Love burgers but looking for another way to enjoy beef sans fork and knife? I’ve got you covered with these easy Idaho Fingers Steaks. Armed with a foolproof recipe straight from a ranch in the digit-shaped state, these are sure to earn a place on your weekly menu. Find out how to make them, here!
Disclosure: this recipe is brought to you in partnership with the New York and Idaho Beef Councils. As always, opinions are my own, and my deep-seated love for beef remains true. Enjoy!
If you’re at all familiar with this page or my social media, it’s no secret that beef is a component of my healthy diet. Aside from fueling my strength-training endeavors and life in general as a busy mom and business owner, beef is above all else tasty, wholesome, and satisfying.
However, I have one gripe with steak specifically, and maybe this has crossed your mind, too: why can’t I enjoy steak sans utensils? I’ve long longed for steak as an appetizer; something I could just grab with my hands and maybe dip in something equally delicious. Aside from a good steak sandwich, is there a way to make this dream a reality?
Well, as it turns out, Idaho has had this whole thing figured out since the late 1950s. Makes sense, seeing as 54% of Idaho is ranch land! You can read more about the history of Idaho Finger Steaks here. Essentially, a food-waste savvy butcher took some leftovers, cut them into finger-sized strips, and breaded and fried them. Yes, I do believe that qualifies as genius, and you can bet I’ll be enjoying them with Idaho potato french fries AND fry sauce if I’m ever lucky enough to make my over there!
While the original preparation of Idaho Finger Steaks is a must try, as a registered dietitian I’m often asked to modify recipes for use in an air fryer. These air-fried Idaho Finger Steaks didn’t disappoint, and lent themselves to another perfect finger food: a flatbread sandwich!
But before you get started, let me say this: the only limitation on Idaho Finger Steaks is your imagination. Care to swap out the crackers for potato chips? Do it. Herb-based sauce instead of a creamy one? Go on ahead. Feel more comfortable dredging in flour and spices before the egg wash? Same here. It works.
I’m curious: how will YOU serve Idaho Finger Steaks? Let me know in the comments, below!
Air-Fried Idaho Finger Steak Sandwich
Ingredients:
For the finger steaks:
1 pound cube steak, cut into finger-sized strips
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
20 whole wheat butter crackers
Cooking spray
For the sauce:
1 T. dijon mustard
1 T. prepared horseradish
2 T. mayonaise
For the sandwich:
4 lavash bread (or other flatbread)
1 large avocado
2 cups baby spinach
Preparation:
Preheat air fryer or air fryer setting on oven to 375 F. If using oven, prepare pan with cooking spray.
Prepare the crackers by pulsing in food processor. They should resemble large crumbs.
Place flour, eggs, and cracker crumbs in three shallow dishes. Using one dry hand and one wet, dredge each steak finger in flour, then egg, then cracker crumbs. Transfer to prepared air fry pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Oven times vary, but steak fingers should be golden brown.
In the meantime, prepare sauce by combining dijon, horseradish, and mayonaise.
Roll ‘em up - this is one lunch you’ll most definitely look forward to!
If desired, assemble sandwiches, dividing finger steaks, avocado, baby spinach, and sauce among the four lavash breads. Roll and cut into halves or smaller if desired. Can be wrapped in foil and enjoyed the next day.
Enjoy your food. Enjoy your life!