Description
Whip up these tender Texas Smokehouse Steak Bites, a flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights or game day. So easy, so delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- Smokehouse Rub:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- Sauce Boosters:
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Steak:: First things first, let’s get that beautiful sirloin ready for our Texas Smokehouse Steak Bites. Pat it super dry with paper towels—this is a non-negotiable step, hon! It helps us get that amazing crust, and honestly, I’ve skipped this before and ended up with sad, steamed meat. Cut your steak into lovely 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat even so they cook at the same pace. I always find myself taking a deep breath here, ready to transform this raw meat into something truly delicious.
- Mix the Rub:: Now for the magic dust! In a small bowl, whisk together your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy!), cumin, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is combined. I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic and sneeze a cloud of paprika, oops! This is the core flavor, so make sure it’s well blended. You’ll already start smelling that delicious smoky aroma.
- Season the Steak:: Toss those steak cubes into a big bowl and sprinkle that glorious smokehouse rub all over them. Get your hands in there and really massage it into every piece. Don’t be shy! You want every bite to be bursting with flavor. I often let them sit for about 10-15 minutes while my skillet heats up; it just gives those spices a chance to really meld with the meat. It’s a little extra step that makes a huge difference, trust me.
- Sear the Bites:: Heat your cast iron skillet (my personal favorite for this, gets things screaming hot!) or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil or a knob of butter. Once it’s shimmering, add your Texas Smokehouse Steak Bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Hear that sizzle? That’s the sound of deliciousness happening! Let them sear for 2-3 minutes per side, getting a beautiful deep brown crust. Don’t touch them too much!
- Build the Sauce:: Once your steak bites are beautifully seared, remove them from the pan and set aside. Don’t clean that pan! Those browned bits are flavor gold. Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Scrape up all those delicious sticky bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is where the rich, savory sauce really comes to life. Let it simmer for a minute or two, letting those flavors marry.
- Finish & Serve:: Return the seared steak bites to the pan with the sauce. Toss them gently to coat every piece. Let them warm through for just another minute or so – we don’t want to overcook them now! Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if you remembered it, like I usually *try* to!), and serve immediately. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. These bites are so tender, so smoky, and just begging to be devoured.