Sticky Soy Steak Bites Recipe

Name: Sticky Soy Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American, Japanese, Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-size pieces; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup light soy sauce; ¼ cup honey; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus more for serving; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

By Milena ManolovaFeb. 19, 2024 4:00 pm EST

Sticky soy steak bites on a plate with fork and spoon in it

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

These Asian-inspired sticky soy steak bites are the perfect quick and easy dish made with tender sirloin steak and a savory-sweet sauce made with pantry staples. "The steak bites are cooked to perfection in a matter of minutes, and the sauce comes together in a flash. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your liking — feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to suit your taste preferences," shares recipe developer Milena Manolova.

An easy combination of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors in these saucy bites. Plus, the addition of sesame oil and sesame seeds gives the dish a uniquely nutty, toasted aroma, while cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring that every steak bite is coated in a generous layer of deliciousness. Once the bites come out of the skillet, you can serve them in a variety of ways, such as over rice or rice noodles, with roasted veggies, or stuffed in a steamed bun with a side of kimchi.

Gather the ingredients for sticky soy steak bites

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The ingredients you'll need to make these delicious sticky soy steak bites include vegetable oil to cook the meat, sirloin steak, salt, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. For the sauce, you'll need light soy sauce or regular soy sauce (make sure to adjust the salt to your taste), honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and cornstarch to thicken the glaze.

Step 1: Heat some oil

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Add vegetable oil to a wok over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the steak and seasonings

Adding minced garlic to pan with steak pieces

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

Add steak and season with salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and minced garlic.

Step 3: Let the steak cook

cooked steak pieces in wok pan with wooden spoon

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Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat gets a crust on both sides. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the sauce

Glass bowl with soy sauce, sesame seeds, spices, and cornstarch

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, cornstarch, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Step 5: Add the sauce to the steak bites

Adding soy sauce with sesame seeds to a wok with cooked meat pieces

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

Pour the sauce over the steak and return the pan to medium-low heat.

Step 6: Cook until sticky

Wok with steak bites cooked in a sticky soy sauce

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

Cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat.

Step 7: Garnish and serve hot

Sprinkling sesame seeds over a plate with sticky soy steak bites

Milena Manolova/Chowhound

Serve hot with some more sesame seeds sprinkled on top, if desired.

How do you store leftover sticky soy steak bites?

Fork leaning on a plate over sticky soy steak bites garnished with sesame seeds and fresh parsley

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To store any leftover sticky soy steak bites, it's important to allow them to cool to room temperature. Next, place the steak bites in an airtight container or resealable bag, along with any remaining sauce. From there, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store the steak bites for longer, you can freeze them. Place the steak bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and keep them in the freezer for 2-3 months.

To reheat the steak bites, you can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the steak bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they're heated through. For the stovetop, add the meat and sauce to a skillet or wok and heat, stirring often, until your desired temperature is reached. The texture of the steak bites may change slightly after being stored and reheated, but they'll still be delicious and full of sweet and savory flavors.

What steak cuts can I use instead of sirloin for sticky soy steak bites?

Plates with sticky soy steak bites, a fork, and a bowl with sesame seeds

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Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that's full of flavor and has a similar texture to sirloin steak. It's a great substitute for this sticky soy steak bites recipe because it holds up well to marinades and sauces and doesn't require much trimming or cutting. Skirt steak is another great option for sticky soy steak bites. It's a thin cut of beef that has a rich flavor and tenderness similar to flank steak. It's important to slice skirt steak against the grain to ensure that it comes out tender and easy to chew.

You could also try a flat iron steak, which is tender, flavorful, and has a good amount of marbling, which helps to keep the steak moist during cooking. Hanger steak is also well-marbled and has a rich, beefy flavor. Like skirt steak, it needs to be sliced against the grain for optimal tenderness. Finally, you can even use another type of meat besides beef, such as chicken, pork, or lamb, or even opt for tofu to make this vegan-friendly.