Description
Maple Pepper Steak Bites bring tender sirloin coated in a sticky-sweet, peppery glaze. Quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Steak & Base:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Maple Pepper Glaze:
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Steak:: First things first, let’s get that steak ready. Pat your sirloin super dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a good sear, honestly. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. I always try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly – no one wants an overcooked bite next to a rare one, right? I remember rushing this once and ending up with some weirdly shaped pieces, which meant uneven cooking, a total oops moment!
- Whip Up the Maple Pepper Glaze:: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, black pepper (go on, be generous!), soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can already smell that sweet and savory promise. Don’t be like me and forget the apple cider vinegar – I did that once, and the glaze felt a bit flat, missing that bright zing!
- Sear the Steak:: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your steak bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This is where I always have to resist adding too much at once! You want a beautiful, dark brown crust on each side. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side. The kitchen will start to smell amazing, like a fancy steakhouse!
- Add the Glaze to Maple Pepper Steak Bites:: Once the steak has a nice sear, pour that glorious maple pepper glaze over the bites. Stir everything gently to coat each piece evenly. The glaze will start to bubble and thicken, clinging to the steak. This step is so satisfying; you’ll see it transform right before your eyes. I once added the glaze too early, and it just burned, so make sure your steak has its sear first!
- Finish Cooking:: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened to your liking and the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. I like my steak medium-rare, so I pull it off just as the glaze gets sticky. This is where you can experiment a bit; if you like it more well-done, just give it another minute or so. Just try not to overcook it, or it’ll get tough, and no one wants that!
- Garnish and Serve Your Maple Pepper Steak Bites:: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and if you like a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes. The vibrant green of the parsley against the glossy, dark steak bites is just beautiful. The final Maple Pepper Steak Bites should be tender, coated in that sticky, peppery-sweet glaze, and smelling absolutely irresistible. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!