Chicken Fried Steak Bites are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, bite-sized pieces of cubed steak coated in a flavorful flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Served with a rich, creamy gravy, these steak bites are a delicious snack, appetizer, or even main dish. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a party, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy, savory steak bites.
INGREDIENTS
- Cubed Beef Steak: 1 pound of cubed beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, forms the base of these crispy bites. The tenderized beef ensures a juicy, flavorful bite every time.
- Flour and Seasonings: The flour coating includes 1 cup of all-purpose flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt for a flavorful crust.
- Egg Wash: 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of milk are whisked together to create the egg wash that helps the flour mixture stick to the steak bites.
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil is used to fry the steak bites, creating a crispy, golden crust.
- Gravy Ingredients: The homemade gravy is made with butter, flour, and milk for a rich, creamy sauce to serve alongside the steak bites.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Station
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/4 cup of milk to create an egg wash.
- Step 2: Coat the Steak Bites
- Take each bite-sized piece of cubed beef steak and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the steak bites to ensure they’re well coated.
- Step 3: Fry the Steak Bites
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steak bites to the skillet in batches. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak bites are golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked steak bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Step 4: Make the Gravy
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve the crispy Chicken Fried Steak Bites with the homemade gravy for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Chicken Fried Steak Bites with the warm gravy on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top. These bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish paired with mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
- The gravy can be stored separately in a container in the fridge and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Helpful Notes
- If you want to make the steak bites extra crispy, double-dip them by repeating the flour-egg-flour process for a thicker coating.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings in the flour mixture to suit your taste. You can add cayenne pepper for heat or swap the paprika for smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can substitute half of the milk with chicken or beef broth for a more savory sauce.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Rachael Ray: For added flavor, sprinkle a little extra paprika or cayenne over the steak bites right before serving.
- Gordon Ramsay: Use clarified butter or ghee for frying to get an even crispier texture and more flavor.
- Ina Garten: For a creamy twist on the gravy, whisk in a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.