Name: Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that looks impressive, tastes downright delicious, and couldn’t be easier to make, you have to try Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites. Each bite is bursting with juicy beef, balanced by a sticky-sweet glaze that clings lovingly to every morsel, thanks to the slow cooker’s magic. This dish hits all the right notes, marrying classic comfort food vibes with an irresistible Asian-inspired flavor, and it’s every bit as enjoyable for special company as it is for a cozy night at home.

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of simple staples, each playing an important role. From adding depth of flavor to ensuring the sauce thickens just right, these ingredients help create the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites so unforgettable.

Sirloin steak: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this provides a tender, flavorful base that absorbs all the saucy goodness.
Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes just enough to balance the salty soy sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth and savory notes without making the dish too salty; perfect for building layers of flavor.
Minced garlic: Don’t skimp! Garlic gives these steak bites their signature aromatic punch.
Apple cider vinegar: A dash of acidity brightens up the entire dish and helps tenderize the meat.
Cornstarch: When mixed into a slurry, this thickens the sauce for that classic glossy finish.
Water: Needed to activate the cornstarch and help create the perfect sauce consistency.
Olive oil: For browning the steak bites quickly, locking in their juices and flavor before slow cooking.
Black pepper: A subtle spice that brings out the savory elements in the sauce.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For garnishing and adding a fresh, finishing touch with color and crunch.

How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in batches, searing them for one to two minutes on each side. The goal is to get a lovely golden-brown crust — it seals in the juices and boosts the final flavor, so don’t rush or overcrowd the pan! Once browned, transfer them straight into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Give everything a brisk whisk until that honey is totally dissolved and you have a sweet-and-savory sauce that smells heavenly. Pour this mixture right over the browned steak bites in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it do its thing! Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. You’re aiming for beef so tender you can cut it with a fork, gently soaking in all those honey garlic flavors. That’s why these are called Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites!

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker, give everything a gentle stir, then cover and cook for those last few minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, your Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites are ready for their moment of glory. Spoon them over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Serve Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a plate quite like the right finishing touches. For these steak bites, a handful of freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a lovely fresh crunch and a dash of color, making each bite pop on the plate. If you want to go even fancier, some thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro can add a new layer of excitement.

Side Dishes

The rich, glossy sauce of Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites begs to be paired with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, both perfect for soaking up every drop. For something lighter, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried veggies balance out the meal with extra greens. Even a simple crisp salad works wonders on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or planning an appetizer night, slide these steak bites onto skewers for easy grabbing, or arrange them on lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce. For weeknight dinners, pile them over rice in a big bowl (family-style!) and let everyone dig in. Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds to make it look restaurant-worthy every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites store like a dream. Simply let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them (with all that delicious sauce!) into an airtight container. Tucked away in the fridge, they’ll stay tasty and tender for up to four days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners totally fuss-free.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, these steak bites freeze perfectly! Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and press out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak bites (with sauce) on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in a covered dish until piping hot. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or beef broth to help loosen it up before serving. The Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites will be just as juicy and flavorful the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin gives you that perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor in Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites, cuts like chuck or stew meat offer a more budget-friendly option and become meltingly soft with slow cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish entirely gluten-free and free of hidden wheat ingredients.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely. If you crave a little heat with your sweet and savory, stir a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes into the sauce before pouring it over the beef.

Do I have to sear the steak bites first?

Searing amps up the flavor and texture, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step. The steak will still be tender and flavorful, though you might miss a bit of that caramelized crust.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Try transforming leftover Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites into wraps, add them to noodle stir fries, or even spoon them over baked potatoes for a hearty and quick next-day meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about just how simple yet spectacular these Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites turn out every single time. If you need a fail-proof, flavor-packed dinner that makes the house smell incredible, this is the recipe to try. Let me know how it goes — and don’t be surprised when folks ask for seconds (or thirds)!

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Tender Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a hearty meal. Juicy sirloin steak pieces are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce until tender, creating a mouthwatering dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Sirloin Steak:

2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Slurry:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Other:

1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sear the Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the steak bites on each side.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and pepper. Pour over steak in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water, then add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.