Finger Steaks

Your family will love these delicious Finger Steaks, an Idaho state classic. Battered and breaded fried steak served with your choice of cocktail sauce or fry sauce.

Finger steaks are a beloved dish in Idaho, known for their crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. This classic comfort food is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a game day snack, or a casual gathering with friends. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic Idaho treat at home, you’ve come to the right place.

What Makes This So Great?

Finger steaks are not just your average piece of meat. Their uniqueness lies in their preparation and the perfect blend of seasonings that give them an irresistible taste. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Crispy and Juicy: The combination of a well-seasoned flour coating and a quick fry in hot oil ensures that the finger steaks are crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
2. Simple Ingredients: You don’t need an extensive list of ingredients to make delicious finger steaks. Most of the items required are likely already in your pantry.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Finger steaks can be enjoyed with a variety of dips and sauces, making them a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
4. Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a piece of crispy, fried steak. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings people together.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

Before you start making finger steaks, ensure you have the following kitchen items:

1. Heavy Bottomed Pot: Essential for frying. A heavy bottomed pot helps maintain a consistent temperature for the oil.
2. Thermometer: To ensure your oil is at the correct frying temperature (350℉), a cooking thermometer is crucial.
3. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls for mixing the batter and dredging the steak fingers.
4. Tongs: Useful for safely placing the steaks into the hot oil and removing them once they’re done.
5. Baking Sheet: To place the dredged steaks before frying.
6. Paper Towels: For draining the fried steaks, ensuring they remain crispy by removing excess oil.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to make finger steaks:

For the Steaks

• 1½ lbs boneless sirloin steak: Cut into ~2½ x ¼ inch ‘fingers’
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Dredging and Frying

• 2½ cups flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups vegetable oil: For frying

How To Make It

Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect finger steaks:

1. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, ½ cup of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until the consistency is similar to pancake batter.
2. Marinate the Steaks: Add the steak fingers to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
3. Prepare the Dredge: In another bowl, mix the 2½ cups of flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dredge the Steaks: Remove the steak fingers from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are fully coated, and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Heat the Oil: In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350℉. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
6. Fry the Steaks: Place a few pieces of the steak into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once done, remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all the steaks are fried.
7. Serve: Serve your finger steaks with your favorite condiment, such as cocktail sauce, fry sauce, or any dip of your choice.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

Finger steaks have a rich history in Idaho, dating back to the mid-20th century. They are believed to have been created in Boise, Idaho, by Milo Bybee, a chef at the Torch Lounge. Bybee’s innovative approach to cutting steak into finger-sized pieces and frying them quickly became a local favorite.

The dish gained popularity throughout Idaho and the surrounding states, becoming a staple in many diners and family restaurants. Finger steaks are often associated with comfort food and are a testament to Idaho’s culinary creativity. Over the years, the recipe has seen various adaptations, but the core concept remains the same – delicious, tender pieces of steak, battered and fried to perfection.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs?

Finger steaks can be adapted to meet various dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Here are some suggestions:

Vegan/Vegetarian

• Tofu or Seitan: Replace the steak with firm tofu or seitan. Cut them into finger-sized pieces and follow the same marination and frying steps.
• Plant-Based Milk: Use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to create a similar tangy effect.
• Egg Substitute: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute for the egg.

Gluten-Free

• Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all seasonings and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: You can also add gluten-free breadcrumbs to the dredge mixture for an extra crispy texture.

What are Finger Steaks Made Of?

Finger steaks are made of boneless sirloin steak, cut into finger-sized pieces, marinated in a buttermilk and seasoning mixture, dredged in seasoned flour, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are typically served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Are Finger Steaks Only in Idaho?

While finger steaks originated in Idaho and are most commonly associated with the state, their popularity has spread to other regions. However, they remain a beloved local specialty in Idaho, and finding authentic finger steaks outside the state can be a challenge.

Where Did Finger Steak Originate?

Finger steaks originated in Boise, Idaho, at the Torch Lounge. Milo Bybee, a chef at the lounge, is credited with creating this iconic dish. The unique preparation of cutting steak into finger-sized pieces and frying them quickly made it a hit.

What States Have Finger Steaks?

Finger steaks are primarily found in Idaho and surrounding states like Montana and Wyoming. However, their popularity has led to their presence in some restaurants and diners across the United States, especially those that focus on regional American cuisine.

How Should I Store This?

If you have leftover finger steaks, here’s how to store them to maintain their quality:

1. Refrigerate: Place the cooled finger steaks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze finger steaks. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3. Reheat: To reheat, bake the finger steaks in the oven at 375℉ for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps to retain their crispiness.

Finger steaks are an incredible dish from Idaho.