Steak Fingers Recipe: Who doesn’t love crispy, juicy steak fingers with a side of country gravy or ranch? Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game-day gathering, or just craving comfort food, this steak fingers recipe is the ultimate go-to. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor from the first bite to the last.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make these golden-brown beauties at home – better than drive-thru and much more satisfying!
What Are Steak Fingers?
If you’ve never had steak fingers before, think of them as the beef version of chicken tenders. Strips of tender steak are battered and fried until golden and crunchy. Popular in Southern and comfort food kitchens, steak fingers are often paired with creamy country gravy or spicy dipping sauces.
They’re typically made from tender cuts of beef, dredged in a flavorful flour mixture, dipped in egg wash, then deep-fried to perfection. It’s the kind of food that makes people go back for seconds – or thirds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about homemade steak fingers:
- Crispy, golden texture with juicy, flavorful beef inside
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Versatile – serve with fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes
- Perfect for dipping – great with gravy, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
And the best part? You know exactly what’s going into them – no weird fillers or additives like some frozen store-bought versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need. Simple pantry staples – that’s all it takes!
Main Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of beef steak (sirloin, cube steak, or top round work best)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough to deep-fry or shallow fry)
Optional Dips:
- Ranch dressing
- Country gravy
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
Having everything prepped before you start will make the cooking process smooth and quick.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make things even easier, here’s what you should have on hand:
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Tongs or fork
- Frying pan or deep skillet
- Wire rack or paper towels for draining
- Meat tenderizer (optional but helpful)
How to Choose the Best Cut of Steak
The key to amazing steak fingers starts with the cut. Here are your top options:
- Cube Steak – Pre-tenderized and affordable, great for beginners
- Top Round – Lean and flavorful, but may need pounding
- Sirloin Steak – More tender, slightly pricier but worth it
- Flank Steak – Slices well into strips and has a rich flavor
Whichever you choose, slice against the grain to make the steak more tender. And if your steak isn’t pre-tenderized, give it a few gentle whacks with a meat mallet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Steak Fingers
Here’s where the magic happens. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve crispy, mouthwatering steak fingers.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Rinse and pat the steak dry. Slice into finger-sized strips (about ½ inch wide and 3–4 inches long), cutting against the grain for tenderness. If not using cube steak, gently tenderize each strip with a meat mallet. Set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
This seasoned flour delivers bold, savory flavor with a subtle kick.
Step 3: Make the Egg Wash
In another bowl, whisk:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
The egg wash helps the coating stick and adds moisture for a crisp bite.
Step 4: Coat the Steak
Dredge each strip in flour → dip in egg wash → return to flour for a second coat. Double coating ensures extra crunch. Place coated strips on a tray.
Step 5: Fry the Steak Fingers
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Flip with tongs for even browning.
Step 6: Drain and Rest
Transfer to paper towels or a wire rack. Rest for 5 minutes to keep them crispy and juicy. Serve hot and enjoy! 🍽️🥩
Tips for Extra Crispy Steak Fingers
Want that perfect crunch? These tips will level up your steak finger game:
- Double-dredge: That second dip in flour after the egg wash is what gives steak fingers that thick, crispy crust.
- Rest before frying: Letting the coated steak strips rest for 10–15 minutes before frying helps the coating stick better.
- Use the right oil temperature: Keep your oil between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Too low, and the steak fingers get soggy. Too high, and the crust burns before the inside cooks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy coating.
- Use a wire rack: Instead of paper towels, placing the fried steak fingers on a wire rack helps prevent them from steaming and going soft.
How to Make Country Gravy (Optional but Delicious)
If you’re serving steak fingers the classic Southern way, country gravy is a must. It’s creamy, peppery, and the ultimate comfort pairing.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of pan drippings or butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Steps:
- In the same skillet, remove most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons (or use butter).
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until golden.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
Pour this creamy goodness over your steak fingers or serve it on the side for dipping!
Best Dipping Sauces for Steak Fingers
Besides country gravy, here are some delicious dipping ideas:
- Ranch dressing – Cool and creamy, a fan favorite.
- BBQ sauce – Smoky, sweet, and tangy.
- Honey mustard – Sweet with a slight bite.
- Spicy ketchup or sriracha mayo – For a kick of heat.
- Blue cheese dressing – Great if you’re serving these with wings.
Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combo!
What to Serve With Steak Fingers
Complete your meal with these easy sides:
- French fries or potato wedges
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Coleslaw or creamy macaroni salad
- Corn on the cob or green beans
- Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread
Whether it’s a weekday dinner or game day platter, these pairings are always a hit.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Steak fingers store and reheat well.
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Air fryer: Set to 350°F and cook for 5–6 minutes.
- Microwave: Not ideal, but if you must – wrap in a paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid sogginess.
Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps bring the crisp back!
Can You Freeze Steak Fingers?
Absolutely! These are great for meal prep or saving for later.
To Freeze:
- Cook and cool completely.
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.
To Reheat from Frozen:
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Or use the air fryer for even faster crisping.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snacks!
Healthier Alternatives (Air Fryer or Oven-Baked)
Craving steak fingers but watching your oil intake? Try these healthier options.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray steak fingers lightly with oil.
- Air fry in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place steak fingers on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
You’ll still get a nice crunch without deep-frying!
FAQs about Steak Fingers Recipe
1. Can I use chicken instead of steak for this recipe?
Yes! This same breading and frying method works perfectly with chicken strips. Just be sure to cook the chicken a little longer, as poultry needs more time to cook through safely.
2. How do I know when the steak fingers are done?
Steak fingers are done when they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. For safety, the internal temperature of beef should reach at least 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
3. What oil is best for frying steak fingers?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are all excellent options because they handle high heat well without overpowering the flavor.
4. Can I marinate the steak before frying?
Absolutely. A short buttermilk marinade (30 minutes to a few hours) can add extra tenderness and flavor. Just pat the steak dry lightly before breading so the coating sticks well.
5. What’s the best way to keep steak fingers warm for a party?
Place the cooked steak fingers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F (93°C) oven. This keeps them warm and crispy until you’re ready to serve.
These tips will help you serve perfectly crispy, juicy steak fingers every time. 🥩🍽️
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate steak fingers recipe, made from scratch and full of flavor. Whether you’re frying them up Southern-style or baking a lighter version, these crispy steak strips are guaranteed to satisfy.
Serve them up hot with a side of creamy gravy or your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a meal that hits the spot every time. Once you make them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the frozen kind.
