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- 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 freshly ground black pepper These ingredients come together to create a sweet and sticky sauce that coats each steak bite. The sirloin steak provides a tender base, while honey adds sweetness. Soy sauce brings umami, and sesame oil gives a rich flavor. Garlic and ginger offer a nice zing. Finally, cornstarch thickens the sauce into a glossy coating. - 1 green onion, finely sliced - A sprinkle of sesame seeds Using green onions adds a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds give a nutty finish and a delightful visual touch. These garnishes enhance the dish, making it appealing and flavorful. - For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. - You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, these substitutes work well. Each choice can change the flavor slightly but still keep the dish tasty. Experiment and find what you love best! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparing the marinade To start, take a medium bowl. Combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk it well until everything mixes smoothly. Tossing steak in marinade Next, add 1 pound of sirloin steak cubes to the bowl. Gently toss the steak in the marinade until every piece gets a nice coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Duration and tips for marinating Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor. This soak is key for making your steak bites tender and tasty. Heating the skillet Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it's hot before adding the steak. This step helps to sear the meat nicely. Cooking time and techniques After marinating, take the steak from the marinade but keep the marinade for later. Place the steak in the hot skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure they brown evenly and reach your preferred doneness. Use of marinade Once the steak is cooked, pour the reserved marinade over the bites. Let it come to a gentle simmer to enhance the flavors. Preparing the cornstarch slurry In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until it is smooth. This mixture will help thicken your sauce. Combining sauce and steak bites Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir it in while cooking for 1-2 minutes. This process will thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, sticky texture. Watching for desired texture Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens. You want it to cling to the steak bites well. When it reaches the right consistency, remove the skillet from heat. Enjoy your sweet and sticky steak bites! - Achieving the right doneness: I like my steak medium-rare, which means an internal temp of 130°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Cook longer for medium or well-done steak. - Tips for even cooking: Cut your steak into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. This will help all pieces cook at the same rate. - Adding spice with chili flakes: If you like heat, add chili flakes to the marinade. This gives your steak a nice kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. - Alternative marinades: Try using teriyaki sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey for a different flavor. Each option gives a unique twist to the steak bites. - Plating ideas: Serve the steak bites on a stylish platter. Use toothpicks for easy eating. This makes it fun for guests. - Suggested accompaniments: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. They balance the sweet flavors of the steak bites and add color to your plate. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2 hours if possible; this enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. High Heat for Searing: Make sure your skillet or wok is properly preheated to achieve a nice sear on the steak bites, locking in the juices. Thickening the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry continuously as you add it to the marinade to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce. Serving Suggestion: For an impressive presentation, serve the steak bites on a platter with toothpicks and a side of the reserved dipping sauce. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try different meats. You can use flank steak or ribeye for a more tender bite. If you're looking for a lighter option, chicken works great. Cut the chicken into pieces like the steak. Tofu is also a fantastic choice for a vegetarian version. Just press the tofu to remove water and cut it into cubes. Marinade the tofu just like the steak for the best flavor. You can easily change the flavor of your steak bites. For a sweet and spicy kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade. This will bring heat and depth. If you prefer herbs, try adding fresh rosemary or thyme. These herbs will add a savory touch. You could even mix in citrus juice for a bright flavor. Sweet and sticky steak bites make great appetizers. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating. You can also serve them as a main dish. Just add rice or a fresh salad on the side. This will balance the rich flavors. You can drizzle extra sauce over the top for a nice touch. To keep your sweet and sticky steak bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, aim to maintain the sticky texture. The best method is to use the stove. Heat a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place the steak bites in the pan. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid using high heat; this can dry them out. For microwave reheating, use a covered dish. Heat in short bursts and check often. Stored leftovers last about three days in the fridge. After this period, the risk of spoilage increases. Signs of spoilage include an off smell and discoloration. If the steak looks slimy or has changed color, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it seems off, do not eat it. For sweet and sticky steak bites, I recommend using sirloin steak. Sirloin is tender and flavorful. You can also try flank or tenderloin for a different taste. Both cuts provide a nice texture. They work well with the sweet marinade. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is made without wheat. It gives a similar taste. You can also use coconut aminos as another option. Both will keep your dish tasty and gluten-free. To reduce sweetness, cut back on honey. You can use half the amount. Another option is to add more soy sauce. This will balance the flavors. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. These replacements can help maintain sweetness without the sugar. Sweet and sticky steak bites go well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or jasmine rice - Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots - A fresh salad with a light dressing - Garlic bread for a tasty contrast - Noodles tossed in sesame oil and veggies These sides will enhance your meal and complement the steak bites perfectly. In this blog post, I shared how to create delicious sweet and sticky steak bites. You learned about key ingredients like sirloin steak, honey, and soy sauce. I also provided tips for marinating, cooking, and thickening your sauce for the best texture. Don't forget to explore ingredient substitutes and variations, plus how to store and reheat leftovers. With these easy steps, you can impress your guests or enjoy a tasty meal at home. Now, it's your turn to try this recipe and make it your own!

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Deliciously marinated steak bites coated in a sweet and sticky sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 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 quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 green onion finely sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 sprinkle sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Add the diced steak cubes into the marinade, tossing gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.
  • While the steak is marinating, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, and then set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. After marinating, remove the steak cubes from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the steak bites in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are evenly browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
  • Once the steak bites are cooked, pour the reserved marinade over them, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and achieves a glossy, sticky texture.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, letting it cool for a minute before plating the dish.
  • For the finishing touch, garnish the sweet and sticky steak bites with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving to elevate the dish’s presentation.

Notes

Serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of dipping sauce made from remaining marinade.
Keyword appetizer, steak, sticky, sweet