Honey Balsamic Steak Bites
Balsamic and honey-glazed steak bites are a mouthwatering dinner or appetizer that come together in no time. Tender morsels of beef are pan-seared, then coated in a sweet and sticky honey balsamic glaze that packs a ton of flavor. So easy with only a handful of ingredients, and you can make them in under 15 minutes!
Want to try more steak bite recipes? You’ll love Chili Lime Steak Bites and Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
My family is not much different than lots of other families – always running around between work, school, and activities. So I’m definitely a fan of super fast dinners like Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry or Sloppy Joes. These honey balsamic steak bites also fit the bill!
Because let’s be real. Sometimes I’m just throwing a pouch of pre-cooked rice and frozen veggies in the microwave to serve with dinner. And while those sides are heating up, I can easily whip up this easy steak bites recipe. In no time, we’re enjoying the caramelization from pan-searing and the simple honey balsamic glaze that packs in plenty of bold and intense flavors without a lot of time or effort.
Why You’ll Love Balsamic and Honey Glazed Steak Bites
- So fast to prepare. The steak bites are ready in less than 15 minutes, and that includes the time it takes to cut the meat.
- A few simple ingredients. You might already have everything in your pantry, since you simply season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then you just need honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar to form that wonderful crust and glaze.
- So versatile. Check out the serving suggestions below for all the ways you can make it a meal. But steak bites are also a great appetizer when set out on a platter with toothpicks.
Recipe Ingredients
Once you grab your steak at the store, you probably already have the remaining ingredients for seasoning the meat and making the honey balsamic glaze in your pantry. Here’s a quick list with some notes and tips. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions.
- Top sirloin steak. This is a steak that is lean and affordable. It is juicy and versatile, as it is often the cut of meat used for kabobs or skewers. You’re going to cut it into chunks about 1-inch by 1/2-inch long. If there’s a thick layer of fat, you can cut that off. Top round is another good option for this recipe.
- Spices. Season your beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Feel free to toss in some dried oregano or parsley, onion powder, or even red pepper flakes, if you like.
- Honey. Don’t skip this. It produces nice caramelization on the steak bites and forms a nice glaze.
- Dijon mustard. Adds a little tangy bite and helps with that nice crust, but you can also use yellow or brown mustard, if that’s what you have on hand.
- Olive oil. Another neutral oil like avocado oil is fine too.
- Balsamic vinegar.
🍴 In the Cupcakes & Kale Chips Kitchen…
- Cast Iron Skillet – I always use cast iron because it can get very hot, so you can sear the steak and get nice caramelization. This one is big enough to avoid crowding the pan.
- Tongs – For flipping those steak bites to get a nice crust on both sides.
Tips for Success
To get perfectly seared pieces of meat and a nice, honey balsamic glaze that clings and caramelizes perfectly, you just need to remember a few simple things.
- Use a screaming hot pan. Cast iron gets very hot, but it does take a few minutes. You should feel the heat when you hold your hand several inches above the pan. You’ll also see a shimmer when you add the oil. Make sure the oil gets hot, too.
- Test the temperature. After the pan is hot, add one piece of steak to start. If you don’t hear it sizzle instantly, then wait a few more minutes before adding the rest of the steak.
- Do not crowd the pan. You’ll want just a single layer of steak. Finally, be sure to let the steak sear for a full minute or two before moving or flipping the meat.
Make it a Meal
These glazed steak bites make an elegant appetizer along with something like Air Fryer Truffle Fries, but we usually have them as a quick dinner. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions.
- Top a salad. Make a steak salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing. You can also give your salad a fall touch by topping it with cubes of Roasted Butternut Squash
- Steak and potatoes. Beef always pairs nicely with Baked Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes, rounding it out with Air Fryer Asparagus.
- Lots of veggies. Whether you want a lower carb option or just love extra vegetables, try enjoying steak bites with Brown Butter Cauliflower Rice or tangy Goat Cheese Whipped Cauliflower. A side of Balsamic Roasted Vegetables carries the balsamic flavor through the meal.
Balsamic and Honey Glazed Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb top sirloin steak
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cut 1 lb top sirloin steak into 1-inch strips, then cut the strips into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the steak in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the steak cubes with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and toss to coat.
- Add 2 Tablespoons honey and 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard to the bowl, and stir again to coat the steak completely.
- Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get screaming hot. You’ll know it is hot enough when you can hold your hand about 6 inches above the pan and feel the heat.
- Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and swirl around the pan. Add one piece of steak to the pan. If it doesn’t sizzle and hiss, the pan is not hot enough.
- Add the rest of the steak pieces to the pan in a single layer. Sear the steak for 1 minute without touching or moving it.
- Flip the steak bites with tongs or a spatula and sear on the second side for an additional 1 minute. Remove the steak from the pan to a plate or bowl.
- Add ¼ cup balsamic vinegar to the hot pan and whisk to combine. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over the steak bites.
Notes
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