Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are the ultimate treat for any meat lover. Imagine tender steak, perfectly seasoned, glazed with a sweet and sticky barbecue sauce that gets your taste buds tingling. These bites are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re firing up the smoker for a weekend barbecue or looking for the perfect appetizer for your next game day, this recipe fits the bill. They’re like little nuggets of happiness that will surely make everyone at the table smile. With a combination of flavors that dance on your palate, these steak bites are bound to become a new favorite. Let’s get started on making these delectable morsels that are perfect for any occasion!
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites lies in their incredible flavor. The perfect blend of spices mixed with barbecue sauce creates a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. Each bite offers a satisfying combination, making it hard to resist going for seconds. Smoking the steak bites infuses them with a deep, rich flavor that elevates this dish far beyond your ordinary appetizer. The smoke adds an extra layer that perfectly complements the natural taste of the beef. Trust me; when you serve these up, your friends and family will rave about how delicious they are!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites
One of the best parts about these steak bites is their versatility. They’re perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating game day, or enjoying a family dinner. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your needs. Plus, the sweet and sticky glaze will have everyone coming back for more, bringing a literal bite of happiness. Each piece is packed with flavor, yet they’re simple enough for anyone to whip up—even if you’re short on time. You’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your collection.
Ingredients
- 4 beef filet steaks, about 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (or equal parts salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub
- 2 tablespoons Hook’s Midnight Rub (or your favorite activated charcoal rub)
- ½ cup Hey Grill Hey Everything BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
Preparing the Steak Bites
Preheat Your Smoker
First things first: preheat your smoker to 225°F. This temperature creates the ideal environment for smoking your steak bites, allowing the meat to absorb that rich smoky flavor.
Prepare the Steaks
Next, you’ll need to get your ingredients ready. Trim any silverskin or large chunks of fat from the steaks. It keeps the meat tender. Then, cut the steaks into 1½-inch cubes. This bite-sized preparation makes grilling easier and ensures everyone can enjoy these delicious morsels without needing a knife.
Season the Steak Bites
Now, let’s make those steak bites pop with flavor. Put the Sweet Rub and Beef Rub on one small plate. On a second plate, pour the Midnight Rub. Dip the top and bottom of each steak bite into the Midnight Rub, rolling the sides in the Sweet Rub afterward. Once seasoned, set the bites on a flat cooling rack to get ready for the smoker.
Smoking the Steak Bites
Smoke the Steak Bites
Carefully place the cooling rack loaded with steak bites onto the smoker grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want to ensure the internal temperature reaches 120°F. At this point, you can start to smell the wonderful flavors mingling together.
Applying the Sauce
Add Barbecue Sauce
When your steak bites are nicely smoked, it’s time to add a flavorful twist. Transfer the smoked steak bites to a cast iron skillet or aluminum pan. Drizzle them with your BBQ sauce, sprinkle dark brown sugar evenly over the top, and dot with small pats of butter. This step takes the flavor to the next level, making it sweet and sticky.
Smoke Again
Return the skillet back to the smoker, close the lid, and let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. At this stage, the butter will melt, beautifully integrating into the sauce and making it even stickier around the steak bites.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites can be served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or alongside grilled vegetables for a full meal. You might consider pairing them with a fresh salad to balance out the richness or some creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty experience.
Tips for Success
To ensure your steak bites turn out perfectly, make sure to trim your steaks well for optimal tenderness. Also, closely monitor the temperature to achieve your desired doneness. This attention to detail will lead to delightful bites every time.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can swap the beef filet with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile. Additionally, experimenting with different barbecue sauces can give a unique twist to the recipe, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any leftover steak bites (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or smoker to restore their stickiness.
Pairing Ideas
Consider pairing these steak bites with a crisp, refreshing salad. This combination lightens the meal and balances the rich flavors of the steak. Alternatively, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which will complement the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of meat?
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Yes! You can easily use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
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What if I don’t have a smoker?
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Not to worry! You can grill the steak bites over medium heat, making sure to mix them frequently for that perfect sticky finish.
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How do I know when the steak bites are done?
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A meat thermometer is your best friend. Check for an internal temperature of 130°F for a delicious medium-rare.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
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Certainly! You can prepare and season the steak bites a day in advance, then smoke them right before serving. It makes entertaining a breeze!
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Are these steak bites spicy?
- The recipe is not intended to be spicy, but if you enjoy a kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the rub for a bit of heat.
Savor the joy of cooking these Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites. Every bite is an explosion of flavor, crafting memorable moments at your table. With easy preparations and delicious results, this recipe is sure to be your go-to for gatherings and family dinners alike. Enjoy the happy smiles and satisfied appetites!
PrintSweet and Sticky Steak Bites
Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer bursting with flavor. These tender bites are coated in a rich, sweet barbecue glaze, perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 beef filet steaks, about 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Beef Rub (or equal parts salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub
- 2 tablespoons Hook's Midnight Rub (or your favorite activated charcoal rub)
- ½ cup Hey Grill Hey Everything BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Trim steaks and cut into 1½-inch cubes.
- Season with Sweet Rub and Beef Rub, then with Midnight Rub.
- Place steak bites on a cooling rack and smoke for about 1 hour.
- Transfer to a skillet, drizzle with BBQ sauce, sprinkle brown sugar, and dot with butter.
- Return to smoker and cook until internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Notes
Trim steaks well for optimal tenderness.
Monitor the temperature closely for desired doneness.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking/Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 70