Beef with Garlic Sauce

Easy Beef with Garlic Sauce with Honey - Quick & Delicious!

Need a quick dinner option? Beef with garlic sauce with honey is the answer. This dish combines savory garlic, sweet honey, and rich soy sauce for a delicious meal. Read on and you’ll find easy steps, ingredient tips, and tasty variations to perfect this recipe.

Here's the beef:

  • Beef with Garlic Sauce with Honey combines sweet and savory with honey and aromatic garlic for an irresistible flavor, and it’s quick and simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights.

  • The recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your creative touch with a variety of vegetables and protein substitutions like tofu or chicken, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.

  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheating the leftovers in a skillet helps maintain the texture and flavor’s integrity.

Why You’ll Love Beef with Garlic Sauce with Honey

The magical combination of honey and garlic is a primary reason why this dish will capture your heart. The honey provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, aromatic garlic, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is simply irresistible. The salty touch from the soy sauce and the rich garlic flavor make this dish stand out.

Another aspect that makes this dish a winner is its simplicity. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, even a new cook can create this mouthwatering meal. 

Another appealing aspect of this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy to add variety and nutrition to the dish. This flexibility allows you to experiment and find your perfect version of this classic recipe.

Perhaps the most appealing feature? The dish is not only packed with flavor and satisfying but also quick to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying and delicious meal on the table, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

Shopping List:

  • Flank steak or top sirloin
  • Soy sauce
  • Fresh garlic
  • Bee Inspired Honey
  • green onions
  • olive oil or sesame oil
  • beansprouts
  • low-sodium chicken broth
For the sauce, you’ll combine the following ingredients:
  • Chicken stock or broth
  • Cornstarch or arrow root powder
  • dry sherry, or sake
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Pepper

    These sauce ingredients come together to create a rich, savory base that will coat the beef perfectly. 

    How to make beef with garlic sauce with honey

    Creating Beef with Garlic Sauce with Honey is a straightforward process that can be broken down into three main steps:

    1) preparing the beef

    2) making the sauce

    3) cooking the dish.

    Follow these steps to ensure a delicious meal every time:

    Here are the specifics of each step to assist you in perfecting this recipe. From tenderizing and slicing the beef to crafting the perfect sauce and bringing everything together in the pan, we’ve got you covered.

    Preparing the Beef

    The initial step in the preparation of your garlic sauce beef revolves around making sure the meat is tender and packed with flavor. Start by selecting a good cut of beef like flank steak or sirloin steak. For the best results, partially freeze the beef before slicing it – this makes it easier to cut into thin strips.

    Once your beef is partially frozen, slice it against the grain into thin, 2-inch strips. This technique helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in tender meat that’s perfect for stir fry. Use a super sharp knife to make clean, precise cuts.

    To further enhance the tenderness, here are some tips:

    1. Coat the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch or arrow root powder. This step helps to lock in moisture and create a velvety texture when cooked.

    2. Optionally, you can tenderize the beef with baking soda by sprinkling it on the meat and letting it marinate for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

    3. Pat the beef dry with paper towels before cooking.

    These tips will help ensure that your beef is tender and delicious.

    Making the Sauce

    The sauce is the magical component of the dish. In a mixing bowl, start by combining the following ingredients to make the base for the dish:

    • Water

    • Chicken stock

    • Soy sauce

    • Honey

    • Rice wine vinegar

    This mixture forms the base of the garlic sauce, bringing together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, reminiscent of garlic butter.

    To ensure a smooth consistency, follow these steps:

    1. Mix the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup.

    2. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a bit of water.

    3. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture.

    4. Stir well to combine.

    5. This will help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

    Before adding the sauce to the beef, sauté aromatics like minced garlic in a large skillet or pan. This step releases the flavors and infuses the oil with a rich garlic aroma, setting the stage for a delicious meal.

    Cooking the Dish

    It’s now time to combine all the elements. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

    2. Add the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

    3. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is golden brown.

    Once the beef is cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring constantly to coat the meat and ensure the sauce thickens evenly. The sauce will quickly thicken, creating a glossy, flavorful coating on the beef.

    Serve the beef with garlic sauce immediately to enjoy it at its peak flavor and texture. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, delicious meal featuring garlic butter steak bites.

    Expert tips for Variations & Substitutions

    The flexibility of this recipe is one of its main attractions. If you’re looking for an economical yet tender option, consider using flank steak or skirt steak, both of which work wonderfully in stir fry dishes. Sirloin steak is another excellent alternative that offers a balance of tenderness and flavor.

    For those with a sweet tooth, you can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your preference. Each sweetener brings a unique flavor profile, allowing you to personalize the dish to your liking.

    If you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t worry – this dish can still be yours! Replace the beef with:

    • tofu

    • eggplant

    • broccoli

    • mushrooms

    • chicken (for a non-vegetarian option, especially for meat lovers)

    Additionally, for those on a paleo diet, swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos.

    For a spicy kick, add some sriracha to the garlic sauce or drizzle it on top of the finished dish.

    Serving Suggestions

    The beef with garlic sauce with honey offers a wide range of serving possibilities, showcasing its versatility. Rice is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the dish, soaking up all the extra delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over fried noodles.

    If you’re looking for low-carb alternatives, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are excellent choices that maintain the dish’s flavor while reducing the carb count. You can also serve the beef over steamed broccoli for a balanced and nutritious meal.

    For something a bit more creative, try serving the beef in fresh lettuce cups for a refreshing, hands-on dining experience. Or, set up a DIY spring roll station with rice paper, beef, and an assortment of veggies for a fun and interactive meal.

    How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

    It’s straightforward to store any leftovers of this beef with garlic sauce. Simply place the dish in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there are a couple of reheating methods to consider.

    For the best texture, reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat. This helps preserve the meat’s tenderness and prevents it from becoming soggy. If you prefer using a microwave, do so at a lower power setting and stir frequently to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain the sauce’s consistency during reheating.

    Nutritional Information

    Having knowledge about the nutritional value of your meal is crucial. A single serving of this beef with garlic sauce with honey contains approximately 267 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying option. The macronutrient breakdown includes 4% carbs, 73% fat, and 23% protein.

    In terms of nutrition, the dish provides:

    • 18 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and growth

    • 25 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fats, which is 25% of the daily value

    • 36 milligrams of cholesterol, accounting for 20% of the daily value

    • 600 milligrams of sodium, which is 26% of the daily value.

    Moreover, this dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It provides 2 milligrams of iron (23% of the daily value), 5 milligrams of vitamin C (5% of the daily value), and 150 micrograms of vitamin A (17% of the daily value). These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious as well.

    Beef with Garlic Sauce with Honey is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a quick and easy recipe. With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for family and friends, this dish is sure to impress. So why wait? Give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use different cuts of beef like skirt steak or sirloin steak, and you can substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or vegetables for a vegetarian version. Enjoy experimenting!

    How do I make the sauce thicker?

    To make the sauce thicker, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch or arrow root with a bit of water and then adding it to the sauce mixture. This will help thicken the sauce nicely.

    What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal?

    You can serve this meal with delicious side dishes like rice, fried noodles, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or lettuce cups. Enjoy!

    How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave using a lower power setting, adding water or broth if necessary. Enjoy the meal!

    Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Just make sure to check the other ingredients for gluten as well.

     

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    About the Author

    Kara waxes about the bees, creates and tests recipes with her friend Joyce, and does her best to share what she’s learning about the bees, honey, ingredients we use and more. Read more about Kara