Are you craving a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further! This homemade steak finger batter recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection every time. Forget those heavily processed, freezer-aisle versions – this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a deliciously crunchy coating that perfectly complements juicy, tender steak. It's a fantastic weeknight dinner idea, perfect for the whole family and adaptable to suit various tastes. Prepare to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound steak, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Preparing the Steak:
- Pat the steak strips dry with paper towels. This helps the batter adhere better and ensures extra crispiness.
- Season the steak lightly with salt and pepper.
Making the Batter:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.
Coating and Frying the Steak Fingers:
- Dredge each steak strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured steak strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Return the steak strip to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coating.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of flour dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the coated steak strips in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the steak fingers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked steak fingers from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your crispy steak fingers immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy mayo are all excellent choices. Consider serving them with a side of french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Steak Fingers:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy steak fingers instead of crispy ones.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your steak fingers reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your batter. Cayenne pepper, cumin, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the batter and coat the steak strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Variations:
- Spicy Steak Fingers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Steak Fingers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese over the steak strips before frying for an extra cheesy treat.
- Breaded Steak Fingers: Instead of a batter, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
*Calories: (Will vary based on steak type and oil absorption) *Protein: (Will vary based on steak type) *Fat: (Will vary based on oil absorption)
This easy recipe makes for a fantastic quick dinner idea, a delicious appetizer, or a fun addition to your next game day spread. Enjoy creating your own batch of these incredibly tasty and satisfying steak fingers!