why make this recipe
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are a perfect choice for a tasty and easy meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and garlic with tender pieces of beef, making it a favorite among families and friends. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing busy cooks to enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different sides.
how to make Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs sirloin or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Directions:
- Sear (Optional): Brown the steak bites in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes to seal in flavor.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slow Cook: Add beef and sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
how to serve Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are best served hot, garnished with green onions. You can place them over a bed of fluffy rice, mix them with noodles, or serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is versatile and can fit into many meals, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
how to store Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
To store leftovers, let the steak bites cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3–4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the steak bites in a freezer-safe container. They should keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
- Searing the meat first adds extra flavor but is optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Adjust the sweetness or spice by using more or less honey or adding red pepper flakes.
- For best results, ensure that your beef is cut evenly to promote even cooking.
variation
You can substitute different meats, such as chicken or pork, in this recipe. You can also include vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the slow cooker for a more complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will need extra cooking time to thaw and cook fully. It’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2–3 hours if you need the dish ready sooner. Just keep an eye on the beef to ensure it becomes tender.
3. What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can mix a little cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce while it’s still cooking. Allow it to cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs sirloin or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the steak bites in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes to seal in flavor (optional).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth.
Cooking
- Add beef and the sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.