Description: Tender, juicy steak bites cooked in a flavorful savory sauce in your crockpot, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or party appetizer. This recipe requires minimal prep work and allows you to enjoy delicious steak without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. The slow cooking process ensures the steak is incredibly tender and infused with a rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak – Begin by thoroughly patting the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture from the surface of the steak, allowing for better searing and browning during the slow cooking process. Ensuring the steak is dry helps develop a more desirable texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade – In a small bowl, create the flavorful marinade by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Thoroughly combine these ingredients to create a well-blended marinade that will infuse the steak bites with savory goodness.
Step 3: Add to Crockpot – Place the prepared steak bites into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Pour the marinade mixture evenly over the steak, ensuring that each piece is well coated. This step ensures that the steak is fully immersed in the marinade, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Step 4: Add Butter – Dot the steak bites with small pieces of butter. This simple addition adds extra richness and depth of flavor to the dish, creating a succulent and tender result. The butter melts into the sauce during the slow cooking process, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the steak bites.
Step 5: Cook – Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The steak bites should be tender and cooked to your liking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model, so be sure to check the steak for doneness during the last hour of cooking.
Step 6: Serve – Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the warm, tender steak bites over mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower mash or as a flavorful appetizer.
Why you will love this recipe:
This crockpot steak bites recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a convenient, delicious, and fuss-free meal. One of the standout benefits is the ease of preparation. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty and flavorful dish simmering away in your crockpot, freeing up your time for other tasks. The minimal hands-on time makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
The slow cooking method ensures that the sirloin steak becomes incredibly tender. Unlike traditional cooking methods that can sometimes result in tough or dry steak, the crockpot gently braises the meat in a flavorful marinade, breaking down the fibers and creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This technique guarantees that each bite is juicy and satisfying.
The marinade itself is a symphony of savory flavors, combining the umami of soy sauce, the richness of beef broth, and the tang of Worcestershire sauce. The addition of garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor, providing a complex and irresistible taste profile. This combination of ingredients ensures that the steak bites are not only tender but also packed with flavor.
These steak bites are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a main course over mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Alternatively, they can be served as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, where their bite-sized format and rich flavor make them a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is also easily customizable to suit your preferences, allowing you to adjust the spice level or add other vegetables to the crockpot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Serve the steak bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
- With Rice: Pair the steak bites with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced and flavorful dish.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the steak bites with toothpicks for an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- In Tacos: Use the steak bites as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with your favorite salsa and toppings.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the steak bites alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Over Pasta: Toss the steak bites with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the steak bites in crisp lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal option. Top with a drizzle of sriracha mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- In a Salad: Add the steak bites to a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing for a protein-packed and flavorful salad.
- As a Topping for Loaded Fries: Use the steak bites as a topping for loaded fries, along with cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings for an indulgent treat.
Tips:
- Use Quality Steak: Choose a good quality sirloin steak for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure the steak bites are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot model. Check the steak for doneness during the last hour of cooking.
- Sear the Steak: For even more flavor, sear the steak bites in a hot pan before adding them to the crockpot. This helps to caramelize the exterior and lock in juices.
- Add Vegetables: Add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot for a more complete meal.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add Spice: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the steak bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This is perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low) Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving Protein: Approximately 35g per serving Sodium: Approximately 400mg per serving (depending on the soy sauce used)
Conclusion:
Crockpot steak bites are a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals or families who want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations, making it a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or as an appetizer, these steak bites are sure to be a hit.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
A1: Yes, while sirloin steak is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts such as chuck steak or round steak. Keep in mind that these cuts may require longer cooking times to achieve the desired tenderness. Be sure to trim any excess fat from the steak before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the steak bites?
A2: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the crockpot is a great way to create a more complete and nutritious meal. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots are all excellent additions that complement the flavors of the steak. Simply chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the steak and marinade.
Q3: How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin after cooking?
A3: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, there are a few simple ways to thicken it. One option is to remove the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The cornstarch will help to thicken the sauce quickly.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the steak bites and marinade, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the crockpot and follow the cooking instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftover steak bites?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the leftover steak bites for future enjoyment. Allow the steak bites to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The steak bites can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through.
