Quick Benefits
Asian Steak Bites are a quick, bold, and satisfying dish made with tender flank steak and a simple marinade bursting with savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or meal prep. Minimal ingredients, big flavor, and lots of versatility make this a go-to favorite for any meat lover.
Essential Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- 1¾ pounds flank steak, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek or gochujang)
- 1–2 tablespoons light olive oil (or any neutral oil)
Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges
Preparation Steps
- Slice the Meat:
Cut the flank steak against the grain into ½″ strips, then into bite-sized pieces. - Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and chili paste until well blended. - Marinate:
Place the steak in a medium bowl, pour the marinade over, and stir to coat. Let sit for 20–30 minutes. - Sear the Meat:
Heat a heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the bottom. - Cook in Batches:
Add ⅓ of the steak in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 minute. Flip or stir, then cook another 1–2 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. - Repeat:
Continue with remaining meat, adding more oil as needed. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper browning. - Serve:
Plate hot, garnish as desired, and enjoy with rice, salad, or noodles.
Health Benefits
While indulgent and flavorful, Asian Steak Bites also offer some nutritious perks:
- Flank steak is lean and high in protein, iron, and B12.
- Soy sauce provides umami depth with minimal added fat.
- You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels for dietary needs.
- Pair with steamed veggies or a grain bowl for a well-balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve over white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
- Appetizer: Place toothpicks in each bite and serve on a platter with a dipping sauce.
- Bowl-style: Combine with steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a filling bowl.
- Garnish with:
- Green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh lime juice
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Party platters
- Meal prep lunches
Creative Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir-fry sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms alongside the steak.
- Switch the Protein: Try chicken, tofu, or shrimp using the same marinade and method.
- Make it Saucy: Add a splash of water and cornstarch to the marinade to create a glaze.
- Go bold: Add fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, or a dash of rice vinegar for added complexity.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a hot skillet or microwave just until warmed through.
- Freeze cooked steak bites for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Pro Tips
- Slice against the grain to ensure tender bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for the best sear.
- Let your pan get hot before adding meat for caramelization and flavor.
- For stronger flavor, marinate for several hours or overnight.
- If using a wok, stir constantly to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes! Sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye will work — just slice thinly and cook quickly.
Q: Is chili paste spicy?
A: It can be. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or substitute with sriracha or sweet chili sauce for milder heat.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance and cook when ready.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q: What if I don’t have chili paste?
A: Substitute with a mix of hot sauce and a bit of sugar, or simply use crushed red pepper for heat.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving — 4 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
Asian Steak Bites
Asian Steak Bites are tender, juicy pieces of flank steak marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, and chili paste, then quickly seared for a caramelized crust. This quick and satisfying dish packs bold flavor in every bite and is perfect as a main course or an appetizer. Serve with rice, salad, or veggies for a complete meal that’s ready in no time.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 3⁄4 pounds flank steak
1⁄4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chili paste
1–2 tablespoons light-flavored olive oil
Instructions
Slice the flank steak across the grain into strips approximately 1/2″ wide. Cut each strip into bite-size pieces, about 1/2″ – 3/4″ in size, and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
In a separate bowl, stir together the soy sauce, honey, and chili paste until well combined. Pour the marinade over the beef and stir to coat the meat evenly. Allow the meat to marinate for 20-30 minutes.
Heat a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
Add one-third of the marinated meat to the hot pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Let the meat cook undisturbed for about a minute until it begins to brown. Flip the meat or toss it with a spatula and continue cooking for another minute or two until cooked through. Remove the cooked meat from the pan and transfer it to a plate.
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining meat, adding more oil to the pan if necessary. Cook the meat in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
Once all the meat is cooked, serve the Asian Steak Bites hot as a delicious appetizer or as part of a main course. Enjoy the irresistible flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~320 per serving (approximate)
