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

Absolutely! While top sirloin, sirloin tips, and tenderloin work best for their tenderness, you could use ribeye, New York strip, or even chuck roast (though chuck will need longer cooking). The key is cutting the meat into uniform pieces and not overcooking. For tougher cuts, consider marinating beforehand to help tenderize.

My sauce isn't thickening properly. What went wrong?

The most common issue is not bringing the sauce to a complete boil after adding the cornstarch mixture. Cornstarch needs to reach boiling temperature to activate its thickening properties. Another possibility is that your cornstarch mixture wasn't well combined before adding it to the pan. Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid until completely smooth before adding to hot liquids.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

You can prepare components ahead, but I recommend final assembly just before serving. Cook the steak bites and store them separately from the prepared sauce (without the cornstarch). When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken, then gently warm the steak bites in the sauce just until heated through.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free (most commercial Worcestershire contains gluten). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Steak Bites and Onion Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: Steak Bites and Onion Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Beef; 1 ½ pounds top sirloin, sirloin tips, or beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Sauce; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup); 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 2 ¼ cups (18 ounces / 540 g) beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Thickener; ¼ cup cold water; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; Garnish; parsley, chopped for garnish

Description

Steak Bites with Onion Garlic Sauce is a quick, flavorful main-course dish featuring tender cubes of sirloin seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, and soy sauce. This easy stovetop recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and is ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Beef
1 1/2 pounds top sirloin, sirloin tips, or beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 1/4 cups (18 ounces / 540 g) beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Thickener
1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish
parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Pat the cubes of beef dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season them evenly on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help sear the meat.
Sear the Steak Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is nicely browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside to keep warm.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Make Sauce: Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into the skillet. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, which add flavor to the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the skillet while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a boil, allowing it to thicken.
Finish the Dish: Add the browned beef and any accumulated juices from the plate back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, just until the steak is heated through (avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender).
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the steak bites and onion garlic sauce warm over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice as desired.

Notes

Do not overcook steak bites after adding them back to the sauce—simmer just until heated to ensure maximum tenderness.
For extra flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
This recipe is versatile and works well with other tender cuts of beef.
Serve leftovers promptly or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 95mg