These honey garlic steak bites are a quick and satisfying dish that’s full of bold flavor. Tender cubes of steak are pan-seared to perfection and then coated in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a simple yet mouthwatering recipe I keep coming back to on busy nights or when I want something delicious without much fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, I add the steak cubes and cook them, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Then I remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
I stir in the honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and salt, letting the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes so it thickens slightly.
I return the steak bites to the pan, tossing them to coat in the sauce, and let them cook for another 2 minutes to absorb all that flavor.
After taking the skillet off the heat, I garnish with fresh parsley if I have it on hand, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
For an extra rich taste, I replace olive oil with butter when searing the steak.
If I want to keep it low-sodium, I use low-sodium soy sauce or even coconut aminos as a substitute.
I also enjoy tossing in some sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for added veggies and color.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works too—about 1–2 minutes—but I cover it loosely to prevent drying out.
FAQs
How do I keep the steak bites tender?
I make sure not to overcook the steak. A quick sear on high heat locks in the juices and keeps the bites tender.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, I’ve used ribeye, sirloin, and even tenderloin. As long as the meat is tender and well-marbled, it works well in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since soy sauce usually contains gluten. But I swap it for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce when I need a gluten-free version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I prefer serving it fresh, but I sometimes cook the steak and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
What can I serve with honey garlic steak bites?
I like serving them with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even noodles. They also make a great appetizer on their own.
Conclusion
This honey garlic steak bites recipe is a lifesaver when I need something fast but satisfying. It's rich, flavorful, and super easy to make. Whether I’m cooking for myself or entertaining guests, it never fails to impress. Give it a try—I think you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is.
Recipe:
Honey Garlic Steak Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These honey garlic steak bites are the perfect weeknight dinner or party appetizer—quick, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Tender, juicy steak cubes are seared to golden perfection and tossed in a sticky, sweet-savory garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or eaten straight from the skillet, this bold and satisfying dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add steak cubes and sear for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Stir in honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
-
Return steak to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
-
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley (if using), and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, substitute olive oil with butter.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a lighter version.
Toss in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
