Crispy Steak Fingers with Country Gravy: A Southern Comfort Classic

There’s something about a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with creamy gravy that makes it irresistible. If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food, you’re going to absolutely love these Steak Fingers! These golden, crispy strips of beef are not only easy to make but also perfectly paired with a velvety, flavorful country gravy that takes every bite to the next level. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner, a fun game day snack, or a hearty family meal, these Steak Fingers will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that combines simplicity with big flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, crunchy coating on the outside with a juicy, tender steak on the inside.
• Quick and easy to make using simple, everyday ingredients.
• Perfect for dipping into the creamy, savory country gravy or your favorite sauce.
• A fun and delicious twist on traditional chicken fingers, but with beef!
• Versatile enough to serve as a main dish, appetizer, or even as a snack for game days.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak Fingers:

• 1 1/2 pounds cube steak (or tenderized round steak)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Country Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Steak Fingers

1. Slice the Steak: Start by cutting your cube steak into strips about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. The size is totally flexible, but try to keep them all fairly uniform so they cook evenly.
2. Set Up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. If you like things spicy, add a little extra cayenne or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. For extra crunch, place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl—this will give your steak fingers that irresistible crispy coating.
3. Coat the Steak Fingers: Take each steak strip and dip it into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then, dip it into the egg wash before returning it to the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks. If you’re using panko for that extra crisp factor, go ahead and dip the steak fingers in the breadcrumbs after the egg wash.

Fry the Steak Fingers
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small bit of the batter; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go!

5. Fry the Steak Fingers: Fry the steak fingers in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step—let them get that perfect crunch on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
6. Drain and Rest: Once they’re done, use tongs to remove the steak fingers from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Make the Country Gravy
7. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it gently melt without browning it.

8. Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Stir the mixture constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This creates the roux that thickens the gravy.
9. Add Milk and Season: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to ensure the gravy is smooth and free of lumps. Keep stirring until the gravy begins to thicken (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Serve
10. Plating and Dipping: Serve the crispy steak fingers immediately with a generous portion of country gravy on the side for dipping. The warm, creamy gravy pairs beautifully with the crispy, golden steak fingers, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions
While these steak fingers are absolutely delicious on their own, they can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Try serving them with:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that perfectly complements the gravy.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the rich steak fingers.
• Fries: Crispy fries are always a great side dish for dipping in gravy or your favorite sauce.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, fresh salad adds a crisp balance to the richness of the steak fingers.

Save

Tips and Tricks

• For Extra Tender Steak Fingers: Marinate the steak strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading. This not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a lovely tangy flavor.
• Making It Spicy: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
• For Extra Crunch: Don’t skip the panko breadcrumbs! They give the steak fingers a deliciously crispy texture. If you like, you can double-dip your steak fingers—first in the flour, then in the egg, and once again in the flour or panko for even more crunch.
• Air Fryer Version: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can air fry the steak fingers. Lightly spray the breaded fingers with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out crispy and delicious!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Leftover steak fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you’ve made extra, freeze the cooked steak fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the steak fingers on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or reheat them in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes. This will keep them crispy and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for steak fingers?
   Absolutely! Tenderized round steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced flank steak work well. Just be sure to cut the meat into strips for easy frying.
2. How do I keep the breading from falling off?
   Make sure to pat the steak strips dry before breading. The coating will stick better if the steak is dry. Also, press lightly when coating each strip to ensure the breading stays in place.
3. Can I make steak fingers without frying?
   Yes, you can! Try baking the steak fingers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. An air fryer also works great for a healthier alternative.
4. What should I serve with steak fingers?
   Steak fingers are perfect with mashed potatoes, fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or even honey mustard.
5. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make the gravy ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
6. How do I prevent the oil from getting too hot?
   Use a thermometer to keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil starts to smoke, reduce the heat to avoid burning the coating.
7. Can I use a gluten-free flour for this recipe?
   Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and your steak fingers will still turn out delicious.
8. How do I make steak fingers extra crispy?
   For an extra crispy result, try double-dipping the steak fingers in the flour and egg mixture or use panko breadcrumbs. This will give you a crunchy exterior that’s hard to resist!
9. Can I add cheese to the breading?
   Yes! For a cheesy crust, mix some grated Parmesan into the flour or panko for an added burst of flavor.
10. What dipping sauces go well with steak fingers?
    Steak fingers are perfect with country gravy, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative and serve with your favorite sauces!

Conclusion
Steak Fingers are the epitome of Southern comfort food. With a crispy, golden exterior and tender beef on the inside, they’re a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty dinner or a fun snack for a crowd, they’re sure to impress. Paired with creamy country gravy, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy these crispy, flavorful steak fingers!