Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort food reinvented as a delightful finger food: **Chicken Fried Steak Fingers**! These perfectly crispy, Cajun-spiced steak strips are a joy to eat, especially when paired with a homemade, zesty Creole mustard dipping sauce. Forget the fork and knife – get ready to enjoy this classic dish with your hands!

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers: A Southern Favorite Made Fun

The name “Chicken Fried Steak” often sparks a bit of confusion, and understandably so! Despite its moniker, this beloved Southern dish has nothing to do with chicken meat. The “chicken fried” part refers purely to the preparation method: typically, beef is breaded and pan-fried in a similar style to how fried chicken is made. Historically, it might have even been cooked in the same oil previously used for chicken, lending it an additional layer of authentic Southern flavor. Traditional Chicken Fried Steak is a hearty meal, usually served with a rich cream gravy and a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. It’s a classic for a reason, a true staple of Southern kitchens.

However, we’re taking this comfort food to a whole new level of convenience and fun by transforming it into delightful steak fingers! There’s something undeniably appealing about turning a knife-and-fork dish into an easy-to-eat finger food. Not only does it make for a more relaxed dining experience – think casual gatherings, game nights, or kid-friendly dinners – but it also means fewer dishes to wash at the end of the meal. These crispy steak fingers are perfect for dipping, making them an interactive and delicious treat for all ages. Paired with our vibrant Creole mustard sauce, they offer a burst of flavor that will leave everyone reaching for more.

Choosing the Perfect Meat for Crispy Steak Fingers

The foundation of great chicken fried steak fingers lies in selecting the right cut of beef. For this recipe, I highly recommend using **cube steak**. It’s an excellent choice for several reasons: it’s already tenderized through a mechanical process (pounding or needling), which breaks down tough muscle fibers, ensuring a wonderfully tender bite every time. Moreover, cube steak is typically a very economical cut, making this a budget-friendly yet incredibly satisfying meal. Each piece of cube steak can be easily sliced into three or four strips, perfectly sized for dipping and enjoying as finger food.

If cube steak isn’t available, or if you prefer to prepare your meat from scratch, you can certainly use **round steak**. However, be prepared for a bit of a workout! Round steak is a tougher cut, and it will require significant tenderizing. You’ll need to pound it thoroughly with a meat mallet until it’s thin and tender. This can be quite therapeutic if you’re looking to release some stress, but it’s crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of chicken fried steak. If you’ve already hit the gym for the day, or just want to save yourself the effort, cube steak remains the hassle-free option, ready to go straight into your kitchen.

Crafting the Ultimate Crispy and Flavorful Coating

The secret to truly exceptional chicken fried steak fingers lies in their coating: it needs to be thick, wonderfully crispy, and packed with flavor. For this recipe, we elevate the standard flour dredge by incorporating **finely crushed Saltine crackers**. This ingenious addition creates an unparalleled crunch and texture that sets these steak fingers apart. The cracker crumbs adhere beautifully to the steak, forming a robust crust that fries up to a golden-brown perfection.

To infuse these crispy bites with a delightful kick, we add a generous amount of **Cajun seasoning** to our flour and cracker mixture. This blend of spices—often including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—lends a warm, savory, and slightly spicy depth that makes each bite irresistible. The robust flavor of the Cajun seasoning is perfectly balanced by the creamy tang of our homemade Creole mustard dipping sauce, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious combination. The key to a great coating is the dredging technique, ensuring each piece is fully covered for maximum crispness and flavor.

You Might Also Enjoy These Southern-Inspired Recipes:

• Classic Chicken Fried Steak
• Hearty Hamburger Steak Skillet Casserole
• Savory Hamburger Steaks with Country Gravy
• Tender Cubed Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
• Spicy Chicken Fried Steak with Jalapeno Bacon Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with Creole Mustard Sauce

Rated 5 stars by 4 voters

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep:
15 mins

Cook:
15 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
4

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Comfort food gets turned into irresistible finger food with these Chicken Fried Steak Fingers, perfectly complemented by a zesty homemade Creole Mustard Sauce.

Ingredients

Creole Mustard Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup Creole mustard, or any whole grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steak Fingers

• 1 1/2 pounds cube steak
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for first dredge)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for second dredge)
• 1/2 sleeve Saltine crackers, finely crushed
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

• Prepare the Creole Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Creole mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Prepare the Steak: Cut the cube steak into 1-inch wide strips or “fingers.” Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
• Set up Dredging Stations:
  1. Place 1/2 cup flour on a shallow plate.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  3. On another shallow plate, combine the remaining 1/2 cup flour, finely crushed Saltine crackers, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
• Bread the Steak Fingers:
  1. Dredge each steak finger first in the plain flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Dip the floured steak finger into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
  3. Finally, coat the steak finger generously with the flour/cracker/Cajun seasoning mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breading adheres well.
• Fry the Steak Fingers: Carefully place a few breaded steak fingers into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Drain: Using tongs, remove the fried steak fingers from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
• Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers immediately with the chilled Creole Mustard Sauce.

Nutrition

Calories:
487
kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

Originally published April 17, 2014

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