Description
Spicy Firecracker Steak Bites offer a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy sirloin steak cubes coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This easy skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat from hot sauce and red pepper flakes, sweetness from brown sugar, and umami from garlic and sesame seeds, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (can substitute with canola or avocado oil)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (or coconut sugar for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons Hot Sauce (adjust according to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or substitute with fresh garlic)
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Begin by cutting the fresh sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dust the steak pieces evenly with cornstarch, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the steak cubes and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Rest the Searred Steak: Once seared, transfer the steak bites to a plate and let them rest briefly. This step helps to lock in the juices, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.
- Make the Firecracker Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Return the rested steak bites to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss and stir them for 1-2 minutes, coating each piece thoroughly with the spicy-sweet glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated steak bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar and ensure the hot sauce is gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice level.
- Allowing the steak to rest after searing is key to maintaining juiciness.
- Serve the firecracker steak bites with steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a full meal.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor, adding it during the sauce simmer step.
