Quick and Easy Chili Lime Steak Bites
This easy Chili Lime Steak Bites recipe packs plenty of spicy and zesty flavor into tender pieces of sirloin steak. With only a handful of ingredients and in less than fifteen minutes, you can have a gluten free appetizer or a quick and easy dinner with an irresistible flavor that is a fiesta for your taste buds.
Success is a funny thing. Some people don’t care what they have to do to achieve it, even if it is at the expense of others. There are those who, once they feel they have “made it”, they forget about the “little people” they passed along the way or those who helped them get there.
But then there are people like Donna and Chad of the wildly popular food blog The Slow Roasted Italian. They just work their butts off, and all along the way they just want to support everyone and use their success to help others learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. That’s why I am honored to tell you about and share a recipe from their new cookbook, The Simple Kitchen.
It’s a simple dish that is part of our regular rotation. These Chili Lime Steak Bites are so good and so fast that we are always making them to serve over rice or browned butter cauliflower rice, in tacos, on salads, and more!
We love the flavors that I’ve even started making Chili Lime Shrimp!
Sirloin Steak Bites with Chili and Lime
With only six ingredients (plus salt and pepper), they are ready in less than 15 minutes! I guarantee you’ll be making them as often as we are, whether it’s Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, or any busy night when you need a fast meal.
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!
Ingredients
Top sirloin steak
The top sirloin is a lean and affordable cut of beef. But it is extremely flavorful and juicy. It is perfect for a recipe like this because since it does not have a high fat content, the quick cooking time ensures it retains its moisture and does not dry out.
If there is a thick layer of fat on the steak, you can cut that off. Then cut it into 1-inch thick slices, and cut those slices into 1/2-inch long pieces.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Since the steak and sauce have so much flavor, you only need basic seasonings from your spice cabinet for this recipe.
Chili paste
For this recipe, I use the tubes of chili paste you can find in the produce section near the herbs, like from the brand Gourmet Gardens.
Honey
Just a little honey allows the steak to really caramelize in that hot pan and balances out the spice.
Olive oil
Olive oil will keep the steak from sticking in the pan. You can also use something like avocado oil as well. No need for the fancy extra virgin olive oil here.
Limes
You’ll need both the zest and the juice of the limes, so be sure to zest the limes first before juicing them. I like to use a Microplane zester to avoid getting any of the bitter white pith. And this handheld juicer has become my new best friend lately because it gets out tons of juice without a lot of work or mess.
Directions
- Cut top sirloin steak into cubes.
- Toss the steak in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat it with chili paste and honey.
- Heat your cast iron skillet on the stove and get it screaming hot.
- Sear the steak for just a few minutes.
- Remove the steak out of the pan.
- Add lime zest and juice to create a zingy glaze to slather over those steak bites.
It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Brianne’s recipe pro tips
Serving suggestions
- Serve this easy steak bites recipe with rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside a baked sweet potato.
- Use them to make a salad. A drizzle of Honey Lime Dressing would be delicious.
- They would be tasty with Mexican Pepper Jack Cauli Tots or Chili Lime Corn
- You can use them to make steak tacos topped with Mango Avocado Salsa and Easy Guacamole.
- Also, these steak bites can be a super fast party appetizer. Just make a few batches and set out some toothpicks and a couple of extra lime wedges. If you want to add these to your game day or Cinco de Mayo menu, just be sure to double or triple the batch. I guarantee they will disappear faster than you can make them.
Variations
Once you know the technique, you can change up the ingredients for all different flavors:
- Douse the steak bites with Worcestershire Sauce, similar to the way I make cube steaks.
- Keep the seasoning simple and serve your Steak Bites with Bloody Mary Sauce.
- Or make them all glazy good with Honey Balsamic Steak Bites.
About The Simple Kitchen cookbook
If you are already a fan of The Slow Roasted Italian, then nothing will surprise you about Donna and Chad’s cookbook. And that’s a good thing. It’s page after page of the vibrant photos of their belly-filling and soul-satisfying comfort food that you’ve come to know and love.
And if you don’t already know and love them, I guarantee that you soon will. They create, capture, and share dishes filled with ingredients and flavors that are familiar, but always put together in a way that just takes it to another level. Whether it’s the most colorful pasta dishes or heartiest soups and stews or juiciest meats, every recipe is at the same time familiar and approachable as it is impressive.
The Simple Kitchen will have dog-eared corners in no time. It’s a collection of slow cooker recipes, one-pot meals, super fast dinners and sides, fun party appetizers, and of course desserts.
I’ve already marked a ton of recipes I know my family will love, like Melt-In-Your-Mouth Spicy Ribs, Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Rice, and Banana Berry Cheesecake Salad.
You can also get some other sneak peeks into The Simple Kitchen cookbook.
- Find the Down-Home Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes on Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
- The No-Bake Black Bottom Peanut Butter Pie was whipped up on 365 Days of Baking and More.
- And you can check out the 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce on Eating in a Dime.
Are there gluten free recipes in The Simple Kitchen Cookbook?
For my fellow gluten-free readers, there are definitely gluten free recipes to choose from. There are a fair amount of pasta dishes, so you might have to substitute gluten free pasta in those dishes.
A few of the soups and sauce are thickened with flour, so perhaps you can give those a shot with rice flour. And admittedly a few of the recipes, like Jalapeno Pretzel Twists and Donna’s Famous Sugar Cookies would need a complete gluten free overhaul. But there’s still plenty to choose from. There are even a couple of desserts like No-Bake Rocky Road Avalanche Bars.
More cookbook recommendations
- Find out about all the decadent treats in The Poke Cake Cookbook when you check out this recipe for Reese’s Poke Cake.
- BBQ Chicken Tostadas are one of the most popular recipes on my site because they are from one of my favorites, The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook.
- Mediterranean Chicken Pinwheels is just one of 100 Creative Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken.
- And get more fast and easy meals with only a few ingredients like Home-Style Shrimp Bowls from Express Lane Cooking.
I also share cookbook recommendations from me and all of my blogger friends, which is especially helpful if you are looking for gift ideas!
You might also enjoy these steak recipes…
- Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
- Greek Beef Skewers
- Caprese Filet Mignon
- Honey Balsamic Grilled Flat Iron Steak
Chili Lime Steak Bites Recipe
With only a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you can make this easy dinner recipe or steak appetizer that is a party your mouth. You are going to want to always keep the ingredients on hand because they are perfect to whip up when you only have a few minutes to make dinner.
I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a review on Pinterest or photo on Instagram!
Tag me @cupcakekalechip and use #cupcakesandkalechips!
Chili Lime Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb top sirloin steak
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons chili paste
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 limes zested and juiced
Instructions
- Cut the steak into 1-inch strips, then cut the strips into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Place the steak in a small bowl, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to coat the steak in the spices.
- Add the chili pasta and the honey, and stir again to coat the steak completely.
- Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Hold your hand about 6 inches above the pan, and when you can feel the heat, add the olive oil and swirl around the pan. Add the steak to the pan in a single layer. If it doesn’t sizzle and hiss, the pan is not hot enough.
- Sear the steak for 1 minute before touching it, then flip the steak bites with tongs or a spatula. Sear the steak on the second side for an additional 1 minute, then remove the steak from the pan to a plate.
- Add the lime zest and lime juice to the hot pan, stir to combine, and pour the chili lime sauce of the steak bites.
Nutrition
Enjoy!
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tbuch says
My husband and I absolutely LOVED it- We used filets… oh my goodness- this will def be added to our rotation
Waheeda says
It looks delicious! To save time for a cocktail party, could I possibly marinate the chopped meat the day before?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I haven’t done it, but I think that would be fine.
Jacob says
I used a Thai chili sauce instead of making my own. It turned out good and sweet.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That sounds delicious, Jacob. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Lesley says
I , too, have made this, lots of juice to pour over & served with my new favorite Uncle Ben’s Brown Rice & Quinoa. My whole family loved this!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy to hear that your family enjoyed the steak bites, Lesley! Thank you for your comment and for rating the recipe.
Rosy says
I don’t know what chili paste is. I read on one of the comments that you use Gourmet Gardens but there are several flavors. Which kind was used to make this recipe?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Rosy,
Chili paste is a spicy condiment often used in Chinese cooking. It’s made from dried chili peppers and garlic. It’s typically found in the Asian aisle of the grocery store.
Barbara Tokuz says
I made this twice in a couple of days because the crowd went mad when it was gone too fast. Had to make a double batch the second time. Reheats the next day very well. I used Heinz chili sauce because I didn’t have the paste on hand — did great. I also left the meat in the iron skillet for the second batch without transferring back and forth, and, once again, it did great. I saved back some of the lime juice and poured it over the meat in the pan after the meat was done and it cooked in the flavor. No need to pour it on later. The great things about it are: 1) no need for steak sauce, 2) easy to eat because it’s already cut up, 3) great flavor, 4) cooked thoroughly, 5) very tender. Use choice steak and you can’t go wrong.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you for the raving review, Barbara! I’m so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the steak bites.
mark says
Just made this for dinner and all I can say is Wow!!! We like things with a little more heat/zing, so next time i would also add a Tbsp. of Cento sandwich spread. Served it with a Jasmine Brown Rice and Quinoa mix and Kimchi on the side. Tomorrow we will do a Brown rice bowl with the left over rice/beef and put a sunny side egg on top.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so glad that you liked the steak bites recipe, Mark, and your dinner sounds like it was absolutely delicious!
Vicki wilson says
Can I make this in an instapot? Thank u
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Vicki, you probably could make the chili lime steak bites that way, but I don’t think it would be any quicker or easier than cooking them in a cast iron skillet on the stove top.
Melissa says
I uploaded this recipe to My Fitness Pal, but the nutritional facts you have listed don’t match up with what shows in MFP, any idea why?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Melissa, nutritional information can vary depending on the ingredients you use (brands, etc.). Additionally, I think MFP nutrition is primarily gathered from users, so if something was entered incorrectly, that would also throw things off balance.
E says
What is chili paste?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Chili paste is a condiment that is used a lot in Asian cooking. It’s very similar in taste to Sriracha sauce, but it’s thicker in consistency. You can find it in the Asian section of most food stores.
tina says
hi can use any other type of meat for this recipe like stewing beef?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Tina,
You can substitute another cut of meat for the sirloin steak, but because of the short cooking time, it will need to be a lean cut of beef with very little marbling/fat, such as flank steak. Stew meat is not a good choice for this recipe, because the cut of beef is very tough/marbled and requires hours of cooking time to make it tender.
suzanne says
Marvelous! Loved it!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne!
Melissa says
This looks so yummy! It is definitely going on the menu board in the near future!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Melissa!
Lori says
I don’t have a cast iron pan, will just a regular pan work for the chili lime steak bites?
And after you put the lime zest and juice in pan, do you return the steak bites back to pan to cook a little!
Sincerely,
Lori
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Lori, if you have a stainless steel pan, that would work wonderfully for the steak bites recipe as well. Try to avoid using a non-stick pan, because it won’t give you the nice sear that you can get from a cast iron or stainless steel pan. You can definitely return the steak bites to the pan if you would like them to cook a little longer. Enjoy!
Kal says
Can you tell me about the chili paste? Brand? Where I would find it. Thank you!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Kal – I use a brand called Gourmet Gardens. It comes in a tube. Sold near the fresh herbs in the produce section of most larger grocery stores.
Rosy says
There are different flavors in the Gourmet Garden tubes. Can you tell me which flavor you used to make this recipe?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It is the Chili Pepper flavor.
Joanna says
I make meat dishes with a ‘sauce/gravy’ very often. There is No Way that your video represents your ingredients as written. There is definitely some cornstarch ‘slurry’ made with beef bullion + water or beef broth and added to the lime juice. Your video shows at least 1/2-1 cup of thickened liquid being poured over the steak pieces.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Actually no, there is no slurry or beef broth. The video follows the recipe and it’s the exact same steak bites from the video in the photos.
Kathryn Barnes Weber says
I made this and it does create the sauce as shown in the video and photos. It is so delicious! Trust the recipe! If you want more sauce, double up on the portioning.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you for your comment and recipe rating, Kathryn! I’m so happy to hear that you love the steak bites recipe. It’s one of our favorites. 🙂