What makes a perfect comfort food bite? Tender steak, crispy fried to a golden brown perfection, that’s what. These easy homemade Southern Chicken Fried Steak Bites are a quick weeknight dinner solution, made with cubed steak and a special breading mixture. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal.

Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak Bites

Introduction

Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak Bites are a creative twist on traditional Southern comfort food, offering a delicate balance of flavors and textures that can be achieved with everyday ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress their family and friends with a dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tender steak, crispy breading, and savory seasonings makes for a truly satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The key to this recipe’s success lies in its ability to balance rich, savory flavors with easily accessible ingredients, making it a great option for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps to achieve crispy, golden-brown perfection.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: With its combination of tender steak, crispy breading, and savory seasonings, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates, all without requiring a lot of complicated preparation or specialized equipment.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include cubed steak, all-purpose flour, spices, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The cubed steak provides the base for the dish, while the flour, spices, eggs, and breadcrumbs work together to create a crispy, flavorful exterior. For those looking for substitutions, chicken or pork can be used in place of the steak, and gluten-free flour can be used for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the spices can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, and different types of breadcrumbs can be used to change the texture of the dish.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients, including cubing the steak, measuring out the flour and spices, and cracking the eggs into a separate bowl. This step is crucial in ensuring that the dish comes together smoothly and efficiently.
2. Step 2: Next, prepare the breading station by placing the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. This will make it easy to coat the steak cubes evenly and efficiently. Dip each cube of steak into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the eggs, making sure they are fully coated, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the steak to ensure they stick.
3. Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the breaded steak cubes to the skillet (do not overcrowd) and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining steak cubes.
4. Step 4: Once the steak bites are cooked, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying the steak cubes, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy or undercooked bites. Fry in batches if necessary.
• For an extra crispy coating, try chilling the breaded steak cubes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the steak better.
• Experiment with different seasonings in the flour and breadcrumbs to give the dish your own unique twist. Some options might include paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying the steak cubes. The ideal temperature for the oil is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the exterior of the steak cubes will burn before the interior is fully cooked. On the other hand, if the oil is not hot enough, the steak cubes will absorb too much oil and be greasy. To check for doneness, look for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. You can also check the internal temperature of the steak; it should be at least 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch on the steak bites is key to this recipe’s success. To ensure a crunchy exterior, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and do not overcrowd the skillet. Also, chilling the breaded steak cubes before frying can help the breadcrumbs adhere better, resulting in a crunchier coating. Finally, be gentle when removing the steak bites from the oil to prevent knocking off the crunchy breadcrumbs.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, line the skillet with parchment paper or a silicone mat before adding the oil. This will prevent the oil from splattering and make cleaning the skillet much easier.
• To prevent the steak cubes from sticking together, try dusting them lightly with flour after breading and before frying.
• Consider using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. This will ensure that the oil is always at the ideal temperature for frying, resulting in perfectly cooked steak bites every time.

Storage Tips

• Leftover steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bites on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the steak bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake frozen bites in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
• When storing or reheating, make sure to keep the steak bites in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These crispy steak bites make for a great gift, especially when packaged in a creative and appealing way. Consider placing the bites in a decorative tin or jar, or wrapping them individually in paper or foil. You could also include a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce, to add an extra touch. For a more rustic look, try placing the bites in a paper bag or wrapping them in a piece of parchment paper, then tying with a ribbon or twine. Whatever packaging method you choose, these steak bites are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to the flour or breadcrumbs for a unique twist. You could also add some spicy seasonings, such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, for an extra kick.
• Creative toppings: Consider topping the steak bites with some grated cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, or some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. You could also try adding some caramelized onions or bell peppers for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. You could also use chicken or pork instead of steak, or try using different types of cheese or seasonings to change the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the steak bites are too greasy, try adjusting the oil temperature or using a different type of oil. If they are too dry, try adding a little more egg to the breading mixture or using a higher ratio of breadcrumbs to flour.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient, try substituting it with something similar. For example, you could use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, or try using different types of cheese or seasonings to change the flavor profile.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the steak bites are overcooked, they will be dry and tough. If they are undercooked, they will be pink and juicy. To avoid overcooking, make sure to check the internal temperature of the steak and adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the steak bites for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak Bites are a delicious and impressive dish that can be made with ease. With its combination of tender steak, crispy breading, and savory seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a creative and flavorful meal. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your loved ones as you serve up these crispy, golden-brown bites of heaven.