If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in one skillet, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe combines tender, juicy sirloin steak with a luscious garlic butter honey glaze, all perfectly mingling with fluffy rice. It’s the kind of dish that makes weekday dinners feel special and invites you to savor every bite. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and rich butter creates a comforting harmony that’s hard to resist, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing something unique to the dish—from texture and color to that irresistible depth of flavor. Gathering them all means you’re just steps away from a delicious meal that feels both hearty and fresh.
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the steak.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a crisp sear on the steak and a flavorful base for cooking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- ¼ cup honey: Sweetens and balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and a hint of saltiness without overpowering.
- 1½ cups cooked rice (white or brown): Acts as the hearty base, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Add freshness and a pop of color at the end.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): For a touch of earthiness and vibrant green contrast.
- Red pepper flakes for heat (optional): To give the dish a subtle kick if you like a little spice.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Start by generously seasoning your bite-sized sirloin steak pieces with salt and pepper. Heating the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat creates the perfect environment for a beautiful sear. Place the steak in a single layer—if your pan isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let each side brown for 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a rich crust and the inside cooks according to your preference. Then remove the steak and set it aside to rest while you move on to the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet where you cooked the steak. Once melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—just enough for it to release its fragrant, savory aroma without turning bitter. Next, pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring constantly to combine. Let this simmer gently for one to two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming glossy and irresistibly rich.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Steak
To the skillet, add your cooked rice—whether white or brown—and stir so each grain is dressed in the luscious honey garlic butter sauce. Then, return the juicy steak pieces to the pan and toss everything together to ensure each bite has that perfect balance of tender meat and flavorful sauce. Let it all cook together for another minute or two until everything is heated through and harmoniously blended.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and optional chopped parsley over the skillet for a fresh burst of color and flavor. If you’re in the mood for a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of kick to keep your taste buds intrigued. Serve this dish warm straight from the skillet—it’s comfort food made effortlessly elegant.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Freshly sliced green onions provide a mild crunch and brightness, while chopped parsley lends a subtle earthiness that balances the sweet and savory flavors. Red pepper flakes bring a welcome heat if you’re feeling adventurous. A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also uplift the whole dish beautifully, adding a zingy contrast to the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
While this skillet dish stands strong on its own, pairing it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh texture contrast. A crisp side salad or roasted carrots with a hint of ginger can complement the sweet garlic profile brilliantly. If you want to keep things true to the skillet’s hearty vibe, a warm crusty bread is perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or just to impress at a casual dinner, serve your Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet straight in the pan for a rustic, inviting presentation. Alternatively, spoon it into individual bowls topped with extra green onions and parsley for a cozy, make-it-your-own experience. You can even turn this into a rice bowl by adding avocado slices, a fried egg, or pickled vegetables for added layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow out and deepen after resting, making next-day bites just as delicious. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the rice and steak fresh and safe.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Frozen Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe keeps well for up to 2 months. For best quality, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the rice fluffy. Alternatively, microwave covered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While sirloin is great for tender cubes, you can use ribeye, flank, or even strip steak depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.
Is it okay to use leftover rice for this skillet dish?
Absolutely! Leftover rice actually works wonders here because it’s less sticky and absorbs the sauce better, giving you ideal texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Definitely. Peas, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli are all excellent choices to boost the nutrition and add lovely color to your meal. Just stir them in when adding the rice to warm through.
How spicy is this dish if I add red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat, perfect for a gentle kick. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, from a light warmth to a more pronounced spiciness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce, and you’ve got a gluten-free version without sacrificing the savory umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel cozy, satisfying, and downright delicious. The ease of cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal—and your company. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation. I promise, you’ll be coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection and tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Combined with fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh green onions and parsley, this quick stovetop dish is both comforting and flavorful, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Rice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Steak: Season the sirloin steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in the honey and low-sodium soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Rice and Combine: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat the rice evenly with the honey garlic butter sauce. Return the seared steak to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
- Heat Through and Garnish: Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the steak and rice are heated through. Remove from heat, then garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use leftover rice for convenience and better texture.
- For added nutrition, stir in vegetables such as peas, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
