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An image of a basket filled with homemade french fries and breaded and fried cube steak fingers.
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4.70 from 10 votes

Idaho Finger Steaks

Idaho Finger Steaks are irresistible bites of beef that first get marinated in seasoned buttermilk, then dipped in seasoned flour before being fried up to perfection. They are perfect for watching the big game or for an indulgent dinner and pretty much only found in the Gem State!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Additional Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 454kcal
Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef sirloin or cube steak cut into ½-inch by 3-inch strips
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Slice steak into ½-inch wide and 3 to 4-inch long strips.
  • In a large bowl or gallon-size ziploc bag, combine the buttermilk, Wocestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add the sliced cube steak and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
  • In a large shallow pan, combine the flour with the remaining 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Dip each piece of steak into the flour mixture, and shake off excess flour. Dip back into the buttermilk marinade, then back into the flour mixture for a second time. Shake off excess flour again and transfer to a plate. Repeat with all steak pieces.
  • Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 to 375 degrees F. It's helpful to use a clip-on thermometer to monitor oil temperature while frying the finger steaks.
  • 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 through on the inside. Be sure not to crowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and it will take longer to cook each batch.
  • Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil. Repeat until all the meat has been cooked.
  • Serve hot with dipping sauce and fries.

Notes

The cooked finger steaks can be kept warm in a 200 degree F oven while you fry the remaining batches of steak pieces.
Adapted from Food Network.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 2535mg | Potassium: 676mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 451IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 5mg