Description
Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are succulent cubes of sirloin steak seared to perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce made with soy, brown sugar, honey, and garlic. This quick stovetop recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, enhanced by a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing main dish that’s great served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Season Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin steak cubes with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then add them in a single layer to the hot skillet.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Cook the steak bites for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even searing. Remove the steak bites from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Coat and Finish Cooking Steak Bites: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly in the sweet and sticky sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the steak reaches your desired doneness and is fully glazed with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- For a more tender and flavorful result, use ribeye steak instead of sirloin.
- Serve over steamed rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Adjust the sweetness or heat level by varying the amount of brown sugar, honey, or crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
