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These Indian Spiced Steak Bites were inspired by the Indian Chicken Bites that we’ve been making for years now. Bite-size pieces of flat iron steak or skirt steak are tossed in a blend of oil and spices before being quickly seared in a very hot skillet. The entire cooking time is just minutes and each bite is immensely flavorful and juicy.
Steak Bites Recipe
If you’ve been reading this website for long, you’ve likely noticed that I really like to cook meat in small pieces. There’s nothing better than the way each bite winds up with an abundance of flavor after such a short cooking time. Steak Bites are one of my favorite ways to cook beef. Whether you choose to start with the original Steak Bites, Asian Steak Bites, Buttered Steak Bites with Mushrooms, or these Indian Spiced Steak Bites you won’t be disappointed.
We like to serve these Indian Spiced Steak Bites over this Carnitas Salad Bowl (just swap the pork for these steak bites), with Turmeric Butter Rice, or with these Turmeric Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans. The Indian Spiced Steak Bites are also delicious with Aloo Gobi (Spiced Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes), or Indian Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
How To Cook Steak Bites
The perfect steak bites start with a flat iron steak or a skirt steak. You’ll want to slice the meat into bite size (less than 1-inch) pieces of meat, slicing against the grain wherever applicable. With steak bites, you’re cutting the meat into small enough pieces that that cut against the grain isn’t as crucial as in recipes where you are slicing beef into strips.
To cook steak bites, you need a screaming hot skillet. You’ll want to sear the outside of each piece quickly, leaving it juicy and medium rare inside. If your tastes lean more toward well done, you can certainly cook the meat a minute longer, but I’m telling you now that it won’t be nearly as juicy or flavorful. And that’s just the truth as spoken by a girl who used to request well done and has fully crossed over to the medium rare world of delicious beef.
Kitchen Tip: I use this skillet, these tongs, and this spatula to make this recipe.
Indian Spiced Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 1/2 lb skirt or flat iron steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil, divided
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Dice the steak into small pieces, approximately 1/2"-3/4" in size. Set aside. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oil and all of the spices. Add the diced steak and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Heat a heavy flat bottomed stainless skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is shimmering, add half of the meat and spread it across the pan.
- Cook for 1 minute and then use a large spatula to flip the pieces over. Cook 1 more minute. Use a spatula to remove the meat to a plate and pour any pan juices over the meat.
- Add the last tablespoon of oil and then add the remaining meat. The entire cooking process for the meat should only take a few minutes total. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You might want to rethink the name of this recipe. In India, the cow is sacred and they do not eat beef. In many Indian states, the slaughter of cows is already illegal, making it difficult to buy, sell, and, as a result, eat, beef.
That’s a valid point, Linda. I’ve adjusted the title to reflect the fact it is a recipe for steak bites with Indian spices.
Thank you for pointing it out politely.
I love the idea of these Indian spices on beef! And honestly, I have seen beef on tons of Indian restaurant menus! I can’t wait to make these!
These look so tender and flavorful! I love anything with Indian spices. 😁
I made this with sirloin steak and added caramelized onions and it was delicious! A couple changes I made: I didn’t have thyme so I just left it out rather than substitute it; instead of the cayenne pepper I added two fresh Serrano peppers for some heat, I halved the paprika and added 1/2 tsp of garam masala, and instead of the garlic powder I added a couple tsp of minced garlic. I served the beef atop tikki masala rice~ the result was fantastic and I’ll definitely be making again!
I bet that was delicious, Dani!
Quick. Easy. Tasty. Mild’ish, but certainly not bland. We served it with sautéed cauliflower rice and tossed in a handful of spinach and browned onion slices near the end. And there was minimal cleanup! (👍)
In hindsight, a titch of garam masala might have lent it more of an aromatic finish, but it still was a great throw-together supper.
Thank you for the idea and inspiration!
I’m so glad you liked the steak bites, Kimi!
Wow these are delicious. We have a family tradition where everyone cooks their favourite Indian dish and I have just rocked the boat with these. Cooked on a gas BBQ flat plate turned up high. A+++
YAY!! I’m so happy to hear that you loved the steak bites, Robert.