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To make sweet and sticky steak bites, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 green onion, finely sliced for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The sirloin steak offers a tender bite, while honey gives it sweetness. You might want to add some optional ingredients to boost flavor: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lime juice for extra tang - Fresh herbs like cilantro for freshness These options add layers to your dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutions: - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options. - Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. - Swap sirloin for chicken or tofu for different proteins. These swaps help make the recipe more versatile. You can enjoy sweet and sticky steak bites no matter your diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix these well until they blend nicely. This marinade adds flavor and makes the steak so tasty! Now, it's time for the steak. Cut your sirloin steak into bite-sized cubes. Once you have your cubes, add them to the marinade. Toss the steak well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This step is key for bold flavor! When you're ready to cook, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade but keep the marinade for later. Add the steak cubes to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often to get them browned on all sides. You can cook them to your liking. After cooking, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring it to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering marinade. Let it thicken for about 1-2 minutes, stirring all the while. This will give you a sticky sauce that clings to the steak. Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Let the steak bites cool slightly. Now, you can garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your sweet and sticky steak bites! To make sweet and sticky steak bites shine, balance is key. You want a mix of sweet and salty. Honey brings sweetness while soy sauce adds saltiness. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a punch of flavor. Marinating the steak is vital. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better. This helps the meat soak up all the tasty goodness. For best results, use a hot skillet or wok. This ensures your steak bites sear nicely. Searing gives them a lovely crust while keeping the inside juicy. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This way, they brown well without steaming. Once cooked, add the reserved marinade to the pan. Let it simmer and thicken for a glossy finish. Start with a good cut of meat. I prefer sirloin for its flavor and tenderness. Cut the steak into even cubes for uniform cooking. Always marinate before cooking to help break down the meat fibers. Cook on high heat for a short time. This keeps the steak tender and juicy. If you follow these steps, your steak bites will be soft and flavorful. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin is great for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye for extra tenderness and flavor. Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor significantly; if time allows, marinate for up to 2 hours. High Heat is Key: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures a nice sear and keeps the steak juicy; avoid overcrowding the skillet. Perfect Garnish: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only add flavor but also a beautiful presentation to your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap steak for chicken in this recipe. Use about 1 pound of boneless chicken breast or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate just like you would the steak. Cook the chicken bites for about 5-7 minutes or until they are fully cooked. The honey and soy sauce mix will still give a sweet and sticky finish. If you want a meat-free option, tofu works great. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results. Cut the tofu into cubes and press it to remove excess water. Marinate it the same way you do with steak. Cook the tofu in a skillet until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. The sauce will stick nicely, making it a tasty vegetarian treat. Sweet and sticky steak bites pair well with many sides. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. You can also add a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Try a simple cucumber salad for a crunch. These combinations make your dinner not just tasty, but colorful too. To keep your steak bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to soak up extra moisture. This helps keep your steak bites from getting soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For the best flavor when reheating, use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the steak bites and a splash of water to keep them moist. Stir often for about 3-4 minutes, until they are warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry them out. Heat in short bursts and check often. If you want to save steak bites for later, freezing works well. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the steak absorbs the sweet and savory flavors. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator while it marinates. Yes, you can use a different cut of steak. While sirloin works well, cuts like ribeye or flank steak also fit nicely. Just make sure the pieces are bite-sized. This way, they cook evenly and soak up all that sweet sauce. These steak bites pair well with many sides. You can serve them with steamed rice or noodles. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or some roasted veggies. They also go great with a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy mixing and matching! You now have all the tools to make sweet and sticky steak bites with ease. We covered the key ingredients, helpful cooking methods, and tips for great flavor. You learned how to marinate, cook, and store your bites. Remember, a few small changes can make a big taste difference. Try other meats or even tofu for fun. Enjoy serving these bites at your next gathering. They will surely impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Delicious bite-sized steak pieces coated in a sweet and sticky honey-soy marinade.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 green onion, finely sliced for garnish
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Add the steak cubes to the marinade and toss until all pieces are coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade (reserving the marinade) and add the steak cubes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  • Once the steak bites are cooked, pour the reserved marinade over the skillet, bringing it to a simmer.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes glossy and sticky.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before plating.
  • Garnish your sweet and sticky steak bites with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword appetizer, bites, honey, steak, sticky