If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender steak cubes drenched in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce sit atop fluffy, buttery rice, making every bite a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This dish is not only comfort food at its best but also incredibly straightforward to make, proving that elegant meals don’t have to be complicated. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe shines because of its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering that rich taste, tender texture, and satisfying color that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes: Choose well-marbled beef for tenderness and flavor that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak, adding a subtle fruity note and crispy edges.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential basic seasonings that enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps carry the garlic flavor in the sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic provides that irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet component that balances savory and tangy notes beautifully.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami complexity and a salty depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Adds a gentle tang that brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, it brings warmth without overpowering.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: The carb base that soaks up all the tasty sauce, giving each bite extra comfort.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water): Cooking the rice in broth makes it more flavorful and less plain.
- 1 tbsp butter: Stirred into the rice for silkiness and subtle richness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook Perfectly Fluffy Rice
Start by placing your rice, chicken broth, butter, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover it up. Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender. Finish by fluffing it with a fork to keep those grains light and separate—this will be a wonderful base for all the rich steak and sauce coming your way.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Cubes
While that rice is cooking, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak cubes generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy because seasoning is key here. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces develop a gorgeous brown crust and are cooked through but still juicy. Then, remove the steak to a plate and set it aside while you make that irresistible sauce.
Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, releasing that signature aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone’s mouth water. Then stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes so it thickens just slightly and turns into a sticky, glossy finish.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Sauce
Now it’s time to reunite the steak cubes with the sauce – add the steak back into the skillet and toss everything together so each piece is coated with that luscious honey garlic butter. Let it cook gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the steak soak up all those bold, layered flavors before taking it off the heat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Skillet
Plate a generous helping of the fluffy, buttery rice and top it with your perfectly sauced steak cubes. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top—it’s the magic touch that makes every bite sing. This easy single-skillet method brings everything together with minimal fuss but maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over your skillet for a burst of color and fresh flavor. These simple garnishes not only brighten the plate but also add a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, consider roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas. Their crispness and slight bitterness provide a perfect contrast to the sweet and buttery steak and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this humble skillet meal into an elegant centerpiece by serving it in shallow bowls with a sunny-side-up egg on top, letting the runny yolk add an extra layer of indulgence. Alternatively, for a family-style feast, serve everything straight from the skillet so everyone can scoop their favorite portions, making meal time cozy and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The steak and rice may absorb a bit more sauce over time, making the flavors even more melded and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool everything completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy the dish again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave reheating works too but stirring halfway through will help keep everything warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin work best because they’re tender and cook quickly, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just keep in mind that thicker cuts may need a bit more cooking time and slicing into bite-size pieces helps them cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a straightforward swap.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it also requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking steps accordingly to ensure the rice is tender before assembling the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers if you really love a spicy kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and stores well, making it a perfect option for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of busy days. Just store the rice and steak separately if you want to maintain the best texture and combine before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those rare dishes that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself without any of the fuss. It combines simplicity, incredible flavor, and satisfying textures all in one pan, creating a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Give it a try soon—I promise it will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized steak cubes cooked in a rich honey garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy, buttery white rice. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for tang)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked white rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Steak: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Steak: Add the seasoned steak cubes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat well. Allow the steak to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to soak in all the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the fluffy rice and top with the honey garlic butter steak. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin for flank steak depending on preference.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or omit for a milder dish.
- Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Ensure the rice is fully fluffed before serving to keep it light and fluffy.
