These Honey Garlic Steak Bites are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, delivering a punch of flavor in every bite. Bursting with a simple Asian flavor and ready in 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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❓Why This Recipe Works
- It's packed full of all the Asian-inspired flavors that you usually get from takeout but without having to spend a ton of money at a restaurant.
- You only need simple ingredients that are all easy to find at your local grocery store so you don't have to worry about trying to track down specialty ingredients.
- The combination of garlic and honey creates a delicious glaze that coats each steak bite, giving them a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
It's also a quick and easy meal option for busy weeknights, but impressive enough to serve for special occasions or dinner parties.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Beef—You can use any cut of beef that you enjoy. For the most tender results, I like to use sirloin steaks or New York strip steak.
- Sesame oil - Sesame oil adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil - Olive oil is used to saute the garlic and as a base to this sauce. You can also use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds great flavor to this dish. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
- Honey - Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute.
- Ketchup - Ketchup helps to thicken the sauce and adds a hint of tomato flavor. If you don't have ketchup, you can substitute it with tomato paste or pureed canned tomatoes.
- Soy sauce—Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cooking and adds a savory, umami flavor to this dish. If you need something gluten-free, you can also use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Dried oregano - adds a nice earthy flavor to the marinade. If you don't have dried oregano, you can use any oregano substitute you have on hand..
- Water - Water helps to thin the sauce slightly so that your steak tips are fully coated.
- Cornstarch slurry - This is a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. It helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.
- Sesame seeds or green onion for garnish.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a large, hot skillet on medium-high heat, pour sesame oil. Brown the beef for about 2 minutes on each side or until seared and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium heat, add olive oil, and saute garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and water. Mix everything well.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry, then add beef, reduce heat, and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
👍 Amira's Tips
- Slice your steak against the grain for the best results. This will ensure your steak bites are tender and easy to chew.
- Don't overcook your steak tips, they only need about 4-5 minutes in the sauce to fully cook through. Overcooking can result in tough and chewy meat.
- A wok will also work great if you don't have a skillet big enough.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet while you are browning the beef, as the meat will start to steam instead of sear. You can cook the steak in batches if necessary.
🧺 Storage
Refrigerate - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing - You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating - Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
💬 FAQs
Absolutely, honey and garlic make an excellent pairing! The sweetness of honey balances the sharp, pungent taste of garlic, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
The best type of beef for steak bites is a cut that is naturally tender and has a bit of marbling for flavor. Options like sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye steak are excellent choices because they cook quickly and remain juicy and flavorful.
One common cause is overcooking, especially since steak bites are small and cook quickly. It's important to watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they're done.
⌛ Make Ahead
I've found that it's best to make this dish fresh, as the beef can become tough if stored for too long. You can make it ahead and reheat it, however the texture of the steak may change.
🍽️ Serve With
This simple recipe pairs well with so many different side dishes. We love to serve it on top of a bed of rice like this Instant Pot Basmati Recipe or Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice. These Chicken Lettuce Wraps also make a tasty appetizer to enjoy before this meal.
👩🍳 Variations
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce or a dollop of chili paste for some heat.
- A sprinkle of freshly grated ginger adds a subtle kick and freshness to the dish.
- You can also add some cut-up vegetables, such as bell peppers, sugar snap peas, or onions, to bulk up the meal and add some extra flavor and nutrients.
- This recipe also works well with diced chicken or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the searing time accordingly.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Fried Buckwheat is another Asian-inspired dish that is full of flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, the kids love it.
- Looking for a lighter meal that's still bursting with flavor? Try this Turkey Spaghetti Squash with Teriyaki Sauce next time.
- Do you enjoy making Asian-inspired meals at home? If so, this Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken tastes just like the restaurant version but it costs much less to make it at home.
- Flank Steak Pinwheels are cheesy, tender, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Marinated flank steak butterflied and rolled around a delicious filling of melty cheese and spinach.
- Quick and satisfying Steak Bites with Garlic Butter is the answer for dinner tonight. Juicy steak bites seared to golden brown in rich, flavorful, garlicky butter sauce.
🥣 Equipment
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- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon
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Garlic Honey Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef cut into small 1-inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon tap water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil on medium high heat and add beef cubes. Brown for about 2 minute each side or until seared and browned nicely. Work in batches if necessary and do not crowd the pan.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium add olive oil and saute garlic until fragrant about 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce, honey, ketchup and water. Mix everything well.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry then add beef, reduce heat and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Nutrition
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Alesha
This looks great, gonna try it!
Amira
Thank you!