golden Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with homemade gravy bring back the best memories. Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers : where’s something truly special about Sunday dinners, especially when they remind us of Grandma’s cooking. One dish that stands out in many households is Chicken Fried Steak. This delightful recipe, served as crispy, golden Steak Fingers with a rich, homemade gravy, brings back the best memories of family gatherings and comforting meals. Whether enjoyed with family or as a special treat for yourself, these Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, its crispy exterior and tender interior make it irresistible. The golden color makes it look appealing, and the smell? Oh, it fills your home with warmth and nostalgia. The homemade gravy adds richness that perfectly complements the crunchy steak fingers.

This dish is also versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even on a sandwich. Plus, it’s an easy way to introduce a classic Southern dish to your family. It’s comfort food at its finest — just like Grandma used to make! With this recipe, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also create lasting memories around the dinner table.

How to Prepare Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Preparing Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers is a straightforward process, and you’ll be delighted by the flavors that come together. To help you, we’ll break down the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of tenderized beef steak (round steak or sirloin works well)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil)

For the homemade gravy:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Start by cutting the steak into strips about 1-2 inches wide. If you like, you can use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak further.
2. Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
3. Coat the Steak Fingers: Dip each steak strip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well covered for that perfect crispy exterior.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of flour into the oil; it should sizzle.
5. Fry the Steak Fingers: Working in batches, add the coated steak fingers to the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan to keep the oil hot.
6. Drain on Paper Towels: Once cooked, remove the steak fingers from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Make the Gravy: In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve with Gravy: Drizzle the hot gravy over the crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers or serve it on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the crispy steak fingers with a small bowl of homemade gravy for dipping. Add a side of fresh veggies or a simple salad to balance the richness.
• As a Main Course: Pair the steak fingers with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comfort food meal. The gravy can be drizzled over the potatoes as well.
• On a Sandwich: Take two slices of bread and enjoy the steak fingers as a sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and extra gravy for a delicious twist.
• With Your Favorite Sides: Feel free to serve them with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread. The options are endless!

How to Store Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Storing your leftover Chicken Fried Steak Fingers is simple. Here’s how:

1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the steak fingers to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent sogginess.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Place the steak fingers in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Reheat Properly: To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help restore their crispiness.

Tips for Preparing Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness to the meat. If you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying. Too low of a temperature will make the steak greasy rather than crispy.
• Don’t Skip the Gravy: The gravy is a key element of this dish, so take your time to make it creamy and flavorful.
• Experiment with Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add different herbs or spices to the flour mixture for more flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, here are some variations to try:

• Pork Fried Steak: Substitute the beef with pork for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices instead of meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes! You can definitely use chicken breast fillets to make Chicken Fried Steak Fingers. Just follow the same breading and frying process.

2. What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Just let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Fried Steak Fingers?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

With this wonderfully nostalgic recipe for Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers, you can create a heartwarming meal that will remind you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s. Enjoy the cooking process, share it with loved ones, and create new memories around the table!