These Slow Cooker Steak Bites are juicy and bursting with flavor! They get tender while cooking slowly in a savory sauce, making them perfect for a cozy dinner.
Honestly, who can resist bite-sized steak pieces? I like to serve them with some rice or over mashed potatoes. Yum! Can’t wait to see those happy faces at the dinner table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is great for this dish as it’s tender and flavorful. If you need a substitute, try flank steak or tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook differently.
Soy Sauce: This adds a wonderful umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari, which has a similar taste.
Beef Broth: This gives depth to the dish. You can swap it with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness. For a vegan option, look for vegan Worcestershire sauce or leave it out if you must.
Cornstarch: This is optional if you want a thicker sauce. You could also use arrowroot powder or flour as alternatives; just sprinkle them in gradually to avoid clumps.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Steak Bites?
To ensure your steak bites are flavorful and tender, marinate them well. Mix your marinade ingredients and let the steak soak for at least 30 minutes, or longer in the fridge for deeper flavor absorption.
- For even more flavor, sear the steak pieces in olive oil before slow cooking. This step is optional, but I recommend it since it adds a nice crust and enhances the taste.
- Finally, don’t skip the garnishing step! A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but a fresh taste that elevates your dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of preparation time to marinate the steak, and then you’ll need 4-5 hours cooking time in the slow cooker (or 2-3 hours on high). So, in total, you can easily have a delicious meal ready in about 5 hours if you cook on low. It’s mostly hands-off time, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything well until combined; this will be the marinade for your steak bites.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak to the marinade, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated. It’s best to let the steak marinate in this flavorful sauce for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight if you can!
3. Sear the Steak (Optional):
If you want a little extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak bites in batches, searing them for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned on the outside. This step is optional, but it really adds richness to the flavor. Once browned, transfer them to the slow cooker.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Pour any remaining marinade over the steak bites in the slow cooker. Cover and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The steak should be tender and juicy when it’s done!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, then cover and continue cooking until thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, sprinkle the steak bites with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely garnish. Serve hot on its own or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked steak bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute sirloin steak with cuts like flank steak, chuck roast, or tenderloin. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces. Chuck roast may require a bit longer cooking time to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavors without gluten!
Can I Cook These Steak Bites Faster?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook them on high in the slow cooker for about 2-3 hours. Alternatively, if you’re using a pressure cooker, you can cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release for tender steak bites in no time!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
