Remember those cozy nights spent around the dinner table, the air filled with the aroma of delicious home-cooked food? This recipe will transport you right back there! These tender slow cooker honey garlic steak bites are unbelievably easy, unbelievably delicious, and unbelievably perfect for a busy weeknight (or a fun weekend gathering!). Forget takeout – this is your new go-to meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast – Minimal prep time!
- Easy – Just toss it in the slow cooker and forget about it!
- Giftable – Perfect for potlucks or sharing with friends!
- Crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves these sweet and savory bites!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces – Sirloin is budget-friendly and gets wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. You can also use other cuts like flank steak or even stew beef.
- ½ cup honey – The star of the show! Look for a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – Adds a savory depth and beautiful color.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced if you’re in a rush.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced – Fresh ginger adds a lovely zing! A pinch of ground ginger works in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – This helps thicken the sauce for a richer, more luscious experience. I love it, but it’s perfectly delicious without it!
- Sesame seeds, for garnish – For a touch of nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish – Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
How to Make It
This recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed! Here’s what you do:
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. I like to really get the garlic and ginger well incorporated.
- Place the bite-sized steak pieces in your slow cooker. I usually try to make them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the steak, making sure each piece is coated. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is nicely combined.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it gets!
- If you want a thicker sauce (and I highly recommend it!), whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley would also be lovely!
Substitutions & Additions
Feel free to experiment! Here are a few ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Sweet and sour: Incorporate a tablespoon of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Mushroom magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker with the steak.
- Extra veggies: Add some chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Give the steak pieces some space to cook evenly.
- For even more tender steak, you can marinate it in the honey garlic mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before slow cooking.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
How to Store It
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious reheated!
FAQs
- Q: Can I freeze these steak bites? A: Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Q: What can I serve these with? A: They’re amazing served over rice, quinoa, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. A simple green salad makes a perfect accompaniment.
- Q: Can I use a different type of steak? A: Yes, but tougher cuts will benefit most from the slow cooking process.
- Q: What if I don’t have cornstarch? A: It’s completely optional! The sauce will still be delicious, just a little thinner.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Tender slow cooker honey garlic steak bites— unbelievably easy and delicious for a busy weeknight or fun weekend gathering!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Place the bite-sized steak pieces in your slow cooker.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the steak, making sure each piece is coated. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is nicely combined.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the steak is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- If you want a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're just as delicious reheated! Feel free to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat; incorporate a tablespoon of rice vinegar for a tangy twist; sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker with the steak; add some chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Don't overcrowd the slow cooker. Give the steak pieces some space to cook evenly. For even more tender steak, you can marinate it in the honey garlic mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before slow cooking. If your slow cooker runs hot, you may need to reduce the cooking time. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
