Are you craving a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than Chicken Fried Steak Bites! This beloved Southern comfort food combines tender cube steak with a crispy, golden coating, resulting in a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, along with tips, variations, and keto-friendly options to suit your dietary preferences. Let’s dive in and explore the delicious world of Chicken Fried Steak Bites!
Chicken Fried Steak is a quintessential Southern dish that has become a favorite comfort food across the United States. While the traditional version typically features a large cut of steak, we’re putting a fun and flavorful twist on the classic recipe by transforming it into bite-sized pieces. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these Chicken Fried Steak Bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- Cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Buttermilk
- Large eggs
- Hot sauce
- All-purpose flour
- Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or your favorite seasoned salt)
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Crushed red peppers
- Parsley flakes
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Cube Steak
- Place the cube steak pieces in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them until they are fully submerged.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk for added flavor.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and a splash of buttermilk to create an egg wash.
- In another shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, crushed red peppers, and parsley flakes.
Step 3: Bread the Steak Bites
- Remove the marinated steak bites from the refrigerator and drain off any excess buttermilk.
- Dip each steak bite into the seasoned flour mixture, coating it thoroughly.
- Shake off any excess flour, then dip the coated steak bite into the egg wash.
- Coat the steak bite once again in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Steak Bites
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the breaded steak bites to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the steak bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried steak bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the Chicken Fried Steak Bites to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce.
- Enjoy these delicious bites as an appetizer, snack, or main course alongside your favorite sides.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tenderizing the Steak: If your cube steak is on the tougher side, you can tenderize it by pounding it with a meat mallet before marinating.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick of flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for the breading. Additionally, you can skip the buttermilk marinade and use beaten eggs as the sole liquid component. Serve the Chicken Fried Steak Bites with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as homemade garlic aioli or sugar-free barbecue sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? A: While cube steak is traditionally used for Chicken Fried Steak, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin steak, if you prefer. Just be sure to tenderize the meat before breading and frying.
Q: Can I bake the steak bites instead of frying them? A: Yes, if you prefer a healthier cooking method, you can bake the breaded steak bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Q: How should I store any leftovers? A: Leftover Chicken Fried Steak Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.
With its irresistible combination of tender steak, crispy breading, and flavorful seasonings, Chicken Fried Steak Bites are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Chicken Fried Steak Bites!
