1-First step: Prepare the steak Start by slicing the 2 pounds of ribeye steak into 1/2-inch strips. Trim off any extra fat as you go so the pieces cook evenly. Try to keep the strips about the same size so they fry at the same rate. This step matters because even cuts help you get a crisp coating and a juicy center. Once the steak is sliced, set it aside while you prepare your dredging bowls. If you want even more tender results, you can chill the strips for a few minutes before coating them. That helps the breading stick a little better.

2-Second step: Mix the dry coating In one bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well so the seasonings are spread through the flour evenly. This gives every bite the same savory flavor. If you like a little heat, this is also a good time to add Cajun seasoning to the dredge. A small amount can give the crust a nice kick without changing the method.

3-Third step: Mix the wet coating In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and fully blended. This wet mixture helps the flour stick and gives the coating a richer taste. The hot sauce does not make the dish overly spicy. Instead, it adds a little tang and balances the richness of the beef and gravy.

4-Fourth step: Bread the steak fingers Take each steak strip and dredge it in the flour mixture first. Press lightly so the flour sticks well to the meat. Next, dip it into the buttermilk mixture. After that, place it back into the flour mixture one more time and press again. This double coating creates the crisp crust that makes chicken fried steak fingers so good. Arrange the breaded strips on a parchment-lined tray as you work. Keeping them in a single layer helps prevent sticking and makes frying easier. If you want, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before frying so the coating sets a bit more firmly.

5-Fifth step: Fry until golden Pour peanut oil into a skillet and heat it to 325°F. Use enough oil to fry the strips without crowding them. When the oil is ready, carefully place the steak fingers in the pan and fry for about 5 minutes total, turning them halfway through. You are looking for a golden brown crust and a cooked-through center. If the oil gets too hot, the coating can brown too quickly before the meat is ready. If it is too cool, the steak fingers may absorb too much oil and turn greasy. A thermometer helps a lot here. Best practice: Fry in batches so the oil stays close to 325°F and the coating stays crisp.

6-Sixth step: Drain properly Once the steak fingers are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack. This lets extra oil drip off and keeps the crust from getting soggy. A paper towel lined plate can work in a pinch, but a rack gives better results. While the steak fingers rest, you can make the gravy using the oil left in the pan. That way, you get all the flavor from the pan drippings without wasting anything.

7-Seventh step: Make the gravy Measure out 1/4 cup reserved cooking oil from the skillet and place it back in the pan. Stir in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and cook it for 1 minute. This forms a roux, which gives the gravy its thick texture and nutty flavor. Now slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk. Keep whisking as the mixture cooks so it stays smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then let it simmer until thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash more milk. If it seems too thin, give it a little more time on the heat.

8-Eighth step: Serve and enjoy Spoon the creamy gravy over the hot steak fingers and serve right away. These are great with mashed potatoes, toast, or simple vegetables on the side. They also pair well with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard if you want a little extra variety. For another rich, comforting sauce idea, you can also check out this easy gravy recipe. If you like easy sweet treats for after dinner, magic cookie bars are a fun option for a fast dessert.