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- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon cornstarch The main star here is the sirloin steak. This cut is tender and full of flavor. The marinade includes soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Each adds its own taste, making the dish sweet and sticky. - 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Green onions add a fresh taste and a nice crunch. Sesame seeds give a lovely look and a nutty flavor. Together, these garnishes enhance the dish's appeal. - Substitute for soy sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. - Options for sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace brown sugar and honey for a different twist. If you want to switch things up, try these alternatives. Tamari works great for those avoiding gluten. Maple syrup brings a unique taste. Each choice offers a new layer of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make sweet and sticky steak bites, start with the marinade. In a large bowl, mix these ingredients: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Stir the mix until the brown sugar dissolves. Add your steak cubes to the bowl. Toss them well to coat. Let the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also marinate it in the fridge for up to 2 hours for more flavor. Next, heat your pan. Use a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to keep the steak from sticking. When the pan is hot, take the steak cubes out of the marinade. Let the extra marinade drip off, but save it for later. Add the steak bites to the pan in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned. Cook them to your liking. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Remove the cooked steak bites from the skillet and set them aside. Add the reserved marinade to the same skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to it. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and become sticky. After the sauce thickens, return the cooked steak bites to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce until they are well-coated. Marinating your steak is key to great flavor. I always recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. To enhance the flavor, mix the marinade well. Be sure the brown sugar dissolves fully. This will help create that sweet and sticky sauce later. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist. Check your steak bites often to get the right doneness. I suggest cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side. If you want them medium-rare, watch them closely. Overcooking will make them tough. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be exact. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare. Pair these steak bites with fluffy rice or crispy veggies. They also go well with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. When serving, arrange them on a nice platter. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. A drizzle of extra sauce can make it look even more tempting! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the steak bites for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the steak. A hot pan will give you a nice sear, enhancing the flavor and texture of the steak bites. Reserve Some Marinade: Keep a portion of the marinade aside before adding it to the skillet. This ensures you have extra sauce to drizzle over the finished dish for added flavor. Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds! They not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap out sirloin steak for other cuts. Tenderloin works well, as it is lean and tender. Chicken is another great option. Use chicken breast for a lighter meal. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces like the steak. Want some heat? Add spices or hot sauce to the marinade. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a nice kick. You can also add herbs and spices like rosemary or cilantro for extra flavor. These can change the taste and make the dish even more exciting. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This swap keeps the flavor while fitting your diet. For a low-sugar version, replace brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener. This way, you can enjoy the sweet taste without the extra sugar. To keep your sweet and sticky steak bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. If you store them in the fridge, they will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This prevents steam buildup, which can make them soggy. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, you have a couple of options. You can use a microwave for a quick heat-up. Just place the steak bites in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid tough meat. Alternatively, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the flavor and texture. Add a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep them moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Lay the steak bites on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave, just like before. For sweet and sticky steak bites, I recommend using sirloin steak. Sirloin is tender and flavorful. It cooks well and absorbs the marinade nicely. Other good options are tenderloin or flank steak. These cuts also give tasty results and work well in recipes like this. Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it easier to prepare your dish. Just add the steak when you're ready to cook. Steak bites pair well with many sides. Popular options include rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies. You can also serve them with a fresh salad. The flavors combine well and make for a balanced meal. Try some garlic bread for a fun twist! You’ve learned how to make sweet and sticky steak bites, from choosing the right sirloin to enhancing flavors. We discussed marinating and cooking methods that bring out the best taste. Remember to experiment with different meats and spice levels for a personal touch. Proper storage can keep leftovers fresh, ensuring every bite is delicious. Keep these tips in mind for a great meal every time. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Deliciously marinated steak bites cooked to perfection and coated in a sticky sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the steak cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
  • Heat a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan if necessary to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the steak cubes from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the marinade for later. Add the steak bites to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
  • Once the steak bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade along with the cornstarch. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
  • Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce until well-coated.
  • Transfer the sticky steak bites to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, marinate the steak for up to 2 hours.
Keyword appetizer, marinated, steak