Sometimes, I crave a meal that’s easy to make but feels like a gourmet treat. That’s how I felt when I prepared these chili lime steak bites. The combination of spicy and zesty flavors was absolutely perfect.
Plus, the whole dish came together in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. After you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. It’s so versatile, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends.
Credit: barefeetinthekitchen
Ingredients
This quick and flavorful recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients. Each plays an important role in elevating the taste of the dish.
- 2 medium limes: Provides the zesty, tangy base for flavor. Fresh lime juice is key, so avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
- 2 pounds New York strip steaks (1 to 1 ½ inches thick): This cut offers tender, juicy bites. Make sure they’re thawed and at room temperature for even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat. Use kosher salt for its coarse texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear while keeping the steak bites tender inside.
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or paste: Adds a fiery kick and depth of flavor. Go for your favorite brand—I like ones that balance heat with a touch of tang.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people.
Variations
Want to mix things up or accommodate dietary needs? Here are a few variations to try:
- Milder Version: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, use a mild chili sauce or reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Low-carb kick: Swap the chili garlic sauce with a sugar-free hot sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
- Add Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
- Use Different Cuts: Try sirloin or ribeye steak if New York strip isn’t available.
For more inspiration, check out these chicken riggies recipes that are equally versatile and delicious.
Cooking Time
Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to make these chili lime steak bites:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Equipment You Need
Before you start, grab these kitchen essentials:
- Knife: For cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes.
- Cutting board: To keep your counters safe while prepping.
- Large skillet: Preferably a cast-iron skillet for the best sear.
- Zester or microplane: To grate lime zest.
- Juicer: To extract fresh lime juice.
How to Make Chili Lime Steak Bites?
Making chili lime steak bites is so simple, you’ll feel like a professional chef in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preparing all the components. Finely grate the zest of the limes until you have at least 1 tablespoon. Then, juice the limes to get about 2 tablespoons of liquid. Next, cut the steak into cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size. Season the cubes with kosher salt. Getting this done ahead of time makes the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering hot but not smoking. Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Sear the cubes until browned on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the lime juice and generously mix in the chili garlic sauce. Stir the steak bites so they are evenly coated. Allow them to cook for one more minute to soak in the spicy, tangy flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the lime zest over the meat for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Credit: cupcakesandkalechips
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve got a few tips to help you perfect this dish. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference:
- Dry the steak cubes with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps to create a better sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness if you’re aiming for medium-rare (130–135°F).
- Don’t skip the lime zest! It adds a fresh note of citrusy brightness to every bite.
- If your skillet gets too dry, add a splash of oil or a bit of beef broth during cooking.
How to Serve Chili Lime Steak Bites?
These steak bites are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the juices.
- Salad Topper: Toss them in with a crisp salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Tacos: Stuff the steak bites into warm tortillas with a dollop of guacamole and some shredded lettuce.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the steak on a serving tray with lime wedges and garnish with chopped cilantro for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
You can also enjoy similar flavorful dishes like this cheesy chicken recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 609
- Protein: 44.1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 45.6g
Make Ahead and Storage
Chili lime steak bites are just as easy to store as they are to cook. Here’s what you need to know:
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Cool the steak bites completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Here’s why you’ll come back to it again and again:
- Quick and easy: It’s ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish!
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s dinner for one or a dinner party, it’s a hit.
- Customizable flavors: Adjust the spice level or add toppings to suit your taste.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need five main ingredients for this stellar dish.
- Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Chili lime steak bites are a perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavors. With just a few ingredients and a short cook time, this dish is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try tonight—I promise it’ll be love at first bite!
Chili Lime Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preparing all the components. Finely grate the zest of the limes until you have at least 1 tablespoon. Then, juice the limes to get about 2 tablespoons of liquid. Next, cut the steak into cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size. Season the cubes with kosher salt. Getting this done ahead of time makes the cooking process seamless.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering hot but not smoking. Add the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Sear the cubes until browned on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Once the steak is seared, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the lime juice and generously mix in the chili garlic sauce. Stir the steak bites so they are evenly coated. Allow them to cook for one more minute to soak in the spicy, tangy flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the lime zest over the meat for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Dry the steak cubes with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps to create a better sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness if you’re aiming for medium-rare (130–135°F).
- Don’t skip the lime zest! It adds a fresh note of citrusy brightness to every bite.
- If your skillet gets too dry, add a splash of oil or a bit of beef broth during cooking.
