Get ready to indulge in a Southern classic that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! Country Fried Steak Fingers with Cream Gravy are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, tender steak strips with a rich, velvety gravy that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to whip up in just 35 minutes. Dive into this mouthwatering dish and discover the secrets to achieving that perfect golden crust and creamy sauce that will impress everyone at your table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound cube steak, cut into strips
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak strips by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier coating.
- In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, salt, and black pepper to create the breading mixture. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour 1/2 cup milk into a separate shallow bowl for dredging the steak strips.
- Dip each steak strip first into the milk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded steak strips into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove cooked steak fingers and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to keep them crisp.
- For the cream gravy, reduce skillet heat to medium and leave the browned bits in the pan.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour into the pan, stirring constantly to create a roux and prevent burning, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth gravy.
- Simmer the gravy for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to desired consistency, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the hot steak fingers immediately, drizzled with warm cream gravy, accompanied by your favorite Southern side dishes.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the steak strips dry with paper towels before breading. This simple step helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier finish.
- Season Your Flour: Don’t skip the seasoning in the flour mixture! A well-seasoned breading is key to enhancing the flavor of the steak fingers, so mix the salt and pepper thoroughly.
- Control the Oil Temperature: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot enough before adding the steak strips. You can test the heat by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the steak fingers in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy results.
- Make a Smooth Gravy: When making the cream gravy, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. If your gravy does get lumpy, you can blend it with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the steak fingers hot and drizzled with the creamy gravy right after cooking. Pair them with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes or collard greens for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 508kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 63mg
