Idaho Finger Steaks with Country Sweet Dipping Sauce
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
These golden and crispy deep-fried Idaho finger steaks recipe is what happens when chicken-fried steak meets chicken fingers but in BEEF form. You can dip them in my homemade "Country Sweet Sauce", bottled cocktail sauce, or ranch dressing!
Author:
Recipe type: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Steaks:
  • 1 pound cube steak cut into approx. 3-inch strips
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
  • 3 tsp cornstarch, divided
  • ⅓ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vegetable or canola oil
  • ⅔ cups pineapple juice
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt, pinch, to taste
Instructions
Steaks:
  1. Slice cube steaks into 3 to 4-inch long strips.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and half the garlic powder. Add the sliced cube steak and marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours (longer is fine).
  3. In a large shallow bowl or pan, combine the flour with the remaining 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and paprika.
  4. Dredge each piece of steak into the flour mixture. Dip back into the buttermilk marinade, then back into the flour mixture for a 2nd time.
  5. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with all steak pieces.
  6. Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven, heavy-bottomed pot, or large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees F. You can also use an air fryer and follow directions on your fryer.
  7. Working in batches, fry the finger steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are a nice golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked to your desired doneness on the inside.
  8. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  9. Serve hot with country sweet dipping sauce or your dipping sauce of choice.
Dipping sauce:
  1. Use a small sauce pan over low-medium heat and combine 1 tsp of the cornstarch and vinegar.
  2. Use a whisk to combine well.
  3. Add in the pineapple juice. Continue to whisk.
  4. Add in the ketchup. Whisk well.
  5. Add in the oil, brown sugar and about a pinch of salt. Continue to whisk.
  6. Add in the remaining two teaspoons of cornstarch, one teaspoon at a time. Continue whisking.
  7. The sauce will thicken.
  8. Remove from heat.
Recipe by Wishes and Dishes at https://wishesndishes.com/idaho-finger-steaks-with-country-sweet-dipping-sauce/