Idaho’s Finger Steaks, also known as “Finger Steaks,” are a popular dish that originated in Boise, Idaho. They are typically made from beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into small, finger-sized pieces, breaded, and deep-fried. The breading is often a simple mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, although some recipes may also include other seasonings. They are usually served as an appetizer, but can also be used as a main dish.
The origin of Finger Steaks is from the 1950s. The dish originally served as a response to a food shortage in the area. Butchers at the time were having trouble getting a hold of pork, which was the regular fried item. They came up with the idea of cutting beef into small “fingers” instead of the usual strips, and frying them to crispy perfection.
The most common way people serve it is with a side of fries or onion rings and a creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or Thousand Island dressing.
It is a popular menu item in bars and pubs in Idaho, but can also be found in other parts of the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
| Ingredients: |
| 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into small finger-sized pieces |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp salt |
| 1 tsp black pepper |
| Canola or vegetable oil, for frying |
| Your favorite creamy dipping sauce |
Step-by-step cooking instructions of Idaho’s Finger Steaks:
Step-1 Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375F (190C).
Step-2 In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
Step-3 Dip each piece of beef into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step-4 Carefully place the beef fingers into the hot oil and fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step-5 Use a slotted spoon to remove the steaks from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step-6 Serve hot with your favorite creamy dipping sauce
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your beef fingers and the temperature of your oil. It’s important to use a thermometer to keep a consistent oil temperature and check the meat is cooked through by making a small cut.
This is a simple recipe but feel free to play around with different seasonings and sauces to find the perfect combination of flavors that you like.
Nutritional value of Idaho’s Finger Steaks:
The nutritional value of Idaho’s Finger Steaks will depend on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. However, in general, deep-fried foods are high in calories and fat, and may not be the most nutritious option.
Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional value of a serving of Idaho’s Finger Steaks made with a 1 lb of beef sirloin or ribeye steak, 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of pepper, and fried in oil, with a side of creamy dipping sauce.
| 1 | Calories: About 975 calories per serving |
| 2 | Fat: About 57g per serving |
| 3 | Saturated Fat: About 17g per serving |
| 4 | Cholesterol: About 205mg per serving |
| 5 | Sodium: About 1600mg per serving |
| 6 | Carbohydrates: About 55g per serving |
| 7 | Protein: About 69g per serving |
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and the nutritional value will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.
Background History of Idaho’s Finger Steaks:
Idaho’s Finger Steaks, also known as “Finger Steaks,” originated in Boise, Idaho in the 1950s. The dish was created as a response to a food shortage in the area, as butchers were having trouble obtaining pork, which was a popular fried item at the time.
To overcome this problem, they came up with the idea of cutting beef into small “fingers” instead of the usual strips, and frying them to crispy perfection. This allowed them to continue to serve a fried meat dish despite the shortage, and the dish quickly gained popularity among local residents.
As the dish grew in popularity, it began to be served at bars and pubs in Idaho, and eventually spread to other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Today, Finger Steaks are considered a signature dish of Idaho, and can be found on the menu at many restaurants and bars throughout the state.
It’s become a cultural icon of the state, and has been featured in many local events and festivals; Finger Steaks are considered a delicacy and still enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
| Advantages of Idaho’s Finger Steaks: | |
| 1 | Flavorful: Finger steaks are made from high-quality cuts of beef, which adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. The breading and seasoning also adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat. |
| 2 | Easy to Make: The recipe for finger steaks is relatively simple, and does not require any special culinary skills or equipment. They can be easily prepared in a home kitchen or small restaurant. |
| 3 | Versatile: Finger steaks can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for salads or sandwiches. The variety of dipping sauces also offers to add different tastes to the dish. |
| 4 | A cultural icon: Finger Steaks are part of the Boise and Idaho culture, and it is often associated with the state and its heritage. |
| Disadvantages of Idaho’s Finger Steaks: | |
| 1 | High in calories and fat: Finger steaks are deep-fried, which means they are high in calories and fat, which can be detrimental to a healthy diet if consumed in excess. |
| 2 | High in sodium: The breading and seasoning used in finger steaks can be high in sodium, which can be harmful for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. |
| 3 | Unsustainable: Beef is a resource-intensive product, therefore, consuming it in large quantities isn’t sustainable and not environmentally friendly. |
| 4 | Limited availability: Finger Steaks are a regional dish that originated in Boise, Idaho and therefore, it might not be available or familiar in other parts of the country or world. |
Alternate of Idaho’s Finger Steaks:
Some alternative dishes that you might enjoy include:
| Chicken Strips | Chicken strips are a popular alternative to beef finger steaks. They are made in a similar way and are also breaded and deep-fried, but they are a leaner protein option. |
| Grilled or pan-seared steak | Instead of deep-frying, you can grill or pan-sear your steak. This will reduce the fat and calorie content of the dish, and also allows the natural flavors of the steak to shine. |
| Fish and chips | Fish and chips are a traditional British dish, which consists of deep-fried fish with fries. It is a great option for those looking for a seafood alternative to finger steaks. |
| Vegetable tempura | Another alternative is to prepare a vegetable tempura. It’s a Japanese dish where mixed vegetables are dipped in a tempura batter, deep fried and then served with a dipping sauce. |
| Tofu fingers | For vegetarians and vegans, a great alternative to Idaho’s finger steaks can be tofu fingers. Tofu can be breaded and fried in a similar way, and can be served with a side of dipping sauce. |
| Baked sweet potato fries | As an alternative to deep-fried potatoes, you could prepare baked sweet potato fries. They are a healthier option and can be served with a side of aioli, sour cream or any other preferred dipping sauce. |
Mostly questions asked about Idaho’s Finger Steaks?
1. Where did finger steaks originate from?
History of Boise, Idaho. According to legend, finger steaks were first served in a restaurant setting in 1957 at “Milo’s Torch Lounge” (also known as The Torch) in Boise, Idaho.
2. Why is it called finger meat?
Finger meat is, as its name suggests, about the width of a finger. They can be cooked in the same way that ribs are tenderized and eaten similarly to boneless ribs. This cut is a favorite of sauces, rubs, and smoking.
3. What state is known for finger steaks?
Idaho, But when Flavored Nation, a festival that highlights a signature dish from each of the 50 states in the U.S., selected the meal to represent Idaho, it wasn’t potatoes; rather, it was the modest finger steak.
4. How do you reheat finger steak?
Microwave:
1. Arrange frozen steak finger pieces on a microwave-safe platter.
2. Heat on HIGH: for 2 pieces for 30 to 60 seconds, 4 pieces for 1 minute, and 6 pieces for 1 and a half minutes. Avoid getting too hot.
3. Allow food to sit for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
5. Are steak fingers a southern thing?
Definitely a traditional southern dish is steak fingers. It’s on nearly every restaurant menu, just like chicken fried steak. However, due to how quickly they cook, they also make a fantastic supper at home.
6. What is the most famous steak?
Definitely a traditional southern dish is steak fingers. It’s on nearly every restaurant menu, just like chicken fried steak. However, due to how quickly they cook, they also make a fantastic supper at home.
7. What is America’s favorite steak?
According to study respondents, 61% of Americans choose ribeye over filet and 47% prefer T-bone over other steak cuts.
8. What are Finger Steaks?
Finger Steaks, also known as “Idaho’s Finger Steaks,” are a popular dish in Idaho, particularly in the Boise area. They are typically made by breading and deep-frying thin strips of beef, and are often served with a dipping sauce. Some variations include marina ding the meat first. They’re often considered as a delicacy and fast food staple in the state.
The origins of Finger Steaks is not certain but it is believed that Tony’s Steakhouse & Seafood in Boise, Idaho, first served this dish in the 1950s, and it quickly became a popular item on the menu. The dish is usually made with sirloin or round steak, which is cut into thin strips and then breaded and deep-fried. They are often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a Thousand Islands-type dressing or a spicy mayonnaise. Finger Steaks are commonly found in the menu of most fast food chains and some pubs or bars in Idaho, They are also sold at many sporting events and fairs in Idaho and considered as a state’s iconic dish.
9. What are the top 3 steaks?
The top three steak cuts in a steak cutting guide are often ribeye, filet mignon, and T-bone or porterhouse steaks. Because of their texture and quality, these steaks are frequently found on the menu in steakhouses.
10. What is the #1 steakhouse in the world?
The top steakhouse in the world, according to a ranking by Upper Cut Media House published in 2022, is located in London, surpassing Buenos Aires. The top 101 steakhouses worldwide are chosen by Upper Cut Media House each year. The winning restaurant this year was a London eatery called Hawks moor.
