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To make sweet and sticky steak bites, you need the following key ingredients: - 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a tasty marinade that brings out the steak's rich flavor. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while honey and brown sugar give it that sweet taste. You can add a few optional ingredients for extra flavor: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adding red pepper flakes gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Garnishes make your dish look great and add extra flavor. I recommend: - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds Green onions bring a fresh crunch, while sesame seeds add a nutty touch. These simple garnishes can elevate your dish and impress your guests. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I mix the marinade. In a bowl, I whisk together: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) I blend these until they are well mixed. This marinade gives the steak its sweet and sticky flavor. Next, I add 1 pound of beef sirloin cut into bite-sized cubes. I ensure each piece is coated well in the marinade. I cover the bowl and let the steak sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For richer flavor, I often marinate it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. When ready to cook, I remove the steak from the marinade and set the liquid aside. I then pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear better. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If the skillet looks dry, I add a little oil. I place the steak bites in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. I want them to have a nice golden crust. I sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper for taste. Once the steak bites are cooked, I lower the heat to medium. I pour the reserved marinade into the pan and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. I stir this mixture for about 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the steak bites nicely. After that, I remove the pan from the heat and transfer the steak bites to a serving dish. They look great! Marinating adds great flavor to your steak bites. Start with the right mix. I use soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Mix these well in a bowl. Add minced garlic and ginger for extra taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat. Let the steak cubes sit in this marinade. I recommend at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Always cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This prevents the flavors from escaping. Searing is key to great steak bites. First, dry the steak cubes with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Once hot, place the steak in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust. This adds flavor and texture. Season with salt and pepper during cooking. Once done, remove the steak from the heat. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch. Mix it with the reserved marinade in the pan. Lower the heat to medium after cooking the steak. Stir the mixture consistently for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should become shiny and coat the steak bites well. This step is crucial for that sweet and sticky finish. If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch. Just mix it with a bit of cold water first. This prevents lumps. Enjoy your flavorful steak bites! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the marinade. Dry the Steak: Patting the steak cubes dry before searing helps achieve a better crust. Moisture on the surface can prevent proper browning. Heat Management: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. This will create a nice sear and caramelization, enhancing the overall flavor. Thickening the Sauce: When adding the cornstarch to the marinade, mix it well to avoid clumps. This will help create a smooth and glossy sauce that coats the steak bites evenly. {{image_2}} You can swap beef sirloin for other meats. Chicken breast works well for a lighter dish. It absorbs flavors nicely too. Pork tenderloin is another option. It becomes tender and juicy when cooked right. Tofu also makes a great choice for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess moisture. This helps it soak up the marinade better. Feel free to play with the marinade. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce. If you want a tangy twist, try adding lime juice or rice vinegar. You could also use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter taste. Mixing in some pineapple juice gives a nice fruity flavor. Experiment with herbs too, like cilantro or basil, for freshness. Sweet and sticky steak bites pair well with many sides. Serve them with rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. You could also toss them into a salad for a filling meal. For a fun twist, try them in tacos with avocado and salsa. If you're feeling fancy, serve with a side of garlic bread. Each option brings out the flavors and makes the meal special. After you enjoy your sweet and sticky steak bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool down first. This helps keep their flavor and texture. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat your steak bites, you can use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the steak bites and a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir often until they are heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place the steak bites in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you want to keep your steak bites longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled steak bites in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use other cuts of steak. Cuts like ribeye or flank steak work well too. They have good flavor and tenderness. Just remember to cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the marinade. You can marinate the steak for 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you want a stronger flavor, go for the longer time. Marinating helps the meat absorb the sweet and savory mix. Just don’t marinate it for too long, or it may get mushy. Serve steak bites with rice or noodles for a filling meal. They also pair well with steamed veggies or a crisp salad. You can even make tacos with them! Just add some fresh toppings like avocado or salsa for extra flavor. Sweet and sticky steak bites are simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients, from the steak to optional flavors and garnishes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure success. You now have tips for marinating and searing. Variations let you explore other meats and flavors. Plus, I gave storage and reheating advice to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy these bites with your favorite side dishes. With these insights, you can create a fun and delicious meal each time. Get cooking, and enjoy your steak bites!

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Delicious bite-sized beef sirloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
  • Add the steak cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  • After marination, remove the steak from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear well.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil (if needed) and, when hot, add the steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice caramelized crust. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Once the steak is cooked to your liking, lower the heat to medium and add the reserved marinade to the pan, mixing in the cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes shiny and coats the steak bites.
  • Remove from heat and transfer the steak bites to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

Notes

Marinate for longer for deeper flavor.
Keyword appetizer, beef, marinated, steak