Looking for a dinner that warms you up from the inside out? These firecracker steak bites are the perfect answer for a busy winter night.
They deliver tender meat and a bold, spicy glaze in no time. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is ready in 25 minutes from start to finish. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
The balance of sweet honey and spicy sriracha is truly addictive. It is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a steak dinner any night.
Simple Cooking Method
You will start by searing the meat at a very high heat. This creates a beautiful golden crust on every single bite.
Then, you simply pour in the sauce and let it thicken. Even beginners can master this restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh garlic and pantry staples make this meal easy to whip up anytime.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Directions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; sear for 2 minutes per side to develop a dark crust.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the steak bites and stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces to a thick glaze that clings to the meat.
- Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these glistening steak bites over a bed of fluffy white rice. Add some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
For a fun date night, serve them with toothpicks as a spicy appetizer. They are also wonderful tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. They make a fantastic protein-packed lunch the next morning.
To reheat, toss them in a hot skillet for just a minute. Avoid the microwave to keep the meat from getting tough.
Tips for Best Results
- Pat the meat very dry to get a perfect sear.
- Do not crowd the pan or the meat will steam instead.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even heat distribution.
- Adjust the sriracha if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For the winter holidays, double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing snack.
- Toast your sesame seeds briefly to unlock extra nutty flavor.
- Cut the steak into even cubes so they cook at once.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the steak for chicken breast or large shrimp.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a bright, citrusy finish.
- In the summer, serve these over a cold noodle salad.
- Mix in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Common Questions
What kind of steak is best?
Sirloin is great because it is lean and affordable. You can also use ribeye for a richer, more tender bite.
Are these steak bites too spicy?
They have a nice kick but are not overwhelming. You can always reduce the red pepper flakes for kids.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can whisk the sauce and chop the meat a day early. This makes weeknight cooking even faster when you are busy.
I hope these spicy steak bites bring some warmth to your table tonight. They are so simple to make and truly satisfying to eat. Enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Firecracker Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hone y
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; sear for 2 minutes per side to develop a dark crust.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the steak bites and stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces to a thick glaze that clings to the meat.
- Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
