If you’re searching for a dinner that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe. I absolutely love how the combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender steak bites comes together in such a simple slow cooker dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something cozy after a long day, this recipe hits all the right notes and will soon become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You toss everything in and let time do the work for tender, juicy steak bites every time.
- Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance: The honey and garlic combo is comfort food at its finest, with just a hint of heat from chili flakes.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe suits busy weeknights or casual gatherings — everyone from kids to adults loves it.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry to make a big batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe plays a crucial role, and that harmony is what makes it so irresistible. I especially recommend using a good quality sirloin — it cooks beautifully in the slow cooker and stays tender, plus a splash of soy sauce really deepens the flavor.
- Sirloin: Choose a fresh, well-marbled sirloin for tasty, tender steak bites that won’t dry out.
- Cooking Oil: I like using sesame oil here for a slight nutty flavor, but any neutral oil works.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch adds the perfect background heat — freshly ground is best!
- Honey: This is your sweet magic touch; it caramelizes beautifully and pairs so well with garlic.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth; low sodium is a great choice if you want to control salt levels.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives this recipe its bold, irresistible aroma.
- Red Chili Flakes: A little kick to balance all that sweetness—adjust based on your spice preference.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without clumping.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Variations
I love how forgiving this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe is — it’s easy to make it your own depending on your mood or what you have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to swap things up to suit your tastes!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a bit more red chili flakes or even a dash of sriracha for a fiery twist my family adores.
- Garlic Lovers: If you’re like me and can’t get enough garlic, doubling the amount really amps up the flavor without overpowering.
- Gluten-Free: Just swap soy sauce for tamari to keep it gluten-free without losing any of the savory depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Tossing in chopped fresh parsley or green onions at the end brightens up the dish nicely.
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. Season the sirloin steak bites with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides until beautifully browned—this usually takes about 2 minutes. I like to do this in batches so the pan doesn’t get overcrowded, which helps the steak develop that tasty crust instead of steaming. Once browned, transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker. This step really amps up the recipe’s flavor, though you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a little spicy, plus the cornstarch helps turn it into a nice, glossy sauce as it cooks. Pour this sauce evenly over the steak bites in the slow cooker — the aroma already gets my mouth watering every time!
Step 3: Add Butter and Let it Slow Cook
Cut the salted butter into small cubes and scatter over the top of the steak and sauce in the slow cooker. This added richness makes a huge difference in texture and taste. Cover and cook everything on LOW for 5 hours. The slow cooker gently melts the steak bites until tender, while the sauce thickens to perfection. It’s honestly one of the easiest and most rewarding dishes I’ve made.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Searing: It adds layers of flavor and a gorgeous crust — trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced won’t give you the same punch of flavor, so take those few extra minutes!
- Avoid Overcrowding Your Skillet: Sear the steak bites in batches to get even browning instead of steaming.
- Cornstarch Magic: Whisk it well into the sauce to avoid lumps — this will give you the best silky texture.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top — it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich sauce. Sometimes a little toasted sesame seed goes on for a subtle crunch and extra visual interest.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice to soak up the sauce. For veggies, I usually serve roasted broccoli or a crisp side salad — they balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like presenting the steak bites on a wooden serving board garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a little brightness. It’s a hit at dinner parties and makes everyone feel like they’re eating something extra special without added fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover steak bites and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, but it warms back up beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend portioning the steak bites and sauce into freezer-safe containers. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The texture remains surprisingly good.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the steak bites slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method keeps them tender and revives the sauce’s silky consistency better than the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef for this Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal because it stays tender and cooks evenly in the slow cooker, you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Just be mindful that tougher cuts may need a bit longer cooking time to become tender.
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Do I have to sear the steak bites before slow cooking?
You don’t have to, but searing adds so much flavor and a beautiful crust that really elevates the dish. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip searing — the dish will still taste great, just a little less complex.
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Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! The recipe includes red chili flakes for a mild spice, but you can easily increase the amount or add ingredients like sriracha or fresh chopped chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
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How thick will the sauce be after slow cooking?
The cornstarch in the sauce thickens it nicely during the slow cooking process, giving you a silky, glossy coating on the steak bites. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the steak bites when done and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation — it’s simple, satisfying, and always gets compliments. I love how it combines just a handful of pantry staples into a comforting meal that feels effortlessly gourmet. If you give it a try, I’m confident it’ll become one of those go-to dishes you reach for when you want something cozy, flavorful, and totally delicious. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy Honey Garlic Steak Bites recipe featuring tender sirloin chunks simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with a hint of chili. Perfectly seared and slow-cooked to maximize flavor and tenderness, this dish is a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak
- 3 lbs. sirloin, 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
- Heat and Sear the Steak: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin steak pieces and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Sear the steak bites on all sides until they develop a browned crust, about 2 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan by searing in batches. Transfer the browned steak bites to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this sauce evenly over the steak bites in the slow cooker.
- Add Butter Cubes: Cut the salted butter into small cubes and distribute them on top of the steak and sauce mixture in the slow cooker to add richness and flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Cook the steak bites for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and juicy.
- Serve and Enjoy: After cooking, give the steak bites a gentle stir to combine the sauce and butter. Serve warm, either on their own or over rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Searing the steak bites before slow cooking is optional but it adds depth of flavor and a desirable texture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes to taste.
- Use sesame oil to add a subtle nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
- The cornstarch in the sauce helps to thicken it during slow cooking for a luscious coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6 oz steak with sauce)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg