These spicy steak bites remind me of the kind of simple party food that disappears before the coffee is even poured. With only three ingredients, this is the sort of recipe a busy home cook can pull together in no time, yet it still feels special enough for company. The beauty of it is in that old-fashioned practical Midwestern way of cooking: a good cut of beef, a bold sauce, and a hot pan to bring out all that flavor.
Serve these steak bites hot with toothpicks as an easy low-carb appetizer, or set them alongside a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or cauliflower mash for supper. They also go nicely with a cool ranch-style dip, blue cheese dressing, or a plate of celery and cucumber slices to balance the heat.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Spicy Steak Bites
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup spicy chili sauce or sugar-free chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels, then toss them in a bowl with the olive oil until lightly coated.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side without moving them.
3. Turn the steak bites and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked to your preferred doneness.
4. Lower the heat slightly and add the spicy chili sauce. Stir quickly to coat the steak bites, letting the sauce bubble for 30 seconds to 1 minute until glossy.
5. Transfer to a serving plate and serve right away while hot.
Variations & Tips
Milder Version: If you are feeding folks who do not care for much heat, use a milder chili sauce and serve extra hot sauce on the side so everyone can fix their own plate to taste.
Best Cut of Beef: Sirloin gives you a good balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak also work nicely. Just keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Do Not Crowd the Pan: If your skillet is not large enough, cook the steak in batches. Too much meat in the pan at once will steam it instead of giving you that good brown crust.
Make It a Meal: Spoon the steak bites over cauliflower rice or tuck them into lettuce cups for an easy supper that still keeps things low in carbs.