If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, Sweet Chili Garlic Steak Bites with Coconut Rice is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender, juicy beef steak morsels coated in a sweet and garlicky chili glaze, paired perfectly with creamy, fragrant coconut-infused jasmine rice. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is simple, satisfying, and packed with delicious layers of flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because it balances savory, sweet, and spicy elements in perfect harmony. The steak bites are seared quickly to lock in juiciness while the sweet chili sauce adds a vibrant glaze that clings to each piece. Garlic amps up the aroma and flavor, making every bite irresistible. Meanwhile, the coconut rice is a luxurious and fragrant base that softens the palate and complements the bold steak bites without overpowering them. Together, they create a balanced, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredient Rundown
- 1 lb beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat searing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that elevates the steak bites.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: This sauce brings sweetness and a mild heat, creating the signature glaze.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, balancing the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: For natural sweetness and to help caramelize the steak bites.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for a subtle heat that enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Creates the creamy base for the rice, adding richness and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 cup jasmine rice: Fragrant and fluffy, jasmine rice soaks up the coconut milk beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the rice perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large skillet or frying pan – for searing the steak bites.
- Medium saucepan with lid – to cook the coconut rice.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board – a clean surface to prep ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the steak bites with sauce ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the rice and steak.
Mastering Sweet Chili Garlic Steak Bites with Coconut Rice: How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Cut and Season the Steak
While the rice cooks, slice your beef steak into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the steak pieces with black pepper and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning lets the natural beef flavor shine through before adding the sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the steak bites in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure a good sear. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak bites from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze the Steak Bites
Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss them in the sweet chili garlic sauce. Stir to coat each piece evenly and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Spoon the fluffy coconut rice onto serving plates, then top with the glazed steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
For a twist on this dish, you might want to try other recipes like Garlic Butter Steak And Mushroom Skillet With Rice or balance the sweet and savory flavors in Sticky Orange Chicken Thighs With Fried Rice for your next meal adventure.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
- Add toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty crunch during festive meals.
- Incorporate finely diced red bell peppers or green onions for a pop of color and freshness in spring and summer.
- Swap out cilantro for fresh basil or mint for a more aromatic twist in warmer months.
- Include a side of lightly steamed snap peas or bok choy in winter to add seasonal greens.
Little Things that Matter
Choosing the right cut of steak can make or break this recipe. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye sear beautifully and stay juicy inside. Avoid overcooking the steak bites to keep them tender and flavorful. When cooking the coconut rice, rinsing the jasmine rice beforehand ensures a light, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the rich steak bites. Finally, use fresh garlic for the sauce to get that unmistakable punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This dish can be made ahead with a few simple steps. Cook the coconut rice and steak bites separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the rice with a splash of coconut milk or water to keep it moist, and warm the steak bites in a skillet over medium heat to preserve their glaze and texture. Avoid microwaving the steak directly to prevent toughness.
Sweet Chili Garlic Steak Bites with Coconut Rice FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice instead of jasmine?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain rice. However, jasmine rice’s natural fragrance and slightly sticky texture complement the coconut milk and steak bites beautifully, so it’s the preferred choice.
How spicy is the sweet chili sauce in this recipe?
The sweet chili sauce used here is mildly spicy with a balance of sweetness and tang, making it accessible to most palates. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces work well with the sweet chili garlic sauce. For a delicious variation, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Rice Pilaf for more chicken inspiration.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
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Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the tools, ingredients, and insider tips, it’s time to dive into making your own Sweet Chili Garlic Steak Bites with Coconut Rice. This dish promises a delightful balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
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Sweet Chili Garlic Steak Bites with Coconut Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Slice beef steak into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, toss steak pieces with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
- Add steak bites in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to preferred doneness.
- Remove steak bites from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir and simmer 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return seared steak bites to skillet and toss to coat evenly in sweet chili garlic sauce.
- Cook an additional minute to allow flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
- Spoon fluffy coconut rice onto plates, top with glazed steak bites, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicy, flavorful steak bites.
- Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking ensures fluffy, non-sticky rice.
- Store cooked rice and steak bites separately in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
