Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Enjoy juicy, bite-sized pieces of beef coated in bold barbecue sauce and a touch of brown sugar for irresistible caramelization. Start by seasoning steak cubes with a blend of rubs, then smoke them low and slow to develop a rich, smoky aroma. After smoking, toss the beef in barbecue sauce, sprinkle with brown sugar, and dot with butter before returning it to the smoker. The sauce thickens and clings to each bite, creating a flavorful, sticky finish that's hard to resist. Perfect for sharing, these savory morsels work beautifully as starters or the main attraction.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 13:12:05 GMT
A close up of meat with green toppings. Pin it
A close up of meat with green toppings. | gracefulflavors.com

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites are my go-to when I want something fun and crowd-pleasing for gatherings or even just a special meal at home. Each juicy little cube of beef captures smoky barbecue flavor with a rich, sweet glaze that sticks in the best way. These never last long on the table—every bite goes fast.

My friends beg for these at game nights and backyard parties. The combination of smoke and sweet glaze takes me straight back to summer cookouts with the family.

Ingredients

  • Beef filet steaks: thick cut means tender juicy bites every time When buying look for even marbling and avoid cuts with lots of silver skin
  • Beef Rub or plain salt pepper garlic powder: brings classic savoriness and helps create the crust Use freshly cracked pepper and course salt if you can
  • Sweet Rub: adds caramelized sweetness to balance the savory Try to find one with a bit of paprika for color and flavor
  • Activated charcoal rub: gives the steak a dramatic bark and a pleasant earthy undertone Not essential but does make them eye-catching
  • BBQ sauce: for luscious sweetness and tang Use a thick barbecue sauce that sticks to the meat
  • Dark brown sugar: deep molasses notes that amplify the sticky aspect Pick one that is soft and moist
  • Butter: creates silky richness and brings the sauce together Choose unsalted for more control over seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Smoker:
Allow your smoker to reach 225 degrees F so you are ready to add the steak as soon as it is seasoned ensuring a steady low temperature builds flavor slowly
Trim and Cube the Steak:
With a sharp knife trim off any silver skin or large pockets of fat from the filets Cut them into bite-sized cubes about one and a half inches Make sure to keep the pieces as even as possible for uniform cooking
Season the Steak Bites:
On a small plate combine the beef rub with the sweet rub On a second plate add the charcoal rub Take each steak cube and dip the top and bottom into the charcoal rub for that signature color and flavor Then roll the sides through the sweet rub mixture and set the cubes onto a wire cooling rack Continue until all pieces are fully coated
Smoke for Flavor:
Place the rack with all the seasoned steak bites directly on your smoker grate Close the lid and let the smoke infuse for about one hour until the bites reach an internal temp of 120 degrees F This slow stage gives the beef a subtle smoky flavor without drying it
Sauce and Sweeten:
Once ready move the steak bites into a preheated cast iron skillet or disposable pan Pour barbecue sauce generously over the top Sprinkle brown sugar evenly and top with small pats of butter all over
Finish Smoking and Glaze:
Return the skillet to the smoker and close the lid again Cook until the internal temperature hits 130 degrees F by which time the butter will have melted and the sauce will start clinging sticky and shiny around each piece Serve them warm while the glaze is at its glossiest
A bowl of beef with green seasoning. Pin it
A bowl of beef with green seasoning. | gracefulflavors.com

I never get tired of experimenting with the sweet rub Sometimes a little chili powder makes it pop or I’ll swap in smoked maple syrup for the brown sugar and the kids go wild for it

Storage Tips

Let the steak bites cool completely before storing Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For longer storage freeze in single layers separated by parchment They reheat best in a skillet or oven to keep the edges caramelized

Ingredient Substitutions

If filet steaks are out of budget try sirloin or even ribeye for more marbling and bold flavor Do not be afraid to use your favorite barbecue rubs and sauces from the pantry A little honey works if you are short on brown sugar and olive oil can stand in for butter if needed

A bowl of beef with green garnish. Pin it
A bowl of beef with green garnish. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

Pile these bites on a platter for game day or spear them with toothpicks as a party app They are just as at home tucked into a warm tortilla or beside creamy mashed potatoes For a fresh finish sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onion right before serving

Cultural and Historical Context

Steak bites bridge the gap between American barbecue tradition and easy weeknight food While barbecue sauce and dry rub have long histories in southern cooking steak bites concentrate those flavors into every mouthful making them perfect for sharing or pairing with modern dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of beef works best for steak bites?

Filet steaks are ideal for tenderness, but any well-marbled cut can deliver juicy, flavorful results when cubed and smoked.

→ How do you achieve the sticky glaze?

The combination of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and butter caramelizes on the meat during the second smoking, creating a sweet coating.

→ Can these steak bites be prepared in advance?

Yes, season and smoke the steak cubes ahead of time, then reheat with sauce and finishing touches just before serving.

→ What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks or make them the centerpiece of a meal alongside simple sides like slaw or potatoes.

→ Is a smoker mandatory for this preparation?

While smoking adds depth, you can adapt the method using an oven or grill, adding liquid smoke or smoked salt for flavor.

Sweet and Sticky Steak Bites

Steak cubes glazed with sweet, sticky barbecue sauce make a tempting bite for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
110 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Barbecue

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef

01 4 beef filet steaks, approximately 5 cm thick

→ Seasonings

02 2 tablespoons beef seasoning rub or a blend of salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder
03 2 tablespoons sweet barbecue rub
04 2 tablespoons activated charcoal rub

→ Sauce and Toppings

05 120 ml barbecue sauce
06 55 g dark brown sugar
07 55 g unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the smoker to 107°C, ensuring an even temperature throughout.

Step 02

Trim any silverskin or large pieces of external fat from the steaks. Cut the steaks into cubes approximately 4 cm in size.

Step 03

Combine the sweet barbecue rub and beef seasoning rub on one plate. Place the charcoal rub on a separate plate.

Step 04

Dip the top and bottom of each beef cube into the charcoal rub, then roll the sides in the combined sweet and beef rub. Set seasoned cubes on a flat cooling rack.

Step 05

Place the cooling rack with steak bites on the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 49°C.

Step 06

Transfer steak bites to a cast iron skillet or aluminium pan. Drizzle evenly with barbecue sauce, sprinkle dark brown sugar across the surface, and dot with small pieces of butter.

Step 07

Return the skillet to the smoker. Close the lid and continue to cook until beef reaches 54°C, the butter is melted, and the sauce has thickened around the bites.

Step 08

Serve steak bites warm as an appetiser or main course.

Notes

  1. For best flavour, ensure even coating of each cube with the rubs and allow adequate smoking time for maximum tenderness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Smoker
  • Cast iron skillet or aluminium pan
  • Flat cooling rack
  • Sharp chef’s knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (butter) and may contain gluten depending on the chosen barbecue sauce and rubs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 731
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 47 g