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A close-up of sweet and sticky steak bites drizzled with glaze.

Classic Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

These classic sweet and sticky steak bites are incredibly flavorful and easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Tiny bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Garnish

  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Green onions chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry; set both aside.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear steak cubes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, removing them from the pan and setting them aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium, pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue whisking gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Return the seared steak to the skillet with the thickened sauce, tossing gently to coat, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings to the steak and it's cooked through.

Serving

  • Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for searing to get a perfect crust. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it. Adjust the amount of honey/maple syrup to your preferred sweetness level. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.