Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Steak lovers, rejoice! This Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites recipe is a game-changer. It’s a perfect combination of tender beef, sweet honey, and garlicky goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, these steak bites are sure to hit the spot. The best part? The crockpot does most of the work, leaving you with juicy, flavorful steak bites that are practically melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
Start by cutting the sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes the steak bites easy to eat.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce will infuse the steak bites with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors as they cook.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Place the steak bites in the crockpot, then pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Stir to ensure all the steak bites are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Steak Bites
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the steak bites to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before the steak bites are done, you’ll want to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, then cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes. This will give the sauce a luscious, thick consistency that clings to the steak bites.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, your honey garlic steak bites should be tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Serve Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes
These steak bites are amazing served over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The rice or potatoes will soak up the sweet and savory sauce, making every bite extra delicious.
Pair with Steamed Vegetables
Balance the richness of the steak bites by serving them alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The freshness of the vegetables complements the hearty steak bites perfectly.
Serve as an Appetizer
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, these honey garlic steak bites make a fantastic appetizer. Simply stick a toothpick in each bite, and you’ve got a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish ready to go.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
While sirloin steak is a great choice for this recipe, you can also use other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin for an even more luxurious experience. Just be sure to choose a cut of beef that is well-marbled for the best flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or add a little more soy sauce to balance the flavors. Taste the sauce before adding it to the crockpot, and adjust as needed.
Don’t Overcook the Steak Bites
To avoid dry or tough steak bites, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours should yield perfectly tender steak bites. If you’re using a different cut of beef, the cooking time may vary slightly.
Variations on Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Spicy Honey Garlic Steak Bites
If you like a little heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey.
Honey Garlic Steak Bites with Vegetables
Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the crockpot along with the steak bites. The vegetables will cook down and absorb the flavors of the sauce, adding more texture and flavor to the dish.
Teriyaki-Inspired Steak Bites
For a teriyaki twist, add a tablespoon of mirin or sake and a dash of sesame oil to the honey garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Beef
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. It also adds a ton of flavor without adding extra calories.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. While it’s still a source of sugar, it’s a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the steak with chicken breast or thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to sear the steak bites, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes with a natural release. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry afterward.
Q4: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are all great side dishes to serve with honey garlic steak bites. A fresh green salad also pairs nicely to balance the richness of the dish.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze honey garlic steak bites. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak with minimal effort. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender beef is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a party, this dish is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a meal that everyone will love.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Steak lovers, rejoice! This Crockpot Honey Garlic Steak Bites recipe is a game-changer. It's a perfect combination of tender beef, sweet honey, and garlicky goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, these steak bites are sure to hit the spot. The best part? The crockpot does most of the work, leaving you with juicy, flavorful steak bites that are practically melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 pounds stew beef
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- sesame seeds for garnish
- fresh parsley or scallions optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch if needed
Instructions
To a large skillet over medium high heat, add the sesame oil.
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Add the stew beef and cook until browned. We are not thoroughly cooking the meat, just searing it to lock in flavor.
2 pounds stew beef
Add the seared beef to the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker.
To a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano and pour over the meat in the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
4 cloves garlic,1/2 cup honey,1/2 cup ketchup,1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce,1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
If the sauce starts to get too thick before the beef is tender, add ½ cup of water.
If the sauce is too thin, before serving mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ¼ of water and stir into the sauce.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, or scallions and serve with rice!
sesame seeds,fresh parsley or scallions