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You’ll love this easy pan-seared steak bites recipe for a quick dinner or party appetizer. Tender morsels of beef are coated in a sweet and sticky honey balsamic glaze that packs a ton of flavor. 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 Steak Bites with Bloody Maria Dipping Sauce!
Honey Balsamic Steak Bites Recipe
Yep, I’m the typical mom with two kids on two different school schedules, two working parents, and multiple activities for each kid. We try not to overdo it but we want them to pursue their interests. Regardless, evenings can be busy.
That’s why I am a super fan of super fast dinners. 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. But while the sides are heating up, I can easily whip up this easy steak bites recipe.
It only has a handful of ingredients, and it is ready in less than 15 minutes. That includes the time it takes to cut the meat. But with the caramelization from searing it in a hot pan and simple honey balsamic glaze, it packs in plenty of bold and intense flavors without a lot of time or effort.
You simply season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then with just three additional ingredients – honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar – you get a deep, rich, and delicious dish that is perfect for a fast dinner or party appetizer.
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.
- Top sirloin steak
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
How to make steak bites with honey balsamic glaze
This steak bites recipe couldn’t be any simpler. And it all comes together in a few steps that take less than 15 minutes.
Cut and season the beef. Cut the steak into 1-inch strips, then cut the strips into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the steak in a small bowl and toss with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the Dijon mustard and the honey, and stir again to coat the steak completely.
Sear the steak bites. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get very hot. Add the oil and the steak pieces in a single layer. Sear the steak for 1 minute without touching or moving it, then flip and sear for another minute or two. Remove from the pan to a bowl and set aside.
Make the honey balsamic glaze. Add the balsamic vinegar to the hot pan and whisk to combine and thicken. Pour the honey balsamic sauce over the steak bites.
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.
What cut of beef do you use for steak bites?
For this steak bites recipe, I use sirloin or 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. It is great to keep on hand to be able to make these steak bites any time you need a quick and easy meal.
How do you get a crust on steak bites?
The first key to a good crust and tender steak bites is to use a screaming hot pan, and ensure your oil gets very hot before you add the steak.
While you can use any kind of skillet, I recommend a cast iron skillet. Not only can you put it over a very high heat to sear the steak, but it also aids in the caramelization that adds incredible flavor.
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Also, be patient with waiting for your pan to heat. 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.
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.
In this balsamic glazed steak bites recipe, the caramelization is also aided by coating the steak not only in seasoning but also Dijon mustard and honey to help it get that nice crust that creates the deep savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
How do you serve steak bites?
- Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or little appetizer picks.
- You can use them to top a salad with Greek Yogurt Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
- They also make a complete dinner with a side like rice or potatoes and your favorite vegetables.
Make it a meal
If you are making this steak bites recipe for dinner, here are some side dishes I’d recommend serving with them.
- Brown Butter Cauliflower Rice
- Baked Potatoes (with instructions to make them in the oven, microwave, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer)
- Goat Cheese Whipped Cauliflower
- Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Truffle Fries
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Asparagus
Honey Balsamic Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb top sirloin steak
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the steak into 1-inch strips, then cut the strips into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Place the steak in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and toss to coat.
- Add the Dijon mustard and the honey, 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 the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add one piece of steak to test if it is hot enough. You should hear it sizzle immediately.
- 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.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the hot pan and whisk to combine.
- Pour the honey balsamic sauce over the steak bites.
Did you make this?
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