Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with Gravy is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, transforming the traditional chicken fried steak into dippable, crispy fingers accompanied by a creamy, flavorful gravy. This dish takes the savory, comforting essence of Southern cuisine and presents it in a format that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or a family-friendly meal. Let’s dive into the preparation, ensuring each step is taken to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior, tender steak, and rich gravy.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Steak Fingers
- 2 pounds ribeye steak: This cut is tender and flavorful, ideal for frying once sliced into strips.
- 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the breading, giving the steak fingers a crisp exterior.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder & 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: These leavening agents add lightness to the batter, ensuring a crispy, puffy coating.
- Seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder): These spices are essential for flavoring both the steak and its coating.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk & 1 large egg: The liquid components of the marinade, tenderizing the steak and helping the flour mixture adhere.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick to the marinade, infusing the steak with additional flavor.
- Peanut oil for frying: Chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for deep frying.
For the Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved cooking oil: Utilizes the flavorful oil left from frying the steak fingers.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy, creating a smooth, rich sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: The base of the gravy, lending it creaminess and a rich texture.
- Seasonings (kosher salt, black pepper): Simple seasonings that enhance the savory notes of the gravy.
Preparation Method
Cooking the Steak Fingers
- Prep the Steak: Slice the ribeye steak into finger-sized strips, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare Wet Mix: Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce in a separate bowl.
- Marinate the Steak: Dip each steak finger into the wet mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating. Allow them to sit for a few minutes on a wire rack so the coating adheres well.
- Fry: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the steak fingers in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
Making the Gravy
- Start with the Roux: In a saucepan, use the reserved cooking oil to make a roux by whisking in the flour over medium heat. Cook until it’s a light, golden color, about 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring frequently.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, ensuring a savory complement to the fried steak fingers.
Serving
- Presentation: Serve the chicken fried steak fingers hot with the gravy on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a little parsley or chives on the gravy for a touch of color, if desired.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with Gravy offers a fun, interactive way to enjoy a classic Southern dish. The tender steak encased in a crispy, flavorful coating, paired with rich, creamy gravy, creates a combination that’s hard to resist. This dish is sure to be a hit, whether you’re sitting down to a family dinner or entertaining friends. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious bites and the satisfaction of serving up comfort food at its best.