My Favorite Crock Pot Secret
I love my slow cooker. It feels like a kitchen helper. You just add things in the morning. Then you come home to a warm, tasty dinner. It is magic.
My grandkids ask for these slow cooker steak bites all the time. They call them “Grandma’s special meat candy.” I still laugh at that. The secret is the homemade teriyaki sauce. It bubbles all day with the meat. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Why This Recipe Matters
Life gets busy. This recipe is a gentle reminder to slow down. You prepare one simple thing. Then your cooker does the loving work all day. That matters.
It also makes your house smell wonderful. A good smell can change your whole mood. It welcomes everyone home. That is its own kind of magic. What smell makes you feel most at home? Tell me, I would love to know.
Making Your Teriyaki Steak Bites
You can use many cuts of beef. Sirloin steak crock pot recipes are great. But stew meat works perfectly too. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Now, the sauce. Do not use a bottle from the store. This homemade teriyaki sauce is easy. You just whisk it in a cup. Pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar. Ginger and garlic make it sing. Pour it over the meat. Put the lid on. Walk away for hours.
A Little Story & A Fun Fact
I once made these for a big family party. I meant them as the main dish. But everyone stood around the crock pot with forks! They ate them straight from the pot. So now I know, these are perfect crock pot appetizer recipes too.
*Fun fact: The word “teriyaki” comes from Japan. “Teri” means shine, and “yaki” means grill or broil. So it’s the shine from the sweet sauce!* Do you have a favorite food word story?
Tips for Your Kitchen
These teriyaki steak bites are fantastic for meal prep. Cook them on Sunday. Then you have easy lunches all week. Just add some rice and veggies.
Asian slow cooker recipes are so forgiving. You can add more ginger if you like. Or use less sugar. Make it yours. I love serving mine on fluffy rice. It soaks up that glossy sauce. What is your favorite thing to serve with a saucy dish?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sirloin steak (or similar) | 3 lb. | Stew meat, filet mignon, round steak, chuck roast, or flat iron steak also work. |
| Corn starch + cold water | 2 Tbsp. + 1/4 cup | Mixed together to thicken the sauce at the end. |
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup | Base for the teriyaki sauce. |
| Soy sauce | 1/2 cup | |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 – 1 cup | Use 1 cup for a sweeter sauce. |
| Garlic, minced | 2 Tbsp. | |
| Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp. | |
| Sesame oil | 1 Tbsp. | |
| Ginger, fresh, minced | 1 Tbsp. | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp. | |
| Green onions & sesame seeds | For garnish | Optional. |
Instructions
Step 1: Let your steak sit out for a bit. This makes it easier to cut. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a cup. That homemade teriyaki sauce smells amazing already. What’s your favorite smell from the kitchen? Share below!
Step 2: Now, cut your meat into bite-sized pieces. I use sirloin steak for my crock pot steak bites. Place all the pieces right into your slow cooker. Pour that lovely sauce over the top. (Letting the meat rest first gives you cleaner cuts.)
Step 3: Put the lid on and cook on low. These slow cooker steak bites need about 6-7 hours. Your whole house will smell wonderful. I love how easy teriyaki steak is in the crock pot. You can go play or read a book.
Step 4: When done, the sauce will be thin. You can thicken it if you like. Mix cornstarch with cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce. It will turn glossy and perfect for your meal prep steak bites.
Step 5: Time to eat! Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. I still laugh at how fast these teriyaki steak bites disappear. They’re a fantastic crock pot appetizer for parties. Serve them with rice or veggies for a full dinner.
Creative Twists
Swap pineapple juice for orange juice. It gives a bright, sunny flavor. Add a big spoonful of smooth peanut butter to the sauce. It makes it rich and creamy. Use these Asian slow cooker recipe bites for lettuce wraps. Just spoon them into crisp lettuce leaves. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Fluffy white rice is my go-to side for this sirloin steak crock pot recipe. It soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. A simple green salad with a ginger dressing is also lovely. For a quick veggie, steamed broccoli works every time. Which would you choose tonight?
My Best Tips for Storing These Tasty Bites
Let’s talk about keeping your slow cooker teriyaki steak bites delicious for later. Once cool, store them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will stay good for three to four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. I use a freezer bag and press out all the air.
I remember my first time freezing a batch. I was so proud to have a ready-made meal for a busy night. To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen. Then warm gently in a pan with a splash of water. This keeps the beef tender. You can also use the microwave, but stir it often.
Batch cooking these crock pot steak bites is a lifesaver. It means a good, homemade dinner is always minutes away. This matters because it takes the stress out of busy weeknights. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all run into little problems when cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your sauce is too thin, use the cornstarch mix. Whisk it in well while the sauce simmers. It will thicken up beautifully.
Second, if the meat seems tough, it may need more time. Low and slow is the key for tender slow cooker steak bites. I once took the lid off too much. This let the heat out and slowed cooking. Now I keep it closed!
Third, if the flavor is too strong, add a little pineapple juice or water. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make teriyaki beef in a slow cooker?
It is very simple for an easy teriyaki steak. First, whisk your homemade teriyaki sauce ingredients in a cup. Cut your beef into bite-sized pieces. Place the meat in your crock pot. Pour the sauce over the top. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. That slow cooking makes the meat so tender and full of flavor.
What cut of beef is best for slow cooker teriyaki?
You have many good choices for these teriyaki steak bites. Sirloin steak, chuck roast, or stew meat all work well. Chuck roast gets very tender with long cooking. Sirloin is a leaner option. This sirloin steak crock pot recipe is very flexible. Use what you have or what is on sale at your store.
Can I make teriyaki beef without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! You can make these steak bites on the stove. Just brown the beef in a large pan or pot. Then add the sauce and let it simmer until the meat is cooked and tender. It will be faster than the crock pot. You will still get a wonderful, tasty meal with your homemade teriyaki sauce.
What to serve with teriyaki beef?
I love to serve these crock pot teriyaki steak bites over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or asparagus are perfect veggie sides. A simple green salad is also great. These Asian slow cooker recipes are very versatile. You can choose your family’s favorite sides.
How to thicken teriyaki sauce in a slow cooker?
The sauce will be thin right from the pot. To thicken it, pour it into a saucepan through a sieve. Bring it to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with cold water. Whisk this mix into the simmering sauce. It will thicken in just a minute. This step makes the sauce cling to your slow cooker steak bites perfectly.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for slow cooker teriyaki?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work very well in this recipe. They stay juicy during the long cooking. Just cut boneless, skinless thighs into bite-sized pieces. Follow the same cooking instructions. You will have a delicious, easy teriyaki chicken. It’s a fun way to change up your meal prep steak bites routine. Which tip will you try first?
*Fun fact: The word “teriyaki” comes from Japan. “Teri” means shine from the sugar, and “yaki” means grill or broil.*
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these crock pot appetizer recipes for your family. They are so simple and satisfying. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore. Remember, the best meals are made with a pinch of love.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Share your stories and your own tips with me.
Happy cooking!
—Danielle Monroe
Tender Teriyaki Beef Slow Cooker Dinner
Description
Tender, flavorful beef bites cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect served over rice.
Ingredients
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 – 1 cup brown sugar (use more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, I usually add the full 1 cup!)
2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 Tbsp. ginger, fresh, minced
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Set the steak out at least 30 minutes before cutting into pieces.
- In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
- Cut the meat into bite sized pieces. Place pieces in the bottom of a crock pot followed by the sauce all over the top.
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
- If you’d like to thicken the sauce (recommended), carefully pour the sauce through a fine mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch and water together and whisk it into the sauce until it thickens. Taste and adjust sauce as needed.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy as is or serve with rice and your veggie of choice! I like broccoli, asparagus or a green salad.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on using 1 cup of brown sugar and may vary with specific cuts of meat and serving sizes.