion, this meal wraps you in comfort with each crispy bite. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fry up some happiness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of cube steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breasts would work beautifully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster than beef.

Is it possible to make the gravy dairy-free?

Yes, you can create a dairy-free version of the gravy using almond milk or any other plant-based milk combined with a dairy-free butter substitute. Just ensure you whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps!

How do I know when my oil is hot enough for frying?

A reliable way to check the oil temperature is to sprinkle a little flour into it; if it sizzles and bubbles right away, you’re good to go! Alternatively, a thermometer will help you reach the ideal 350°F.

Can I make the steak fingers ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the steak a day in advance. Just remember not to fry them until you’re ready to serve for that crispy texture, and make sure they are stored properly in the fridge.

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Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy