Chicken Fried Steak Bites

by

Delve into the rich flavors of the South with our tantalizing Chicken Fried Steak Bites recipe. Combining tender cube steaks with a crispy golden coating, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, from appetizers to hearty meals. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of creating this Southern classic.

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium cube steaks, cut into 1 1/2 inch squares
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 3 cups flour, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • 1-2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions:

  1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your electric skillet or large cast iron pan, ensuring the vegetable oil reaches 375°F. Meanwhile, cut the cube steaks into 1 1/2 inch squares, patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Coating Stations: Prepare two coating stations. In separate large plastic baggies, divide the flour (1 1/2 cups in each). Into one baggie, add Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley flakes, then seal and shake to mix. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
  3. Coating Process: Coat the steak bites by first dredging them in the plain flour, then dipping them in the egg mixture, and finally coating them evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Frying: Carefully place the coated steak bites into the preheated skillet or pan, frying until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan, frying in batches for optimal results.
  5. Draining and Keeping Warm: Once cooked, transfer the steak bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in a preheated oven at 175°F while frying the remaining batches.
  6. Serving: Serve the Chicken Fried Steak Bites with your favorite gravy for dipping, allowing your taste buds to revel in the delectable combination of flavors and textures.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
  2. Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty Southern-style meal.
  3. Enjoy as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
  4. Serve alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a traditional Southern feast.
  5. Create a slider bar with mini buns, pickles, and condiments for a fun party or game day spread.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
  3. Freeze cooled steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  4. Reheat frozen steak bites in the oven until heated through for a quick and convenient meal option.

Variations:

  1. Spicy Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoned flour mixture for an extra kick.
  2. Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Mix chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the seasoned flour mixture for a burst of flavor.
  3. Parmesan Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the seasoned flour mixture for a cheesy twist.
  4. Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  5. Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak Bites: For a healthier alternative, bake the coated steak bites in the oven at 400°F until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Buffalo Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Toss cooked steak bites in buffalo sauce before serving for a spicy buffalo twist.
  7. Honey Mustard Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Serve with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  8. Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Drizzle cooked steak bites with barbecue sauce before serving for a smoky barbecue flavor.
  9. Lemon Pepper Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Add lemon zest and cracked black pepper to the seasoned flour mixture for a zesty kick.
  10. Sweet and Sour Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Serve with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping for a tangy flavor contrast.
  1. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Mix diced jalapeños and cream cheese into the seasoned flour mixture for a spicy and creamy twist.
  2. Mushroom Swiss Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Top cooked steak bites with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese for a decadent flavor combination.
  3. Teriyaki Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Toss cooked steak bites in teriyaki sauce before serving for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish.
  4. Pesto Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Serve with a dollop of basil pesto on top of each steak bite for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
  5. Honey Sriracha Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Drizzle cooked steak bites with a mixture of honey and sriracha sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
  6. Greek Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Top cooked steak bites with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
  7. Maple Bacon Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Incorporate maple syrup into the egg mixture and sprinkle cooked steak bites with crispy bacon bits for a sweet and savory combination.
  8. Tex-Mex Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a Tex-Mex flair.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as round steak or sirloin steak, but cube steak is traditionally used for its tenderness.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the steak bites are best served fresh, you can prepare the coating and refrigerate the steak cubes ahead of time for convenience.
  3. Can I bake these steak bites instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the coated steak bites in the oven at 400°F until golden brown and cooked through for a healthier alternative.
  4. How do I prevent the coating from falling off during frying? Ensure the steak bites are thoroughly coated with flour, egg, and seasoned flour mixture, and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
  5. Can I freeze these steak bites for later? Yes, you can freeze cooled steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
  6. What can I serve with these Chicken Fried Steak Bites? They pair well with mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
  7. Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the cube steaks with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  8. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
  9. Can I use different seasonings for the coating? Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your preference or use your favorite store-bought seasoning blend.
  10. What dipping sauces pair well with these steak bites? They are delicious with ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Enjoy the irresistible flavors and textures of these Chicken Fried Steak Bites, perfect for any occasion!