If you are craving a dish that brings bold, savory flavors with a touch of sweet and garlicky goodness, this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. These tender, juicy steak cubes are marinated in a luscious blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then seared to golden perfection, delivering bite-sized pieces packed full of rich and mouthwatering taste. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe starts with just a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to create a harmony of flavor and texture. From the quality of the sirloin steak to the balance between savory soy sauce and sweet honey, every element plays a key role.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak: Fat trimmed and diced into cubes just under 1 inch for perfect bite-sized cooking.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 Tbsp honey: Provides the perfect sweet contrast and caramelizes during cooking for a beautiful glaze.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp): Infuses the marinade with bold aroma and savory warmth.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil: Helps with searing the steak to a crispy, golden exterior.
- Green onions or sesame seeds (optional): For a fresh and visually appealing garnish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Steak
Start by placing the diced sirloin steak pieces into a gallon-sized resealable bag, which will make marinating easier and mess-free. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this marinade over the steak inside the bag, seal it tightly while pressing out any excess air, and gently massage the marinade across all the steak cubes. This step infuses every morsel with incredible flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Let It Rest
Pop the sealed bag into the refrigerator and let the steak marinate for 1 to 2 hours. This resting time allows the honey and garlic to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite will be juicy and bursting with that signature sweet and savory combo that makes this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
When ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove half of the steak pieces from the marinade, making sure to space them evenly in the skillet to get a nice sear. Allow them to cook without moving until the bottoms are golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip the steak cubes and continue cooking for another minute or until your desired doneness is reached (145 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for safety).
Step 4: Repeat and Finish
Transfer the cooked steak bites onto a plate to rest briefly. Repeat the searing process with the remaining half of the steak, adding more oil if needed. This ensures all the pieces achieve that perfect caramelized crust. Once all are cooked, they are ready to be served warm, either plain or with garnishes of your choice.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add layers of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the steak bites right before serving. These simple garnishes bring a subtle crunch and appealing pop of color that complements the rich, saucy steak perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the sweetness and richness. Consider some sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli for a nutritious touch that also adds vibrant green to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun appetizer idea, serve the steak bites on skewers drizzled with any extra honey garlic sauce from the pan. You can also place them atop a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa for a hearty main dish. For a casual dinner party, set up a “build-your-own” bowl station with various toppings like avocado, chopped nuts, or pickled vegetables to let everyone customize their meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The marinade flavors continue to meld slightly as they sit, making for tasty next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the edges and keep the center juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the steak lose its lovely sear and become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Just make sure to cut the steak into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak for 1-2 hours?
Marinating for at least 1 hour helps the flavors deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize it. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add some flavor, but longer is definitely better.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
What type of honey works best for this recipe?
Any mild-flavored honey works wonderfully here, such as clover or wildflower honey. Avoid overly strong or dark honeys, which might overpower the garlic and soy sauce balance.
How do I know when the steak bites are perfectly cooked?
The steak pieces should have a golden-brown crust and be tender inside. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness, which ensures the steak is juicy without being overcooked.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish like this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe—it’s quick to make, packed with incredible flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests with an easy yet delicious appetizer, these steak bites are sure to bring smiles all around the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every sweet, savory, garlicky bite!
Print
Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Garlic Steak Bites are tender and flavorful sirloin steak cubes marinated in a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, these steak bites are pan-seared to a golden brown finish and served garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, fat trimmed, diced into cubes just under 1-inch
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (divided)
Garnish (Optional)
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Place the diced steak pieces into a gallon size resealable plastic bag.
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this marinade over the steak in the bag.
- Marinate: Seal the bag while pressing out the excess air, then massage the marinade into the steak pieces to ensure they are evenly coated. Refrigerate and let the steak marinate for 1 to 2 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Heat the Skillet: When ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil in a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Steak Bites – First Batch: Remove half of the steak from the marinade, arranging the pieces spaced apart in the hot skillet. Let them sear without moving for about 1 minute until golden brown on one side, then flip to sear the other side.
- Cook to Desired Doneness: Continue cooking the steak bites for about 1 more minute until they reach your preferred doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare to medium. Transfer cooked steak bites to a plate.
- Repeat for Remaining Steak: Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet if needed, and repeat the searing and cooking process with the rest of the steak bites.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic steak bites warm, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired, for an appealing finish.
Notes
- For best results, use sirloin or another tender cut of steak for quick cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure a good sear; cook in batches if necessary.
- Marinating for at least 1 hour helps the meat absorb the flavors better, but avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption and ideal tenderness.
- If desired, you may add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
