Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These honey garlic steak bites are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender pieces of beef cooked to perfection. The honey and soy sauce create a rich glaze that coats the beef, and the sesame seeds and green onions add a delicious crunch and freshness. Whether you use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven, the recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. Plus, the dish is perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors intensify over time, making leftovers even better!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds beef, cut into bite-sized pieces (stew beef works best)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil or vegetable oil as an alternative)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup ketchup

• ½ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

• 1 cup cold filtered water

• Optional: green onion, scallions, parsley, sesame seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water for thickening, if desired

Directions

Slow Cooker Method:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium to medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces on all sides in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You don’t need to cook them through; just caramelize the outside.

2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. Pour the mixture over the beef. Add the cold water and stir to combine.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Avoid cooking on high to prevent the honey from burning.

5. After 4 hours, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s tender, thicken the sauce by adding the cornstarch slurry in increments, stirring until the desired consistency is achieved. If the meat isn’t tender yet, add a bit more water and continue cooking until it’s perfect.

6. Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil. Brown the beef pieces in batches.

2. Whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano, and pour over the beef. Add water and stir.

3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure (manual) for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.

4. After releasing the pressure, switch to sauté mode. If you want to thicken the sauce, add cornstarch slurry in increments until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Dutch Oven Method:

1. Preheat your Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. Brown the beef in sesame oil, working in batches if necessary.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano. Pour over the beef and add the water.

3. Deglaze the pan with water, then whisk in the remaining ingredients.

4. Cover the Dutch oven and place it in a 250°F oven. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. If desired, thicken the sauce by adding cornstarch slurry. Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker) / 20 minutes (Instant Pot) / 2-3 hours (Dutch oven)

• Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak bites in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little water when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak, but stew beef is the most tender and works best for slow cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, the steak bites taste even better the next day. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.

5. Can I use the stovetop to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a Dutch oven or skillet on the stovetop. The instructions for the stovetop method are included above.

6. Can I freeze these steak bites?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked steak bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker or Instant Pot for added flavor and texture.

8. Can I use honey substitute in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.

9. How can I serve honey garlic steak bites?

Serve the steak bites over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for a fun party snack.

10. Can I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?

It’s not recommended to cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker, as it can cause the honey to burn. Low heat is best for tender, flavorful steak bites.

Conclusion

Honey garlic steak bites are a mouthwatering dish that combines savory and sweet flavors with tender beef. Whether you use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven, the recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its delicious sauce and garnishes, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.