Spicy Cajun Chicken Fried Steak Bites

Chicken-fried steak is a Southern classic that borrows the crisp dredge of fried chicken for tender cube steak. These spicy Cajun bites get a double flour coat, cayenne kick, and hot-sauce buttermilk dip before a quick fry—perfect shareable dinner fare.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 34g protein
• 28g carbs
• 32g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. 1Cut the cube steaks into roughly 1.5-inch bite-size pieces and pat completely dry. Toss the pieces with half the Cajun seasoning so every surface is coated.
2. 2Whisk flour with remaining Cajun seasoning, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt in a shallow bowl. In another bowl beat eggs with hot sauce and buttermilk until uniform.
3. 3Dredge each steak bite in the seasoned flour, dip in the spicy egg wash, then return to flour for a thick double coat. Arrange on a rack and rest 10 minutes so the crust firms up.
4. 4Pour oil into a deep 10- or 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 inch and heat to 350°F over medium-high. Working in batches, fry the bites 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp.
5. 5Use a slotted spoon to transfer bites to a wire rack set over paper towels; sprinkle lightly with a pinch more Cajun seasoning while still hot. Keep batches warm in a 200°F oven.
6. 6Stir mayonnaise with lemon juice, hot sauce, and chopped parsley to make a quick dipping sauce. Taste and adjust heat or brightness.
7. 7Pile the hot spicy bites on a platter with the dipping sauce in the center. The exterior should crackle when bitten and reveal a juicy, tender interior.
8. 8Serve immediately as a shareable plate so the crispy coating stays at peak crunch. Offer extra hot sauce on the side for heat lovers.