If you’re craving something that’s both flavorful and quick to whip up, you’re going to love this Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe. Tender, juicy strips of steak get bathed in a luscious honey glaze, perfectly balanced with savory and slightly tangy notes, then seared to perfection on a hot grill pan. This dish is pure comfort and elegance rolled into one, making dinner feel like a special occasion even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for an effortless restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe lies in its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating deep, balanced flavors and a beautifully caramelized finish. Let’s break down the essentials that come together for this mouthwatering dish.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat strips.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami and saltiness to bring out the steak’s rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: The star glaze ingredient, giving a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in marinating and ensures a nice sear on the grill pan.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic, savory depth to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a slight kick and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Melted at the end for a rich, glossy glaze coating.
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): These bring freshness and a lovely crunch to each bite.
How to Make Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This marinade is where all the flavor builds up, so make sure it’s well combined. Toss the thinly sliced steak strips in this mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, extending it up to 2 hours gives the meat an even deeper, more luscious taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill Pan
While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. To avoid sticking, lightly brush the pan with oil or use a nonstick spray. A hot grill pan is key to achieving those beautiful, appetizing grill marks that make the steak strips look as good as they taste.
Step 3: Grill the Steak Strips
Shake off any excess marinade from the steak strips before placing them in the grill pan—you want them to sizzle immediately, not steam. Arrange the strips in a single layer without overcrowding, so each piece gets an even sear. Grill the strips for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for gorgeous grill lines and your preferred level of doneness. Cook in batches if needed; this ensures crisp edges and juicy centers.
Step 4: Finish with Butter Glaze
After all the steak strips are grilled, reduce the heat to low, return the strips to the pan, and add the tablespoon of unsalted butter. Toss the steak gently so each strip is coated in the buttery honey glaze, which adds a velvety finish and elevates the flavors even more. This quick step seals the deal with a glossy and irresistible shine.
How to Serve Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds take the dish from excellent to exceptional. They add pop of color, texture, and a hint of freshness that complements the sweet and savory glazed steak beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Think fluffy steamed rice to soak up every bit of glaze, crunchy stir-fried vegetables for balance, or even a light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the steak.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these honey glazed steak strips wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh avocado and a drizzle of creamy sauce for quick steak wraps. Another idea is layering them over garlic mashed potatoes or scattered across an Asian-inspired noodle bowl to impress guests or brighten up a casual meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the steak strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish with minimal effort on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak strips by placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Frozen properly, they maintain good flavor for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for best results—add a splash of water or broth to keep the strips moist and gently warm them through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can toughen the steak and affect the lovely honey glaze texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because of its texture and ability to absorb marinade, you can substitute skirt steak, ribeye, or sirloin strips. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the marinade safe for gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this dish if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness of the honey. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! You can whisk the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before marinating the steak. This makes getting dinner ready super convenient.
What’s the best way to slice the steak for this recipe?
Cut the steak thinly across the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in more tender and easier-to-chew strips—perfect for quick cooking and enjoying every juicy bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little sweetness and sizzle to their weeknight dinner lineup. The beautiful balance of flavors, quick cooking time, and effortless presentation make it a true winner that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your grill pan, and get ready to treat yourself to some truly unforgettable steak strips!
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Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grill Pan Honey Glazed Steak Strips feature tender flank steak marinated in a flavorful honey-soy glaze, then quickly cooked on a hot grill pan for perfect charred grill marks and a buttery finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight main course, these steak strips are versatile enough to serve over rice, in wraps, or on salads.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This creates a sweet and savory base that will tenderize and flavor the steak strips.
- Marinate Steak: Add the thinly sliced steak strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration and improved tenderness.
- Heat Grill Pan: Place a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil or use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Allow it to become hot enough to create grill marks on the steak.
- Cook Steak Strips: Remove the steak strips from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, lay the strips in a single layer on the hot grill pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until grill marks appear and steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add Butter Glaze: Once all strips are grilled, return all to the pan. Lower the heat and add the unsalted butter. Toss the steak strips in the pan to coat evenly in the melted buttery glaze for about 30 seconds, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Remove from heat immediately and transfer to plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Flank steak is ideal, but skirt steak or ribeye can be substituted for variety.
- For a spicier glaze, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Serve these steak strips over steamed rice, inside wraps, or atop fresh salads for versatile meal options.
- To keep the recipe dairy-free, omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
