If you love tender, flavorful steak with a little kick, these Firecracker Steak Bites are for you! (I couldn’t get enough when we tested them!) They are seared to perfection and coated in a bold, spicy homemade firecracker sauce—perfect for an easy meal or appetizer. I know I will be making these on repeat! And, if you are craving even more delicious steak bites recipes, try my Marinated Steak Bites and Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Firecracker Sauce: It is all about the firecracker sauce that coats the steak bites. It is a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce full of flavor and a little bit of heat. I have a wonderful firecracker sauce recipe that you will love (and can use for chicken wings, other meats, a dipping sauce, and more)! Or, the store-bought sauce can also work.
- Steak: I used sirloin steak for this recipe, but ribeye steak would also be an excellent choice. Simply season the steak with salt and pepper—no need for anything else! The sauce will add all the flavor you crave. When cutting the steak, try to keep the pieces uniform to ensure even cooking.
Best Steak Cuts For Steak Bites: Tender, Flavorful Options
The best steak for steak bites is one that is tender and full of flavor. I love using sirloin because it’s juicy, affordable, and easy to find. Ribeye is another great choice—it’s extra rich and buttery thanks to the marbling. If you want something even more tender, tenderloin (like filet mignon) melts in your mouth but costs more. No matter which cut you choose, look for one with good marbling (those little white streaks of fat) for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make The Firecracker Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make firecracker sauce in advance so it is ready to go when you are ready to cook up the steak bites! Once made, the sauce will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Do You Need To Marinate The Steak Bites In The Firecracker Sauce?
You don’t have to marinate steak bites in firecracker sauce, but marinating them for 30 minutes really helps the steak soak up that bold, spicy flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating and just toss the sauce on right before cooking—it’ll still taste amazing! So, if you want extra flavor, marinating is the way to go, but it’s totally up to you!
Steak Doneness Temperatures: How to Cook Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, and Well Done Steaks
Cooking steak to the perfect doneness can feel tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Whether you love your steak rare and juicy or well done with a bit more firmness (I love my steak medium), knowing the right temperatures makes all the difference. Here are the ideal temperatures for each steak doneness level:
Rare: 120-125°F
Medium Rare: 130-135°F
Medium: 140-145°F
Medium Well: 150-155°F
Well Done: 160°F and above
Delicious Ways To Serve Firecracker Steak Bites
To be honest, I could eat these steak bites on their own, no problem! But, they can certainly be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- As an appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
- With a side dish: Pair them with crispy roasted vegetables, skins on mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. I would recommend adding them directly to your lettuce salad–delicious!
- On top of rice or noodles: Serve them over a bed of steamed rice, egg noodles, or even stir-fry noodles for a hearty dish.
- With a dipping sauce: Add a creamy dip, like blue cheese or ranch dressing, on the side for extra flavor.
- In tacos or wraps: Wrap them up in a soft flour tortilla with some fresh vegetables and a drizzle of sauce for a tasty handheld meal.
How To Store & Reheat Firecracker Steak Bites
To store firecracker steak bites, first, let them cool to room temperature. Next, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3-4 days. Reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Steak Bites?
Yes, you can freeze Firecracker Steak Bites! First, let them cool down completely at room temperature. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours so they don’t stick together. After they are frozen, put them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and label it with the date. When ready to eat, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, just heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warm. You can also reheat them straight from the freezer if you are in a hurry. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer!
Firecracker Steak Bites
Ingredients
- 1 recipe (1 cup) Firecracker Sauce, divided
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Pour ¼ cup of the firecracker sauce over the steak and toss to coat. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. (Depending on the size of the skillet, you may have to work in batches.) Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the remaining firecracker sauce into the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 30 more seconds, then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any extra sauce from the pan over the steak bites for added flavor. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These steak bites are so good and so addicting! I love the firecracker sauce with them.
Elizabeth
These are my new favorite steak bites (and I order them at almost every restaurant I go to). WOW!!! Make these today and thank me later.
Annabelle
These are spicy, savory, and really satisfying.
Stephanie
These steak bites are a hit! I loved every bite!
Bella
These steak bites are so tender, juicy, and flavorful!
