Certainly! Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Helen Smith’s Finger Steaks, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a gathering with friends. These tender, flavorful finger steaks are marinated to perfection, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden crispiness. With a prep time of 48 hours to marinate the meat, and a quick cook time of just 15 minutes, this recipe yields 60 to 72 finger steaks, ensuring there’s plenty to go around! 🍖🔥
Helen Smith’s Finger Steaks
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 48 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 48 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 60-72 finger steaks
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sirloin tip steak |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1/4 | Paprika |
| 1/8 | Ground black pepper |
| 1 | Catsup |
| 1 | Cold water |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 | Flour |
| 2 | Baking powder |
| 1/2 | Cornstarch |
| 1 1/2 | Garlic salt |
| 1/2 | Tenderizer |
| 2 | Garlic cloves, minced (optional) |
Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Begin by cutting the sirloin tip steak into cubes.
- Then, cut each cube into 3 or 4 thin slices.
- Next, slice each piece into 3 to 4 strips, creating your finger steak shapes.
- This should yield around 60 to 72 finger steaks, perfect for a hearty serving.
-
-
Marinating the Meat:
- Spread the finger steaks out onto a sheet of wax paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the tenderizer, garlic salt, ground black pepper, salt, and paprika.
- Generously sprinkle this seasoning mix over the finger steaks, making sure each piece is coated.
- Using a meat mallet or the back of a knife, gently pound the seasonings into the meat.
- Transfer the seasoned finger steaks into a large bowl.
-
Marinade:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, catsup, cold water, flour, baking powder, and cornstarch.
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add minced garlic cloves to the batter mix.
- Pour this batter over the finger steaks in the bowl, ensuring all the meat is completely covered.
- Gently stir the mixture to coat the finger steaks thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
-
Frying the Finger Steaks:
- When you’re ready to cook, heat your deep fryer to a high temperature.
- Carefully drop a few finger steaks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer.
- Fry the steaks in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried finger steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batches until all the finger steaks are fried to perfection.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once all the finger steaks are cooked, arrange them on a platter or serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- These finger steaks are best enjoyed hot and crispy, served alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy mustard.
- Whether as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, Helen Smith’s Finger Steaks are sure to be a hit at your table! 🎉🍴
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 498.6
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 131.7mg
- Sodium: 458.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 1.1g
- Protein: 29.7g
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the finger steaks up to the marinating step and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these finger steaks freeze well. After frying, let them cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for an extra kick of heat.
- Dipping Sauces: Besides the suggested sauces, get creative with your dips! Try honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or a tangy teriyaki glaze.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the sirloin tip steak for firm tofu cut into strips, and follow the same marinating and frying process for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve these finger steaks with a side of crispy french fries, coleslaw, and garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Appetizer Platter: Create a finger food feast by pairing these steaks with jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, and buffalo wings.
- Game Day Snack: Perfect for game day gatherings, these finger steaks will disappear quickly when served alongside a variety of dips and cold drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, Helen Smith’s Finger Steaks are a delicious choice that’s sure to satisfy! Gather your ingredients, marinate to perfection, fry until crispy, and enjoy the flavorful goodness with family and friends. 🍗✨
