Honey Garlic Pineapple Beef Bites

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Servings: 4

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Introduction

pineapple beef bites are a sweet-savory crowd-pleaser: tender seared beef glazed in a sticky honey-garlic sauce with juicy, caramelized pineapple. The tropical brightness balances the umami depth from soy and garlic, while a touch of vinegar keeps the glaze lively instead of heavy. Perfect as a weeknight entrée over rice or skewered for parties, they deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, 1-inch cubes (450 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• ½ tsp kosher salt (3 g)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (30 ml)
• 2 tbsp honey (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (12 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (100 g)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (15 ml)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (30 ml slurry)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)

For Garnish (Optional)

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges or extra pineapple

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the beef: Pat cubes very dry; toss with salt and pepper. This encourages deep browning and a tender interior.
2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add beef in a single layer; sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned with caramelized edges. Transfer to a plate (the center can be slightly under to finish in sauce).
3. Build the sauce base: Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown). Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar; simmer 1 minute.
4. Caramelize pineapple: Add pineapple; cook 1–2 minutes, letting edges turn lightly golden and juices mingle with the glaze.
5. Thicken: Stir in cornstarch slurry; simmer 1–2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and slightly thick. If too tight, splash in 1–2 tbsp water.
6. Glaze the beef: Return beef (and juices) to the pan; toss 1–2 minutes until coated and warmed to desired doneness. Finish with sesame oil for nutty depth.
7. Serve: Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy over steamed rice, coconut rice, or thread onto skewers for party bites.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes—drain very well. Fresh caramelizes best, but canned works if you dry the pieces before they hit the pan.

Best cut of beef?

Sirloin is tender and forgiving; flank or flat iron also work. Slice against the grain for tenderness.

How do I make it spicier?

Add ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to the sauce while it simmers for a sweet-heat balance.

Recipe by Ana — Los Angeles, USA (10 years of professional cooking)

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