If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in dinner form, this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy steak cubes coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy, buttery rice all cooked together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. It’s comfort food elevated, packed with savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or indulging in a solo feast, this dish brings that irresistible home-cooked magic right to your table.

Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the rich, balanced flavors and appealing textures that make this skillet dish shine. From the tender steak to the sweet honey glaze, every element contributes to a harmonious plate full of deliciousness.

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes: Provides a juicy, tender centerpiece for the dish with great texture.
2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak to a beautiful brown crust.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that pairs beautifully with honey.
1/4 cup honey: Sweetens and balances the savory elements while caramelizing slightly for depth.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness to round out the sauce.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors.
1 cup uncooked white rice: The perfect tender base that soaks up every drop of sauce.
2 cups chicken broth (or water): Infuses the rice with extra flavor and tenderness.
1 tbsp butter: Stirred into the rice for a luscious finish.
Salt, to taste: To season the rice and balance the entire dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Perfect, Fluffy Rice

Start by combining the rice, chicken broth, butter, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bringing it to a boil before lowering the heat helps the rice cook evenly, absorbing all that savory broth goodness. Once it simmers under the lid for about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll end up with tender rice begging to soak up your flavorful steak sauce. Don’t forget to fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and ready to cuddle up with that steak.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Cubes to Golden Perfection

While the rice gently cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season those steak cubes generously with salt and pepper—this simple step enhances the meat’s natural flavor. Once the oil shimmers, add the steak pieces and let them brown beautifully, about 4 to 5 minutes. Achieving that golden crust is crucial for texture and flavor, so resist the urge to crowd the pan or stir too frequently. After cooking, set the steak aside to rest for now.

Step 3: Create the Glorious Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it fills your kitchen with its intoxicating aroma—about 1 to 2 minutes. Now the magic happens: add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently, thickening just a bit so it clings lovingly to every piece of steak. This sauce is the soul of the dish, blending sweetness, tang, and umami in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Marinate the Steak in the Sauce

Return the cooked steak cubes into the skillet, tossing them thoroughly in the glistening honey garlic butter sauce. Let this mingle for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the steak to soak up all those bold flavors, making each bite juicy and bursting with deliciousness.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Serving couldn’t be easier—pile the steak and sauce over your fluffy white rice and drizzle any extra sauce on top. Fresh herbs add a lovely final touch, but it’s perfectly divine even without. This one-pan meal promises comfort with a little something special in every forkful.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley or sliced green onions provides a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the honey garlic butter steak. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add a subtle crunch, making each bite feel complete.

Side Dishes

While this skillet dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or roasted asparagus adds a fresh, healthy contrast. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness beautifully and helps round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your honey garlic butter steak and rice skillet in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy touch perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, wrap leftovers in warm lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb twist. For a family-style feast, place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves—sharing dishes always taste better!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the textures just right for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you’d like to prepare in bulk. Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture retention.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the skillet leftovers in a pan over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the rice seems dry, splash a little water or broth to keep it moist and fluffy. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors without losing any of that buttery, garlicky goodness.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are great for tenderness and quick cooking, cuts like ribeye or strip steak can work well too. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking thicker pieces.

Is the red pepper flakes optional?

Yes, completely optional! The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness, but you can leave them out or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Definitely! Feel free to use quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly.

How do I ensure the steak stays tender?

Cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes and cooking it quickly over medium-high heat helps keep it tender. Avoid cooking too long, which can make the meat tough.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and confirm that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s fast to make, packed with flavor, and feels wonderfully indulgent at the same time. I can’t wait for you to try this in your kitchen and enjoy the cozy, satisfying meal it brings to your table.

Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender cubes of flank or sirloin steak cooked in a savory honey garlic butter sauce. Served over fluffy white rice simmered in chicken broth, it’s a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights. The dish balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with the richness of butter and garlic, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the rice 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.
Cook the steak: Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
Add sauce ingredients: 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 together.
Combine steak and sauce: Return the cooked steak cubes to the skillet and toss them well in the sauce to coat. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes so the steak absorbs the rich flavors of the honey garlic butter sauce.
Serve: Plate the fluffy cooked rice and spoon the honey garlic butter steak over the top. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish to intensify the flavor.
Garnish and enjoy: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or green onions for brightness and serve hot immediately.

Notes

You can substitute sirloin with other tender cuts like ribeye or strip steak.
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
Using chicken broth instead of water for cooking rice adds extra depth of flavor.
Feel free to swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option; cooking times will vary.
Make sure not to overcook the steak to keep it juicy and tender.
Leftover steak and rice can be refrigerated and reheated, but best enjoyed fresh.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American