Teriyaki Steak Bites Recipe

Teriyaki steak bites are a flavorful, bite-sized dish that combines tender pieces of steak with the rich, sweet, and savory notes of teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for casual dinners, quick appetizers, or even a satisfying snack.

The beauty of teriyaki steak bites lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a quiet evening, this recipe will elevate your meal with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, preparation, techniques, and variations, providing a comprehensive approach to making the best teriyaki steak bites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Steak

1. Selecting the Steak: Choose high-quality steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts are tender and flavorful, making them ideal for steak bites.
2. Cutting the Steak: Start by cutting the steak into small, bite-sized cubes. Make sure to cut the steak against the grain to ensure each bite is tender. The size of the pieces should be around 1-2 inches wide to cook evenly and quickly.
3. Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed on all the pieces. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Heating the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Thickening the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering teriyaki sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken within a few minutes. Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove the sauce from heat.

Cooking the Steak Bites

1. Searing the Steak: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to get hot before adding the steak bites. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear on all sides.
2. Cooking Time: Cook the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a nice caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy.
3. Resting the Steak: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak bites from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Glazing the Steak Bites with Teriyaki Sauce

1. Combining the Steak and Sauce: After the steak bites have rested, return them to the skillet over low heat. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the steak bites, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce.
2. Simmering: Let the steak bites simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the teriyaki glaze to thicken and adhere to the meat. This will create a rich, glossy finish.
3. Garnishing: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the Perfect Sear

To get that perfect golden-brown crust on your steak bites, make sure your pan is hot before adding the meat. Avoid moving the steak around too much during the cooking process to allow the sear to develop.

The Right Cooking Temperature for Steak

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak bites are cooked to your preference:

• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Tips for Tender, Juicy Steak

• Resting the Meat: Let the steak rest before cutting into it. This helps retain the juices.
• Avoid Overcooking: Steak bites cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can result in a tough texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Sides

Teriyaki steak bites can be served with a variety of sides:

• Steamed rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the rich teriyaki sauce.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Bok choy, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work well.
• Noodles: Serve with stir-fried noodles or lo mein for an Asian-inspired meal.

Best Dipping Sauces

• Extra teriyaki sauce: For those who like more sauce, serve with a small bowl on the side.
• Sriracha mayo: A blend of mayonnaise and Sriracha for a spicy, creamy kick.

Garnishes and Toppings

• Sesame seeds and green onions: These add texture and freshness to the dish.
• Fresh cilantro: A nice herbal note that complements the teriyaki flavors.

Variations of Teriyaki Steak Bites

Spicy Teriyaki Steak Bites

Add some heat by incorporating chili flakes, Sriracha, or gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the teriyaki sauce. This adds a layer of spice that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki.

Garlic Teriyaki Steak Bites

For a more robust flavor, increase the amount of garlic in the teriyaki sauce or add garlic powder to the steak seasoning. You can also toss in whole garlic cloves during the searing process for an aromatic touch.

Honey Teriyaki Steak Bites

Sweeten the dish by adding an extra tablespoon or two of honey to the teriyaki sauce. This variation is great for those who enjoy a sweeter flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover teriyaki steak bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To reheat, place the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to prevent drying out. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.

Conclusion

Teriyaki steak bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these steak bites are sure to be a hit. With the right preparation and a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of meat?
Yes! You can use flank steak, skirt steak, or even beef tenderloin. Each cut will have a slightly different texture, but they will all work well with the teriyaki glaze.

Can I grill the steak bites instead?
Absolutely! Grill the steak bites on high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, then toss them in the teriyaki sauce for added flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the steak and teriyaki sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them right before serving for the best texture.

Yield: 4

Teriyaki Steak Bites Recipe

Print

Teriyaki steak bites are a flavorful, bite-sized dish that combines tender pieces of steak with the rich, sweet, and savory notes of teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for casual dinners, quick appetizers, or even a satisfying snack. The beauty of teriyaki steak bites lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a quiet evening, this recipe will elevate your meal with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, preparation, techniques, and variations, providing a comprehensive approach to making the best teriyaki steak bites.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• For the Teriyaki Marinade:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Garnish:
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Place the steak bites in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator. This step is optional, but it will enhance the flavor.

2. Cook the Steak Bites:

• In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Remove the steak bites from the marinade (if you marinated them) and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Add the steak bites to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the steak in batches if needed.
• Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).

3. Add Butter:

• In the last minute of cooking, add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, tossing the steak bites in the butter for extra flavor and richness.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the cooked steak bites to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.

Notes

Marinade Tips: For a stronger teriyaki flavor, you can marinate the steak bites longer, up to 4 hours. If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating process and simply toss the steak in the sauce before cooking.

Serve With: These steak bites pair well with rice, stir-fried veggies, or a crisp green salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.