| |

Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ridiculously easy to make, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the steak bites turn out after slow cooking in that sweet and savory honey garlic sauce—it’s like a little flavor explosion in every bite! Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want a comforting, impressive meal without a ton of fuss, this recipe has your name all over it. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make it perfect.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Just a quick sear and then let the slow cooker do all the work, freeing up your time.
  • Perfectly Tender & Juicy: The steak bites come out insanely tender without drying out—trust me, I’ve tried faster methods that don’t compare.
  • Sweet, Savory, and Garlicky Flavor: That honey garlic sauce is a knockout combo of sweetness with a little heat from chili flakes.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always gone within minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and they all work together to build that classic honey garlic flavor with minimal effort. Here are some tips when picking your ingredients to get the best results.

Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe - Ingredients
  • Sirloin: I prefer sirloin for its flavor and tenderness, but any tender steak cut like ribeye or strip steak works well.
  • Cooking Oil (like sesame oil): Sesame oil adds a nice nutty depth, but any neutral oil is just fine.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out the meat’s natural flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper really shines here—you’ll notice the difference.
  • Honey: Use real honey for the best sweetness and sticky texture.
  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium if you want to control saltiness better.
  • Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
  • Red Chili Flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully during cooking.
  • Salted Butter: Adds richness and silky texture to the sauce.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to make it your own! Feel free to tweak the heat level or switch up the sauce a bit to match your mood or pantry.

  • Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add extra red chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce—I did this once and it instantly turned into a favorite for weekend game nights.
  • Swap the Steak: I’ve also used chicken breast or thighs instead of steak for a lighter twist, and it works well—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as is, to make this gluten-free without losing a bit of flavor.
  • Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary while slow cooking for a fragrant upgrade that’s unexpected but delicious.

How to Make Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms up, season your sirloin steak bites with salt and pepper. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are perfect for snacking or serving. Sear the pieces in batches, giving each side about 2 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. This step adds a rich, savory crust that you’ll notice in every bite. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the steak searing rather than steaming, which makes all the difference. Once browned, transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and cornstarch until smooth. This combo creates that signature glossy sauce that clings to every juicy steak bite after slow cooking. The cornstarch is a little trick I discovered that helps thicken the sauce nicely without needing extra steps later. Pour this mixture over the steak bites in the slow cooker, making sure every piece gets coated in that savory sweetness.

Step 3: Add Butter Cubes for Richness

Cut your salted butter into small cubes and scatter them evenly on top of the steak and sauce. As the slow cooker works its magic, the butter melts into the sauce and adds a lovely richness that makes this recipe so satisfying. It’s a tiny addition that really elevates the final flavor and silky texture of the dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 5 hours. This gives the steak bites plenty of time to soak up the flavors and become incredibly tender—but not mushy. When I first tried this, I was worried the steak might dry out, but the sauce and butter keep it moist and flavorful throughout the long, slow cooking process. After cooking, give everything a gentle stir to coat the steak completely in that sticky sauce, then dive in!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: While you can put raw steak in the slow cooker, browning first adds an incredible depth of flavor and locks in juices.
  • Batch Cooking Helps: If your skillet is small, sear in batches so the meat doesn’t steam and loses that perfect crust.
  • Measure Garlic Fresh: Using fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that bright, punchy garlicky note that canned garlic can’t match.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Give space for the sauce to circulate and evenly cook each piece.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually top these steak bites with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nice contrast in texture and a pop of color. Sometimes, I throw on a few extra chili flakes if we want that extra kick. These simple garnishes really take the dish from good to wow-worthy.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with Honey Garlic Steak Bites are garlic butter mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice—they’re perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce. Another classic I love is roasted or sautéed broccoli because the slight bitterness complements the sweetness perfectly. If you want to keep it light, a crisp cucumber salad is a refreshing pairing too!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these steak bites on a platter with toothpicks, making them perfect finger food for parties. Another fun trick is layering them on a bed of garlic fried rice and garnishing with fresh herbs and chili slices for a vibrant, restaurant-style look that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey garlic steak bites keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool them quickly before refrigerating to preserve the texture. When I do this, the flavor actually deepens overnight, making the next-day meal even better!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these steak bites a couple of times with great success. Just portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming them gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring occasionally helps keep the steak bites juicy and prevents drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe without a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! You can cook the steak bites in a skillet on the stovetop. After searing, mix the sauce ingredients in the pan and simmer on low heat until the steak is cooked through and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes). It won’t be quite the same tender texture as slow-cooking, but it’s a quick delicious alternative.

  2. What cut of steak is best for this recipe?

    Sirloin is my go-to because it’s tender yet holds up well during slow cooking. Ribeye or strip steak can also work nicely if you prefer a bit more marbling and richness. Just avoid tougher cuts like brisket unless you want to cook much longer for tenderizing.

  3. Can I adjust the sweetness or heat to my liking?

    Definitely! If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of rice vinegar for balance. For more heat, up the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. The recipe is very flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your taste buds.

  4. Is it okay to skip browning the steak bites?

    Yes, but I highly recommend browning. It adds fantastic flavor and a nicer texture to the steak. Without it, the slow cooker can make the bites a little softer and less flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip it, but your taste buds might notice the difference!

  5. How thick will the sauce be after slow cooking?

    The sauce thickens nicely thanks to the cornstarch and butter, creating a glossy, slightly sticky coating that clings to the steak bites. If it’s thinner than you like, you can always simmer it briefly on the stovetop to reduce once cooking finishes.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something flavorful, easy, and satisfying. I still remember the first time I made it for my family—they devoured it and immediately asked for seconds, which doesn’t happen often! It’s become one of those go-to meals I turn to because it feels fancy without the fuss. If you give it a shot, I’m pretty sure you’ll end up loving it just as much as I do. So grab that sirloin and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Honey Garlic Steak Bites is a flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender sirloin pieces seared to perfection and simmered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This easy recipe combines the rich taste of soy, garlic, and a touch of chili for a delicious meal perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Steak and Seasoning

  • 3 lbs. sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2-3 Tbsp. cooking oil (can use sesame oil)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper

Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp. red chili flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Finishing

  • ¼ cup salted butter, cut into small cubes


Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear Steak: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin pieces with salt and black pepper. Sear the steak bites on all sides until nicely browned, approximately 2 minutes total. To avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning, do this in batches if necessary. Once seared, transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the steak bites in the slow cooker.
  3. Add Butter: Cut the salted butter into small cubes and distribute them evenly over the steak and sauce in the slow cooker. This will add richness and help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook the steak bites on LOW heat for 5 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. After cooking, stir gently, serve, and enjoy your honey garlic steak bites!

Notes

  • Searing the steak is optional but recommended to develop deeper flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz steak bites with sauce)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star