Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use strip steak, flank steak (sliced against the grain), or even beef tenderloin. The key is choosing a relatively tender cut and cutting it into uniform pieces for even cooking.

How spicy are these Firecracker Steak Bites?

The spice level depends entirely on your firecracker sauce recipe. Typically, firecracker sauce has a medium heat that builds gradually. If you're sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in your firecracker sauce. If you love spice, add extra!

Can I marinate the steak longer than 30 minutes?

Yes, you can marinate the steak for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. I wouldn't recommend longer than that as the acids in the sauce can start to break down the meat too much, affecting its texture. If marinating longer than 30 minutes, keep it refrigerated and bring back to room temperature before cooking.

What can I serve with these steak bites for a complete meal?

These steak bites are incredibly versatile! For a complete meal, serve them over rice with steamed vegetables, in lettuce cups with pickled vegetables, alongside a fresh salad, or even tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. They also make a fantastic protein addition to grain bowls or noodle dishes.

Firecracker Steak Bites Recipe

Description

Firecracker steak bites are a flavor-packed, succulent appetizer made of tender steak cubes coated with a spicy and tangy firecracker sauce, perfect for any gathering or quick meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 recipe (1 cup) Firecracker Sauce, divided
1 1/2 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Season the steak: In a large bowl, season the steak bites with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
Marinate the steak: Pour ¼ cup of the firecracker sauce over the seasoned steak bites and toss them to coat evenly. Let the steak marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sear the steak bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Depending on the skillet size, work in batches if needed. Sear the steak bites for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are browned and caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the remaining firecracker sauce into the skillet. Simmer it for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Coat the steak: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them around to coat evenly in the thickened firecracker sauce. Cook for an additional 30 seconds before removing from heat.
Serve and garnish: Serve the firecracker steak bites immediately, drizzling any extra sauce from the skillet over the steak for added flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality sirloin or ribeye steak.
Letting the steak marinate at room temperature helps it absorb the sauce better.
If you prefer less spice, adjust the amount of firecracker sauce to your taste.
Work in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to sear all the steak bites at once to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg