Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the irresistible aroma of Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites simmering away in your kitchen. This dish features juicy cubes of sirloin steak bathed in a sticky, savory sauce with a touch of sweetness and loads of garlicky goodness. Each bite delivers the kind of deep flavor that only happens when you let time (and your trusty slow cooker) do the work for you. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking to impress friends, these steak bites have an unbeatable combination of flavor and tenderness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something so memorable. Each one plays a unique role in making the Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites outrageously tasty.
- Sirloin steak: Choose well-marbled sirloin for melt-in-your-mouth, tender bites that soak up the sauce.
- Honey: Balances the savoriness with natural sweetness and helps give the sauce a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, enhancing the beef’s rich flavor.
- Beef broth: Infuses the steak bites with even more meaty intensity and keeps everything super moist.
- Fresh garlic: The star of the show—minced cloves give bold, aromatic punch to every bite.
- Ketchup: Brings a touch of tang and helps the sauce caramelize while cooking.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lends brightness, keeping the sauce lively instead of overly sweet.
- Onion powder: Delivers subtle, savory undertones that round out the flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat and complexity.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a beautifully silky consistency that clings to every piece of steak.
- Water: Used with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry for perfect thickening without lumps.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives an herby note and bright green color contrast.
How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by trimming any excess fat off your sirloin, which helps keep the bites lean and prevents an oily sauce. Cut the steak into even, bite-sized cubes—about one inch works perfectly. Uniform sizes mean all your steak bites cook evenly and come out wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and black pepper until everything is completely smooth and combined. This is the powerhouse of flavor for your Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites, so don’t be shy about giving it a taste and adjusting if you want a bit more garlic or a touch more sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add the steak bites directly to your slow cooker, followed by the honey garlic sauce you just whisked up. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything gently, making sure all the steak pieces are completely coated. This helps ensure the meat absorbs all that amazing flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Let it Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. This is where the magic happens! The long, gentle cook time is what gives you those incredibly Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites you’re dreaming of. The steak will become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
After your steak has finished cooking, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Switch the slow cooker to high, then let everything bubble for 15 more minutes, or until the sauce thickens up to a glossy, irresistible glaze.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Spoon the steak bites onto your serving platter and generously sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. The pop of herbal freshness and color at the end brings everything together and makes the Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley is classic, lending vibrant green color and a touch of freshness. For extra flair, you can also try a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or a light drizzle of toasted sesame seeds—each adds a little visual excitement and another layer of flavor to your Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites.
Side Dishes
These steak bites are all about that luscious, sticky sauce, so let it shine! Spoon the steak over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, or even quinoa. The starch soaks up every drop of the garlicky goodness, turning the whole meal into pure comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, skewer the finished steak bites with toothpicks for an irresistible finger food option. Or serve over a toasted baguette slice for a hearty appetizer. You can also toss them with steamed broccoli or bell peppers to make a beautiful steak-and-veg rice bowl. The Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are endlessly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days—the sauce actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, making the next day’s lunch a real treat!
Freezing
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites freeze beautifully. To freeze, portion the cooled steak and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the steak bites (with the sauce) gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts until piping hot. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Your steak bites will return to tender, saucy perfection with hardly any effort at all.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of sirloin?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can use other cuts like chuck or stew meat for a slightly different texture. Just make sure to cut the beef into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks at the same rate in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just opt for a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. It’s a seamless swap if you’re cooking for anyone with gluten sensitivity.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Toss in bite-sized pieces of bell pepper, onions, or even carrots right at the start. The veggies will cook down alongside the steak, soaking up that delicious honey garlic sauce and adding extra color and nutrients to your meal.
What if I want the sauce spicier?
The sauce is sweet and savory as written, but if you want to turn up the heat, add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes or a diced chili to the sauce mixture before cooking. It’s a great way to customize the Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites to your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble the steak and sauce in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then just pop it in and start cooking the next day. Great for busy schedules or hosting!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites have earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation—they’re easy, reliable, and absolutely bursting with comfort-food flavor. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a favorite at your table too!
Print
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner. The savory honey garlic sauce infuses the tender beef with amazing flavor, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Agent:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Trim excess fat from the steak and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place steak in the slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Make a slurry with cornstarch and water, add to the slow cooker, and cook on high for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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