Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, balanced flavors: The balsamic vinegar and maple syrup create a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that beautifully complements the steak.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
- Versatile: Serve these steak bites as an appetizer, over a salad, or alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Customizable doneness: You can cook the steak to your preferred level of doneness, from rare to well-done.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound beef steak (sirloin or tenderloin works well)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt.
Step 2: Slice the Steak
- Cut the beef steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches). This size ensures quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
- Place the steak bites in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
- While the steak is marinating, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. If you prefer grilling, you can also cook these on a grill.
Step 5: Cook the Steak Bites
- Once the skillet is hot, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the steak bites to the skillet in a single layer.
Step 6: Sear the Steak
- Cook the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent the steak from searing properly. If necessary, cook the steak bites in batches.
Step 7: Add Remaining Marinade
- In the last minute of cooking, pour any remaining marinade over the steak bites. Let it cook down and thicken slightly to form a glaze.
Step 8: Remove and Rest
- Once cooked, remove the steak bites from the skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their moisture.
Step 9: Garnish
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh rosemary or parsley before serving for an added touch of freshness and color.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the skillet while cooking for extra flavor.
- Make it a full meal: Serve the steak bites over rice, pasta, or a salad for a more filling meal.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked steak bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like flank steak, ribeye, or even sirloin if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cuts.
2. How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should be around 130°F, medium is 140°F, and well-done is 160°F.
3. Can I grill these steak bites instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill and cook the steak bites on skewers or directly on the grill grates for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just marinate the steak when you’re ready to cook.
5. What can I serve with Maple Balsamic Steak Bites?
These steak bites go well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
6. How can I make this recipe more savory?
If you prefer a more savory flavor, reduce the maple syrup and add extra soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
7. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile will change.
8. Can I marinate the steak for longer than 15 minutes?
Yes, you can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours for even more intense flavor. Just be sure to not go beyond 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.
9. Can I make these steak bites on the stovetop?
Yes, cooking the steak bites in a skillet is a great option, and it only takes a few minutes to get them perfectly cooked.
10. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or turkey for the beef, but keep in mind that the cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the pieces.
Conclusion
Maple Balsamic Steak Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines savory steak with a sweet and tangy maple-balsamic glaze. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these bite-sized steaks are sure to impress with their incredible flavor. Try them today for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Maple Balsamic Steak Bites: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe That Will Amaze You
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Maple Balsamic Steak Bites are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. With marinated sirloin or tenderloin steak, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a touch of garlic, these juicy, caramelized bites are quick and easy to make, delivering a satisfying meal or appetizer in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
1 pound beef steak (sirloin or tenderloin works well)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt.
- Slice the Steak: Cut the beef steak into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches). This ensures quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the steak bites in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Heat the Pan: While the steak is marinating, heat a skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat the grill if preferred).
- Cook the Steak Bites: Once the skillet is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and cook the bites in a single layer for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they reach your preferred doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Add Remaining Marinade: In the last minute of cooking, pour the remaining marinade over the steak and allow it to cook down and thicken slightly to form a glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
Other cuts of beef such as flank steak or ribeye can be used in place of sirloin or tenderloin.
For a more savory flavor, reduce the maple syrup and increase the soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
Grilled steak bites are an excellent alternative to skillet-cooked ones—just cook on skewers or directly on the grill grates for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
