Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist — Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with a luscious Cheddar Lava Drizzle. Elevate your classic steak bites by transforming them into a visually stunning, melt-in-your-mouth delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. In this cozy, yet refined recipe, tender steak is coated in a delicate blend of sweet and heat, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle
Savor the perfect balance of flavors in this irresistible dish that combines the richness of tender steak, the decadence of a velvety cheddar drizzle, and the gentle warmth of a sweet-heat seasoning. This recipe is a true work of art, elevating classic comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece that will have your guests marveling at your culinary prowess. Indulge in the joyful, cozy, and inspiring flavors that will leave you feeling wholesome and satisfied.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a flavor journey with the carefully selected ingredients for this Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle. From the juicy steak to the indulgent cheddar, each component has been thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious and gourmet dish.
- 1 lb – Sirloin Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp – Olive Oil
- 2 tsp – Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp – Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp – Ground Cumin
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black Pepper
- 1 cup – Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cup – Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp – Unsalted Butter
- 1 tbsp – Minced Garlic
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sirloin Steak: Flank Steak or Skirt Steak — a more affordable option that still provides the perfect texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère or Fontina — for a slightly more sophisticated cheese flavor profile.
How to Make Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle
Elevate your cooking skills and bring out the artist in you as you guide your guests through the step-by-step process of creating this delectable dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Start by cutting the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the spice mixture until well blended. Shred the cheddar cheese and set it aside. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well-incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the cheddar lava drizzle aside.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed steak and the spice mixture, tossing the steak to coat it evenly. Cook the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, working in batches if necessary to ensure the steak sears properly.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the steak bites are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and immediately drizzle the warm cheddar lava sauce over the top. Gently toss the steak bites to coat them in the velvety cheddar goodness. Serve the Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the spice blend for a more pronounced heat profile.
- Sweet Surrender: Enhance the sweetness by using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, or add a touch of honey to the spice mixture.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Swap out the cheddar cheese for a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère and Parmesan, for a more complex and sophisticated flavor.
- Veggie-Packed: Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions alongside the steak bites for a pop of color and additional texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad to complement the richness of the dish.
Storage: Store any leftover Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or the microwave, being careful not to overcook the steak.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the spice mixture and chop the steak in advance. Store the components separately, and assemble and cook the dish just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the decadence of this gourmet comfort food while maintaining a healthy, balanced approach to your meals. Each serving of this dish provides a satisfying dose of protein, essential nutrients, and a touch of indulgence, making it a well-rounded and nourishing option.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 501 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 11 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 489 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sirloin steak, you can easily substitute flank steak or skirt steak for a more affordable option. These cuts will still provide the perfect tender and juicy texture, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
If you prefer a bolder heat profile, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the heat to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare certain components of this dish ahead of time for a quicker assembly on the day of serving. The spice blend and the cheddar lava drizzle can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the drizzle before assembling the dish, and toss the steak bites with the spice mixture just before cooking.
What should I serve with the Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites?
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad. The rich and indulgent flavors of the steak bites and cheddar lava drizzle are nicely complemented by these simple side dishes.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the steak bites can be frozen, the cheddar lava drizzle may not hold up well to freezing and reheating. For best results, store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, and make a fresh batch of the cheddar drizzle when reheating the dish.
Try These Next
- Blackened Steak Bites With Creamy Garlic Cheese Drizzle
- Garlic Butter Cheddar Crust Sheet Pan Chicken Bites With Smoky Bacon
- One Pan Skillet Dinners
Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Heat Skillet Steak Bites with Cheddar Lava Drizzle is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender steak bites with a spicy and cheesy drizzle, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season steak bites with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Add steak to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine cheddar cheese and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until melted.
5. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the cooked steak bites.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper.
Serve with a side of vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: One-Pan & Skillet Dinners
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg