Crisp on the outside, hot and juicy on the inside, these Asian Steak Bites are a hit every single time I make them. This is one of my favorite ways to cook beef.
It only takes a few minutes and the result is bite-size pieces of the juiciest steak you will ever eat!
Asian Steak Bites
Oh, how I love this recipe. The last time I was in the mood for steak bites, I tried this quick honey soy marinade, and WOW. The whole family went crazy for these and they disappeared in just a few minutes.
Tender, juicy morsels of steak tossed in honey soy marinade are a dinner-time hit with kids and adults alike. We never get tired of these steak bites!
Everyone loves steak but what I don’t always love is cooking individual steaks on the stovetop. These juicy bits of steak cook up in just minutes with little effort every time.
Asian Steak Bites are just the latest incarnation of this favorite quick dinner. Indian Spiced Steak Bites make me so happy with a big side of basmati rice. Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms are also often requested.
Asian Steak Recipe
Making steak bites starts by slicing steak into half-inch strips. Then, you stir together a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey and chili paste to make the marinade.
Pour the marinade over the pieces of steak and toss well to coat. Let the meat marinade for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors absorb and mingle.
Once the meat is good and marinated, it’s time to cook it in a little oil on the stove top. Heat the oil in your skillet before adding the meat. Cook the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Remove the steak from the pan when the outsides of each piece are brown but the insides are still tender and juicy. The meat will continue cooking for a couple of minutes after you remove it from the heat.
Keep an eye on the pan while the steak is cooking. If the meat begins to smoke, the pan is too hot. You may need to lower the heat a little bit once you add the steak to the skillet.
Asian Steak Ingredients
- flank or skirt steak
- soy sauce
- honey
- chili paste
- olive oil
Note: I originally used flank steak in this recipe, however skirt steak also works well. We love steak bites, so I’ll typically pick up several of whatever kind of steak is on sale at the store that week.
Both plain chili paste and garlic chili paste work well in the steak marinade.
Asian Steak
These steak bites cooked with honey soy marinade are phenomenal with a big bowl of Simple Asian Rice on the side.
I’ve also served these with Roasted Red Potatoes, Melting Sweet Potatoes, Spicy Caramelized Cauliflower, and Salad Skewers. This is a satisfying meal that everyone loves and these juicy steak bites work well with almost any side dish.
If you’re looking for more quick and easy Asian main dish ideas, check out these Huli Huli Chicken Bites and this Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp. This Easy Thai Chicken is next on my list to try!
My family is so nuts for steak bites that we rarely have any leftovers. However, cold leftover steak bites are delicious tossed cold into a salad for lunch the next day.
A current favorite is Cajun Steak Bites, just enough kick to please both my spice lovers and less adventurous eaters.
On the hunt for a great chicken recipe with Asian flavors? If you like the marinade in this recipe, try Sticky Asian Chicken and this Honey Soy Chicken next. We love Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites and Honey Spice Chicken Bites too.
And I can’t talk about my favorite Asian recipes without reminding you of Cheater Korean Beef. With all these fast and tasty recipes to add to your meal rotation, you may never call for take out again.
Kitchen Tip: I use this skillet, these tongs, and this spatula to make this recipe.
Asian Steak Bites
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 steak across the grain into strips 1/2″ wide. Cut each strip into bite-size pieces, approximately 1/2″ – 3/4″ in size. Place the chunks of beef into a medium size bowl. Stir together the soy sauce, honey, and chili paste. Pour over the beef and stir to coat well. Let the meat marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat a heavy bottom stainless steel pan or wok over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add ⅓ of the meat to the pan and spread out in a single layer. Let it cook for about a minute, until the meat has browned. Flip the meat or toss with a spatula for an additional minute or two as it finishes cooking. Remove the meat from the pan to a plate.
- Add half of the remaining meat to the hot pan and repeat the above steps. Add the cooked meat to the waiting plate. If necessary, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan before adding the remaining meat. Repeat the steps. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 1/20/15 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/22/22}
Donna says
I’ve always found flank steak to be rather tough! I’m thinking a more tender cut.
Mary says
I’ve never had trouble with flank steak that way. It should be a very thin piece of meat and you’re going to cut against the grain and into tiny pieces. That said, this will work with most tender cuts of steak.
Pat Dickerson says
I am hosting a party next month and only serving finger food. How would this taste once it sits out for a while. I am wondering if i could use this at the party. There will be 50 people in attendance. Assuming each guest would eat 3 bites, do you have any idea how much meat I would need?
Ruth says
This looks delicious, I’m trying this tomorrow
Maria Guerra says
These were awesome. So absolutely delicious. The only way I knew how to cook flank was on the grill. This was totally new idea for me and I love it!
Regina says
This was so delish!
Tami says
Can I use anything to substitute chili paste with? I cannot find in my market
Mary says
You could probably use Sriracha sauce or gochujang, although I haven’t tried those variations myself. If you try them, let me know how they work for you.
Kristi Myers says
Easy and delicious! A weeknight favorite at our house. Just make sure not to overcook the steak. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Gillian says
What containers for 21 day fix does this use?
Debra says
I cooked these for dinner tonight and they were AWESOME!
Phil Walton says
I can never cook enough of these! I serve them with real fried rice and veggies, and my family DEVOURS THEM. I do add to the recipe, but that is for me to know and you to discover.
Brigid says
Would beef stew meat be ok to substitute? I want to try this recipe, but am trying to use up the items currently in my freezer before buying more! 🙂
Mary says
Honestly, I don’t think it will get tender enough with just the quick sear in the skillet. That’s why I love skirt or flat steak for this recipe. I’d probably save the recipe for later.
Teresa says
I’m sure you could get the same flavor but maybe cut the chunks in smaller pieces.
I took beef stew meat (cut about an inch in size) and coated in BBQ sauce and then baked next to some sweet potato chunks and it was delish.
Emm says
Sounds like a complete different recipe and completely unrelated to this.
LNL says
Anyone try this marinate with chicken? These are a favorite of mine, but I’m trying to eat less red meat.
Mary says
This marinade works well on chicken! Enjoy.
Vicki says
I am going to try these using venison. They look delicious.
Mary says
oh! That sounds good, Vicki. Let me know how they turn out!
Kim DiBileo says
I made this for dinner last night and it was delish!!!! Not only was it great, but so easy! Thank you for this great idea. I will be trying it on chicken too.
Mary says
I’m thrilled that you like the steak bites, Kim. (We’re actually making them for dinner tonight. We love this recipe too!)
Meeee says
So easy and flavorful! Thank you for posting this awesome recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love these steak bites!
Betty Schmitt says
Do you think this recipe could be converted to a crock pot recipe? Maybe sear the meat and add sauce to the crockpot?
Mary Younkin says
I imagine you could make a tasty dish that way, but it would definitely be a different one. This is such a lightning-fast recipe, I’ve never tried it in the crockpot. By the time the meat is seared, it’s nearly done cooking.
Susan says
Keep in mind that it is not JUsT 10 minutes for prep. You read that and think you can get this ready in no time, but it doesn’t account for the marinating time. 10 mins of labor and then 20 mins to prep and then 10 mins to cook.
Just helpful if you don’t read the recipe through and think you can start it shortly before dinner time.
Mary Younkin says
You are correct, Susan. Ten minutes is the actual cooking time.
Dee McClure says
What is chili paste & where would I find it at the market?
Mary Younkin says
You can find chili paste in the Asian food aisle of most grocery stores. I typically buy this brand: https://amzn.to/30xQN70 You can buy a much smaller jar for about $2 at most stores though.