These slow cooker steak bites are tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Cooked in a savory sauce with simple ingredients, they make a fantastic meal with minimal fuss.
Perfect for busy days, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love serving them over rice or with veggies. Easy and oh-so-delicious! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is a great choice for tender steak bites. It’s flavorful and not too chewy. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, flank steak or chuck steak can be good substitutes. They both offer good flavor, though you might want to marinate them a bit longer.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor! If you need a low-sodium option, use a reduced-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free diets, tamari is a fantastic alternative that keeps the umami taste intact.
Beef Broth: Use beef broth for depth of flavor. Vegetable broth can be swapped in for a lighter taste, but don’t expect the same richness. Homemade broth always adds a lovely touch if you have the time!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a distinct flavor; if you’re out, try using a bit of balsamic vinegar mixed with a dash of soy sauce for a similar tangy kick.
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but if you love a smoky flavor, I highly recommend it! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or you can add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Steak for Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing the steak with flavor. Here’s a quick guide to ensure your steak bites are delicious:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. This includes soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and spices.
- Add the cut steak pieces, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use your hands to really mix everything for the best results.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate for 1-2 hours or even overnight in the fridge for an extra boost of flavor.
Don’t skip this step! It makes a noticeable difference in taste. Enjoy the cooking process!
How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time for marinating, plus 6-8 hours in the slow cooker on low heat (or 4-5 hours on high). So, while it takes a while to cook, you can prepare it in just a short time and let the slow cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined—this will add lots of flavor to the steak bites!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the bite-sized pieces of sirloin steak to the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated nicely in the mixture. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This step will really enhance the flavors!
3. Use the Slow Cooker:
After marinating, transfer the steak bites to your slow cooker. Don’t forget to pour in all the marinade—that’s where the flavor comes from! Spread the steak out evenly for even cooking.
4. Cook the Steak Bites:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you’re cooking on low heat, set it for about 6-8 hours. If you prefer to cook it faster, set it on high for about 4-5 hours. The steak is ready when it’s tender and filled with flavor!
5. Stir and Serve:
Once your cooking time is up, give the steak bites a gentle stir to get them nicely coated in the delicious sauce. Then, serve them hot! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and brightness. Enjoy your tasty steak bites alongside rice, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for tenderness, you can use cuts like chuck, flank, or round steak. Just remember that tougher cuts may need a little longer to become tender, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the steak bites for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak bites the night before and store them in the fridge. Just transfer them to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This will deepen the flavors even more!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that these alternatives may change the saltiness and taste slightly, so adjust the seasoning to your preference!
