The Steak Finger Basket from Dairy Queen features tender, seasoned steak fingers fried to a golden crisp, served with a side of savory dipping sauce and golden fries, offering a satisfying combination of hearty flavors and crispy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Food thermometer
- Stainless steel prep table
- Cutting board
- Chef knife
- Mixing bowls
- Meat tenderizer
- Breading trays or pans
- Sauce cups
- French fry cutter
- Heat lamps or food warmer
- Serving baskets or plates
- Paper liners or tray liners
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or round steak
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Salt (for fries)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (for dipping)
Beef sirloin or round steak should be sliced into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and tender texture. Proper seasoning and a balanced mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhance the steak fingers' flavor. Use buttermilk and eggs to create a thick batter that helps the flour coating adhere well and produce a crispy crust. Maintain vegetable oil temperature between 350degF to 375degF during frying to achieve a golden crisp without greasiness. Your homemade Steak Finger Basket from Dairy Queen copycat menu will capture the same satisfying combination of hearty flavors and crispy textures found in the original.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut beef into finger-sized strips on cutting board.
- Tenderize steak strips with meat tenderizer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
- Dredge steak strips in seasoned flour.
- Dip floured strips into egg-buttermilk mixture.
- Dredge again in seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place breaded steak fingers on prep table.
- Slice potatoes into fries using french fry cutter.
- Rinse and pat dry fries on prep table.
- Fry potatoes in deep fryer basket until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries; drain, season with salt, and hold under heat lamp.
- Fry steak fingers in deep fryer basket until golden brown and cooked through (use thermometer to ensure 160°F/71°C).
- Remove and drain steak fingers; place under heat lamp.
- Arrange steak fingers and fries in serving baskets lined with paper liners.
- Portion ranch dressing into sauce cups.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Substitution
When preparing a Dairy Queen Steak Finger Basket copycat, you can substitute sirloin or round steak with other tender cuts like ribeye or flank steak for different flavor profiles. If buttermilk is unavailable, mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic its tangy effect for the breading process. Vegetable oil can be replaced with canola or peanut oil for frying to achieve similar crispness and flavor. When cutting fries, your French fry cutter can be swapped with a sharp chef knife for rustic-style potatoes if necessary. Using a food thermometer ensures that steak fingers reach a safe internal temperature of 145degF (63degC) before serving.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer is consistently maintained at 350degF (175degC) for perfectly cooked steak fingers and fries, preventing greasy or undercooked results. Use a meat tenderizer on the steak fingers to break down fibers, yielding a tender texture essential for mimicking the Dairy Queen experience. Double-dipping the steak strips in the seasoned flour and egg-buttermilk mixture ensures a crisp, well-adhered breading that withstands frying without falling apart. Fry steak fingers until they reach an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC), using a food thermometer to guarantee safe, fully cooked beef while retaining juiciness.
Nutritions
The Steak Finger Basket from Dairy Queen provides a protein-rich meal primarily sourced from the 1 lb of beef sirloin or round steak, offering essential amino acids vital for muscle repair and maintenance. The breading, made from 2 cups of all-purpose flour combined with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, adds carbohydrates and minimal fiber. The deep frying of both the steak fingers and fries contributes significant fat content, especially from vegetable oil, increasing the calorie density of the meal. Including ranch dressing supplying additional fats and calories, this dish is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet to manage fat intake while satisfying hunger.
Storage
To maintain the best quality of your Steak Finger Basket, store cooked steak fingers and fries separately in airtight containers to preserve crispiness and avoid sogginess. Refrigerate them promptly within two hours of cooking at a temperature below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2-3 days. Reheat using a convection oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crunchy texture without drying out the meat.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute turkey breast for beef to create a leaner version of the steak fingers, maintaining tenderness by marinating the strips in buttermilk overnight. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free breading mix, ensuring similar crispiness. To enhance flavor complexity, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breading mixture, giving the coating a spicy, smoky kick. Baking the steak fingers at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes with a light spray of oil offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, producing a crunchy texture without excess oil.
Allergies
The Steak Finger Basket contains common allergens including wheat from the all-purpose flour and eggs used in the batter, as well as dairy from the buttermilk and ranch dressing. If you have allergies to gluten, eggs, or dairy, it's important to avoid this dish or seek allergen-free alternatives. Cross-contamination with other allergens may also occur during preparation, so communicate your dietary restrictions clearly.
Why this recipe?
Steak Finger Basket from Dairy Queen combines crispy, golden breading with tender, juicy steak strips, offering a satisfying texture contrast that appeals to many customers. The basket includes savory dipping sauces that enhance the bold, meaty flavor, making it a memorable comfort food choice. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize seasoning and portion size, ensuring a fresh and personalized taste experience. Recreating this dish gives you control over quality ingredients while enjoying a beloved Dairy Queen classic in your own kitchen.