Name: Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1/4 tsp chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce (optional); 2 tbsp sliced green onions or 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are a mouthwatering mix of tender beef coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice. I love making them when I want something quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these steak bites come together in under 30 minutes but taste like they’ve been marinating all day. The sauce clings to the beef, creating a rich, sticky glaze that’s hard to resist. They’re great as an appetizer, served over rice or noodles, or tossed into a salad for a bold protein boost. The versatility makes this one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (minced or grated)
Cornstarch (for coating)
Vegetable oil or sesame oil
Rice vinegar or lime juice (for tang)
Chili flakes or hot sauce (optional, for heat)
Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

I pat the steak dry, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and toss it in a bit of cornstarch to give it a crispy sear.
In a bowl, I mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and chili flakes to create the sticky sauce.
I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. I cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
Once all the steak is cooked, I pour the sauce into the same pan and let it bubble for a minute to thicken.
I return the steak bites to the pan, toss them in the sauce, and cook for another minute or two until fully glazed.
I garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or more if served as an appetizer. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the steak for chicken or tofu to change things up. I also like adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas to make it more like a stir-fry. If I’m craving more heat, I’ll add sriracha or extra chili flakes. A splash of orange juice or zest gives the sauce a citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat to bring the steak back to life without overcooking it. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I prefer reheating on the stovetop to keep the texture and glaze just right.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak to use?

I prefer sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor, but flank or ribeye also work well. I always slice against the grain to keep the bites tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the sauce and cut the steak ahead, but I cook the steak bites just before serving to keep them juicy and tender.

Why coat the steak in cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy crust when searing the steak and also helps the sauce stick beautifully, making the bites extra glossy and flavorful.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! I control the heat by adjusting or omitting the chili flakes or hot sauce. It’s easy to make mild or bold depending on my mood.

What do I serve these with?

I like to serve them over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. They’re also great with roasted veggies or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are everything I want in a quick and flavorful dish—tender beef, bold sauce, and endless ways to enjoy them. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share. Once I make them, they always end up in my regular rotation.