These tasty crockpot steak bites are perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender beef, lively spices, and a rich sauce, they are sure to please everyone!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that cooks itself? I just toss in the ingredients and let my slow cooker do all the hard work—easy and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef (Sirloin or Flank Steak): Both cuts are great for this recipe. Sirloin is more tender while flank is leaner with a nice flavor. You can swap for any steak or even chicken or tofu for a different take.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds a salty, umami kick. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lower sodium choice.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth. If you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar can work. For a vegetarian option, look for vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Olive Oil: This keeps the steak moist. You can replace it with another oil like canola or avocado oil, depending on your flavor preference.
How Do I Achieve Tender Steak Bites?
The key to tender steak bites is cooking them low and slow. Using a slow cooker helps break down the meat fibers, making them juicy and fork-tender. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Cut steak into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the marinating step! The sauce will flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Cook on low for the desired time, checking for tenderness if you’re unsure.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, make sure to incorporate the cornstarch slurry properly. This will help the sauce cling well to every bite of steak.
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can set it and forget it! Cook the steak bites on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until they are nice and tender. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by cutting your beef sirloin or flank steak into bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for tasty bites! Place these pieces in your slow cooker for cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so the flavors come together nicely!
3. Combine Steak and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the steak bites in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated with that savory goodness. Yum!
4. Cook the Steak Bites:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The key here is to let it cook until the meat is tender and full of flavor.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. It adds a nice touch!
6. Final Touches:
Once your steak bites are cooked, taste them and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt if you think it needs it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious steak bites hot from the slow cooker, garnished with fresh parsley. They’re great as an appetizer or as a main dish with some rice or vegetables!
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Steak Bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak work great, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or ribeye for a richer flavor. Just remember that tougher cuts might need a bit longer to cook to become tender, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This will keep the flavor intact while making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Certainly! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the steak. They will cook nicely alongside the meat!
