Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites Recipe | Tender Sweet Savory

I couldn’t wait to tuck into it, and I knew I had to share this recipe with you. It feels indulgent yet simple — perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any night you want comfort minus the fuss.

You can also enjoy this crockpot honey garlic steak bites recipe for another take on the same irresistible flavors.

slow cooker honey garlic steak bites recipe

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need — along with notes on why each one matters and tips to make them shine:

2 tablespoons sesame oil — this nutty oil gives a fragrant base and enhances the Asian-style flavors.
2 pounds beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes — stew meat, London broil, flat iron, or round steak all work; these cuts break down nicely in slow cooking.
3–4 garlic cloves, minced — fresh garlic gives a bright, pungent depth that you won’t get from powder.
½ cup honey — this gives the sweet, sticky glaze and helps tenderize the meat.
¼ cup ketchup — balances the honey with tomato tang and a hint of acidity.
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce — provides umami saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
½ teaspoon dried oregano — just a touch to layer in a subtle herbal note.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for finishing) — mixed with water into a slurry to thicken the sauce at the end if needed.
Sesame seeds (for garnish) — gives crunch and visual appeal.
Green onions or scallions (chopped) — for a fresh, bright finish.

Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients as per the ingredients quantity.

Variations

You can customize this recipe in many ways to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you love exploring more beef dishes, you might like browsing other steaks recipes for even more dinner inspiration.

Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Lower sugar / sugar substitute: Replace some or all of the honey with a sugar substitute (like monk fruit or erythritol), though the sauce may be less sticky.
Add heat: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha in with the sauce.
Smoky twist: Stir in smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions during the last 1–2 hours so they stay tender but not mushy.
Swap ketchup: Use tomato paste plus a little water or apple cider vinegar instead, for a less processed version.

Cooking Time

A quick breakdown of how long this takes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (including buffer)

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I used when I cooked this, and why:

Slow cooker (6-quart or similar) — keeps the beef at a gentle heat for long cooking
Large skillet — for searing beef cubes before slow cooking
Mixing bowl — to whisk together garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano
Whisk or fork — for blending the sauce smoothly
Measuring cups and spoons — to ensure ingredient accuracy
Serving spoon / tongs — to plate the steak bites and sauce

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Let me walk you through my version, step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

I whisk garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and oregano in a bowl until smooth. This ensures the flavors meld well before they hit the meat.

Step 2: Sear the beef

In a hot skillet with sesame oil, I sear the cubed beef in batches, just enough to brown all sides. The goal is flavor, not full cooking.

Step 3: Combine in the slow cooker

I transfer the seared beef into the slow cooker, pour over the sauce, and stir so all pieces are coated.

Step 4: Cook on LOW

I cover the slow cooker and let it cook for 4–6 hours on LOW. The low heat avoids burning the sugars, and allows the beef to become very tender.

Step 5: Thicken and finish

About 15 minutes before it is done, I test the sauce. If it’s too thin, I stir together cornstarch and water (slurry) and pour it in, then let it finish cooking. Once done, I serve garnished.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve learned a few tricks from my own trials — hope they help:

Don’t crowd the pan when searing — I do it in small batches so each piece gets a good crust.
Let the sauce rest a few minutes after thickening — it tends to set up better.
If the sauce is too thick early, add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
Taste before garnishing — I sometimes balance with a little extra honey or splash of vinegar at the end.
Use a timer — every slow cooker is a bit different. I always check around 4 hours and then again later.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Steak Bites

Here’s how I like to present and enjoy this dish: for a richer meal, serve it alongside buttery mushrooms similar to these buttered steak bites with mushrooms for a complete steakhouse experience at home.

Serve over steamed rice or fried rice — the sauce seeps into the grains.
On top of noodles or egg noodles — gives a comforting, hearty plate.
Skewer the bites — use toothpicks and serve as an appetizer.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions — adds texture and color.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables or greens — to balance the richness and add freshness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (4 servings):

Calories: ~271 kcal
Protein: ~4 g
Carbohydrates: ~52 g
Fat: ~8 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Once cooled, I transfer the steak bites into an airtight container. They keep nicely in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

After fully cooling, I pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

I let frozen portions thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what keeps me coming back to it:

It’s easy and hands-off — after searing and mixing, the slow cooker does the heavy work.
Flavorful layers — sweet, salty, garlicky, sticky, all in a balanced sauce.
Uses affordable beef cuts — you don’t need an expensive steak to get great results.
Highly versatile — serve over rice, noodles, as skewers, or even in wraps.
A family pleaser — I’ve watched picky eaters devour these steak bites with zero complaints.

Ash Tyrrell