Craving a comforting, crispy, and utterly delicious meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Chicken Fried Steak Fingers recipe delivers all the satisfying flavor of a classic chicken fried steak, but in a fun, easy-to-eat finger food format. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or a fun family meal, these crispy beauties are sure to become a new favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both healthy and satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cube steak, cut into 1-inch thick fingers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Steak Fingers
- Tenderize the steak: Gently pound the steak fingers to about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and a tender result. Don't over-pound, or they'll become tough!
- Season the flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a flavorful coating for our chicken fried steak fingers.
The Breading Process: Achieving that Perfect Crunch
- Dip and dredge: Dip each steak finger into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Repeat for all steak fingers.
- Rest the fingers: Allow the breaded steak fingers to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading set and prevents it from falling off during frying.
Frying to Perfection: Golden Brown and Crispy
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Fry the steak fingers: Carefully place the steak fingers in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy steak fingers.
- Drain and serve: Once cooked, remove the steak fingers from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak Fingers:
- Don't skip the tenderizing: This step is crucial for preventing tough steak fingers.
- Control the oil temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for crispy results.
- Fry in batches: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy steak fingers.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the spices! They add a lot of flavor.
- Serve with your favorite sides: These steak fingers pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Different Cuts: Try using sirloin or even pork cutlets instead of cube steak.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious, easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea without compromising on taste or quality. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated; this recipe proves that simple ingredients and a few clever techniques can result in truly satisfying and delicious dishes. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Chicken Fried Steak Fingers!