If youâre new to cooking or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, Honey Garlic Steak Bites is an ideal recipe to try. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, offering the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite. In just 20 minutes, youâll have juicy, tender steak cubes coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze that can be served as a main dish or an appetizer.
PrintHoney Garlic Steak Bites: A Perfect Dish for Beginner Cooks
đ„đ„© Looking for a quick, flavorful meal? Try Honey Garlic Steak Bites! đŻâš These bite-sized pieces of steak are coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, making every bite a burst of sweet and savory goodness. Perfect for beginner cooks, this dish is easy to make and sure to be a hit! đ
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- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
- Season the Steak: Begin by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes. This is a great way to ensure that each piece cooks quickly and evenly. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Donât skimp on the seasoningâthis is where the steak gets its flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt and bubble slightly before adding the steak cubes. This step is essential for creating that beautiful golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Sear the Steak: Once the butter is melted, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Youâll want to sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If youâre making a larger batch, cook the steak in batches so the pieces donât crowd the pan. Crowding the pan can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, which results in a less flavorful crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Lower the Heat: After the steak cubes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Youâll now lower the heat to medium.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Next, add the honey and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly, creating a glossy glaze.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little kick in your dish, now is the time to add the red pepper flakes. Stir the flakes into the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can also taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or soy sauce as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
- Return the Steak to the Skillet: Now, return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce to coat them evenly. The heat from the skillet will help the sauce adhere to the steak, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Simmer Together: Let the steak bites cook in the glaze for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the steak is perfectly coated in the honey garlic sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Once the steak bites are well-coated and the glaze has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve these honey garlic steak bites immediately. Theyâre best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the skillet.
Notes
- How to Tell When Steak is Cooked Through: A great way to check the doneness of your steak is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare steak, aim for 130°F (54°C), for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, aim for 160°F (71°C). However, because weâre cooking the steak cubes quickly, the searing process is usually enough to get the right doneness without overcooking.
- Troubleshooting Overcooked Steak: If you find that your steak is overcooked or tough, itâs likely due to cooking at too high of a heat. Try adjusting the heat next time to ensure the steak is cooked gently, allowing it to remain juicy and tender.
- Avoiding Burnt Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter and unpleasant. Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing, and if it starts to darken too much, remove the pan from the heat for a second or lower the heat.
- Efficient Prep: To make cooking quicker and more efficient, prep all your ingredients beforehand. Mince the garlic, cut the steak into cubes, and measure out the honey and soy sauce so that everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooking doesnât need to be complicated to be delicious. Whether youâre cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe will make you feel like a professional chef in no time. Letâs dive into why this recipe is a great choice for beginners.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners
For those just starting out in the kitchen, one of the most important things is finding recipes that are easy to execute, require minimal ingredients, and donât take hours to prepare. Honey Garlic Steak Bites tick all these boxes. With just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in 20 minutes.
The process is straightforward and doesnât involve any complicated techniques. No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-master skillsâjust a skillet and your knife for cutting the steak into cubes. Plus, the glaze itself is made with just a few pantry staples: honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The most challenging part? Maybe choosing the perfect cut of steak, but even thatâs easy if you know a few simple tips.
The Health Benefits
While this dish is indulgent and rich in flavor, itâs also surprisingly healthy. Sirloin steak, which is the recommended cut in this recipe, is a lean source of protein and contains a healthy amount of iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cells. The honey adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering, while the garlic gives you the added benefit of antioxidants, which help support your immune system. If you opt for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, this dish can also be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Ingredients and Preparation
Letâs start by gathering the ingredients youâll need. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Hereâs what youâll need:
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Steak Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutes and Flexibility:
- Steak:Â While sirloin is a great choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts of beef such as ribeye or flank steak. If youâre on a budget, chuck steak or round steak can work, but they might require a little more cooking time to ensure tenderness.
- Butter:Â If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can easily substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or avocado oil. Both oils work well for searing the steak and have their own health benefits.
- Soy Sauce:Â If youâre gluten-sensitive or simply prefer a gluten-free option, you can swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives provide the same umami flavor without gluten.
- Honey:Â For a lower-sugar version, you could replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. These will provide a similar sweetness without the refined sugar content.
- Red Pepper Flakes:Â If youâre serving this dish to young kids or people who are sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Alternatively, you could substitute it with a small pinch of paprika or black pepper for a milder heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, letâs break down the cooking process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. This recipe requires minimal effort, but the end result will impress everyone at your table.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
- Season the Steak:Â Begin by cutting your sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes. This is a great way to ensure that each piece cooks quickly and evenly. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Donât skimp on the seasoningâthis is where the steak gets its flavor.
- Heat the Skillet:Â Place a large skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt and bubble slightly before adding the steak cubes. This step is essential for creating that beautiful golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Sear the Steak:Â Once the butter is melted, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Youâll want to sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If youâre making a larger batch, cook the steak in batches so the pieces donât crowd the pan. Crowding the pan can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, which results in a less flavorful crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Lower the Heat:Â After the steak cubes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Youâll now lower the heat to medium.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Add Honey and Soy Sauce:Â Next, add the honey and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly, creating a glossy glaze.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes:Â If you like a little kick in your dish, now is the time to add the red pepper flakes. Stir the flakes into the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can also taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or soy sauce as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
- Return the Steak to the Skillet:Â Now, return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce to coat them evenly. The heat from the skillet will help the sauce adhere to the steak, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Simmer Together:Â Let the steak bites cook in the glaze for an additional 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the steak is perfectly coated in the honey garlic sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley:Â Once the steak bites are well-coated and the glaze has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the steak bites for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Immediately:Â Serve these honey garlic steak bites immediately. Theyâre best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the skillet.
Beginner Tips and Notes
As a beginner cook, itâs important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure your steak bites turn out perfectly.
- How to Tell When Steak is Cooked Through: A great way to check the doneness of your steak is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare steak, aim for 130°F (54°C), for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, aim for 160°F (71°C). However, because weâre cooking the steak cubes quickly, the searing process is usually enough to get the right doneness without overcooking.
- Troubleshooting Overcooked Steak:Â If you find that your steak is overcooked or tough, itâs likely due to cooking at too high of a heat. Try adjusting the heat next time to ensure the steak is cooked gently, allowing it to remain juicy and tender.
- Avoiding Burnt Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter and unpleasant. Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing, and if it starts to darken too much, remove the pan from the heat for a second or lower the heat.
- Efficient Prep:Â To make cooking quicker and more efficient, prep all your ingredients beforehand. Mince the garlic, cut the steak into cubes, and measure out the honey and soy sauce so that everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
Serving Suggestions
While the honey garlic steak bites are delicious on their own, here are a few complementary sides that will elevate the dish:
- Steamed Vegetables:Â Pair your steak bites with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.
- Rice or Noodles:Â Serve the steak bites over a bed of fluffy white rice or with a side of garlic butter noodles to soak up the delicious glaze.
- Crispy Potatoes:Â Roasted potatoes or even mashed potatoes work wonderfully as a side, offering a hearty contrast to the sweet and savory steak.
- Side Salad:Â A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover steak bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the steak to become tough.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Steak Bites are a fantastic option for beginner cooks looking to create something flavorful and impressive in a short amount of time. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow cooking method, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction. Whether youâre cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Donât hesitate to try it out, and remember to have fun with the process. Cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying the results. Let us know how your Honey Garlic Steak Bites turn out in the comments below!