How to Make the Best SWEET & STICKY STEAK BITES in Your City
Your City: Sweet & Sticky Steak Bites are smoky, saucy, and perfectly seared. This foolproof method ensures tender bites packed with big flavor.
What Most People Don’t Know About Making SWEET & STICKY STEAK BITES
- Don't cut corners on final temperature: Medium-rare beef still needs to reach 145°F (and rest) to meet USDA safety guidelines. That smoky-pink center can still be safe...you just need a thermometer to be sure.
- Sauce timing matters: Add the glaze too late, and it burns. Too early, and it won’t stick. Mid-sear at reduced heat gives you the perfect sticky finish.
- Skip the hybrid if you want simplicity: You can choose to either smoke fully then sauce, or sear raw in a skillet with sauce. Both methods can be incredible, and this recipe shows the safer way to combine both.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1½ lbs steak (sirloin, filet, ribeye, or NY strip), trimmed & cubed into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 Tbsp Bald Buck Seasoning
- ½ cup thick BBQ sauce (ketchup-based)
- 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Optional: flaky sea salt + chopped parsley or scallions
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Pat the cubes very dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents good searing. Toss in a bowl with Bald Buck Seasoning and both rubs until well coated.
- Smoke Until Safe Zone: Preheat smoker or pellet grill to 225°F using oak, hickory, or mesquite. Place steak cubes spaced out on a wire rack or tray. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 125–130°F, about 45–60 minutes.
- Sear and Sauce: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter. When butter bubbles, add the steak cubes in a single layer. Let sear undisturbed for 1–1½ minutes per side until browned.
- Finish With Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Toss to coat all cubes evenly. Cook for another 2–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the glaze thickens and internal temp reaches 145°F or higher. Tip: Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too fast or starts to stick.
- Serve with a Fresh Finish: Remove from heat. Let rest 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs right before serving.
