If you’re craving a cozy dinner with the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors, you’ll fall in love with this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet. Juicy steak sizzling in honey garlic butter, tender rice that soaks up all the delicious sauce, pops of peas, and a sprinkle of green onion make this dish a surefire favorite for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want serious comfort food without a mountain of dishes. Whether you’re new to one-pan dinners or a seasoned home cook, this irresistible recipe is a fuss-free way to bring restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a star, working together to create layers of rich, crave-worthy flavor. From the buttery seared steak to the honey-kissed sauce, each staple has a purpose—either adding tenderness, a color pop, a savory hit, or that magical garlicky aroma no one can resist.
- Sirloin steak (1 1/2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes): Pick a well-marbled sirloin for maximum tenderness and flavor in each bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the steak beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Gives the whole skillet a luxurious mouthfeel; using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The unmistakable, aromatic base—fresh is always best for this recipe.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely sweetness and helps create the signature sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings a savory, umami depth and rich color to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavors with a gentle tang and balances out the sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A dash of gentle heat to keep things exciting—totally optional!
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): The comforting foundation that soaks up every drop of sauce—best if slightly chilled or leftover for perfect texture.
- Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): Sweet, little bursts of green that brighten every mouthful.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): A pop of fresh color and mild onion bite to finish the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Start by generously seasoning your steak cubes with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer—you want those pieces to really sear, not steam. Sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until a golden crust forms and the inside is cooked to your preferred doneness. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside so all the juices stay locked in.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—that flavor is precious!), reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and, if you like a bit of a kick, the red pepper flakes. Let it all cook for 1 to 2 minutes and watch as it thickens into a gorgeous, shiny sauce.
Step 3: Coat the Steak and Add Rice
Return your cooked steak and all those juices back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to coat the steak cubes in that luscious honey garlic butter. Push the steak to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty space. Stir in your cooked rice and peas, letting them heat through and soak up the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the whole skillet is warm, and the rice is glistening, sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top for the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately, and get ready for a chorus of compliments!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet

Garnishes
A final shower of sliced green onions brings freshness and color to the party. If you want to take things a step further, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of roughly chopped cilantro for a boost of flavor and an extra pop of green. Even a few extra red pepper flakes can give a pretty hint of heat and color.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple stir-fried greens, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad. If you’re feeling extra hungry, some warm naan or crusty bread works wonders to soak up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, interactive meal, serve the skillet family-style right in the pan at the center of your table. You can also scoop servings into individual bowls and top each one uniquely—think a drizzle of sriracha, a fried egg, or even a scattering of crunchy fried onions for extra texture. Mini cast iron skillets make for a charming, impressive presentation if you’re entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner encore that’s just as tasty after a quick reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Pack cooled servings into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything stays tender instead of getting dry or rubbery.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until everything is hot and perfectly saucy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While sirloin is fantastic for its tenderness and flavor, you can swap in ribeye, strip steak, or even flank steak. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary a bit depending on the cut and thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All the other ingredients in Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet are naturally gluten free, so no worries there.
Can I substitute brown rice or quinoa for the white rice?
You definitely can. Brown rice or quinoa both work well here, though brown rice especially adds a heartier texture. Make sure your grain is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet.
How can I make it spicier?
Go for a heavier hand with the crushed red pepper flakes, add a squeeze of sriracha, or stir in a diced fresh chili with the garlic for an extra fiery kick.
What’s the best way to prepare this for meal prep?
Divide your cooked Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet into individual containers, sprinkle green onions on top, and seal tightly. Store in the fridge for the perfect grab-and-go lunch or reheat-friendly dinner!
Final Thoughts
If your weeknight dinner routine needs a shake-up, give Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet a try. It’s quick, full of bold flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe requests for seconds!) to the table. Enjoy every bite—you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender sirloin steak with a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, served alongside aromatic rice, peas, and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Steak: Season steak cubes with salt and black pepper. Sear in olive oil until browned.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, then stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Steak: Return steak to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
- Prepare the Rice: Push steak aside, add butter, then stir in rice and peas. Cook until heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate steak in soy sauce and olive oil before cooking.
- You can substitute peas with broccoli or mixed vegetables.
- This dish is great for using up leftover rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg