Perfect Pan-Seared Beef Steak Bites
Cooking Newbie’s Guide: Master the Art of Delicious Steak Bites (You Can Do It!)
Today, we’re making steak bites (Chap Steak) – a universally loved dish! With its irresistible sweet and savory flavor, even picky eaters will surely enjoy it. Let’s create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen!
Steak Bites Ingredients
- 250g Beef (Sirloin or Tenderloin recommended)
- 1 Onion (medium size)
- 5 Garlic Scapes (or asparagus as a substitute)
- 4 Button Mushrooms
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil or cooking oil, as needed
Steak Bites Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Steak Sauce (optional, not recommended)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Steak Sauce (optional, not recommended)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of our dish: the beef. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm. Season the cut beef evenly with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with olive oil (or cooking oil). This marinating step helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. This is what they call ‘marinating’.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables that will add texture and color to your steak bites. Slice the onion thickly or cut it into cubes. Quarter or cut the button mushrooms into 6 pieces. Trim the tough ends of the garlic scapes and cut them into 3-4 cm lengths. (You can also use asparagus). Avoid chopping the vegetables too finely, as this will help them retain their crispness when stir-fried. Garlic scapes, in particular, should be stir-fried briefly over high heat to keep them pleasantly crunchy.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the special sauce that defines the flavor of our steak bites. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 Tbsp corn syrup, mixing well. (You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less corn syrup to your preference.) We highly recommend omitting the steak sauce, as its tangy flavor can overpower the delicate taste of the steak. The goal is a clean, deep flavor.
Step 4
Heat a large skillet over high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the marinated beef and sear it until golden brown on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures the beef sears rather than steams. Once the beef is seared, add the prepared onions, garlic scapes, and mushrooms. Continue to stir-fry over high heat to keep the vegetables crisp.
Step 5
When the vegetables are slightly tender and the beef is mostly cooked through, pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Initially, I planned to cook the beef to medium-rare for a tender texture, but as I continued cooking with the sauce, I realized it would be even more delicious if cooked a bit longer.
Step 6
Continue cooking as the sauce thickens and the beef reaches your desired doneness. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add an additional 1-2 Tbsp of corn syrup. For a thicker sauce consistency, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp of water and add it to the pan. This will help the sauce cling to the meat, enhancing the overall flavor. At this stage, the beef naturally cooked to a well-done level.
Step 7
Once all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the glossy sauce, your dish is ready! The savory yet sweet flavor is incredibly appetizing, making it a perfect side dish for rice. The crispness of the garlic scapes, the tenderness of the beef, and the aroma of the vegetables create a harmonious blend, resulting in homemade steak bites that are as impressive as a restaurant entree.
