Honey Garlic Steak and Chicken Fries: A Crispy, Sweet & Savory Delight
There’s something magical about the sizzle of steak hitting a hot pan, the aroma of garlic and honey caramelizing into a sticky glaze, and the irresistible crunch of golden chicken fries fresh from the oven. This Honey Garlic Steak and Chicken Fries recipe was born on a busy weeknight when I needed a meal that felt indulgent but came together effortlessly. The result? A dish so good, it’s now a family favorite—perfect for game nights, date nights, or anytime you crave something crispy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This
Sweet, savory, and crispy all in one bite—the honey garlic glaze is addictive.
Easier than takeout—simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
Perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment if you keep it all to yourself).
Kid-approved—even the pickiest eaters devour those crunchy chicken fries.
Versatile—swap proteins, adjust sweetness, or make it spicy.
The Unexpected Fan
My nephew, a notorious picky eater who survives on chicken nuggets and buttered noodles, took one bite of these honey-glazed steak strips and actually asked for seconds. His mom stared in disbelief. Now, it’s the only meal he requests when he visits. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
What Makes It Special
Flank steak—quick-cooking, tender, and soaks up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Chicken fries—crispy, fun, and the perfect contrast to the juicy steak.
Fresh garlic & ginger—adds depth and a little kick.
Pure honey—balances the savory with just the right sweetness.
Soy sauce & a splash of lime—for that umami-rich, tangy finish.
Making It Happen
Start by marinating thinly sliced flank steak in a mix of soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and a drizzle of honey. While that soaks up flavor, pop the chicken fries in the oven to crisp up.
In a scorching-hot skillet, sear the steak until it’s caramelized at the edges—just a few minutes per side. Then, lower the heat and pour in the rest of the marinade, letting it bubble into a glossy, sticky glaze. Toss the steak until every piece is coated in that sweet, garlicky goodness.
Arrange the crispy chicken fries on a platter, pile the glazed steak on top, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The contrast of textures—crispy, tender, sticky, and crunchy—is pure magic.
You Must Know
✔ Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches for perfect caramelization.
✔ Use fresh garlic—it makes all the difference in the glaze.
✔ Preheat your baking sheet for extra-crispy chicken fries.
✔ Double the sauce if you love extra glaze (you won’t regret it).
Serving Ideas
Pair with steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Add a bright side salad with sesame dressing for balance.
Drink pairing: iced green tea or a crisp lager.
Make It Different
Spicy twist—add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
Gluten-free—use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Vegetarian swap—replace steak with portobello mushrooms and chicken fries with cauliflower bites.
Extra crunch—toss the chicken fries in a honey-sriracha drizzle before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For best texture, reheat steak in a skillet and chicken fries in the oven or air fryer.
Crispy Success Tips
Let the steak rest at room temp before cooking for even searing.
Pat steak dry before marinating for better browning.
For ultra-crispy chicken fries, spritz with oil before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Absolutely! Swap in chicken breast strips—just adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
2. Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup works, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the steak overnight for deeper flavor.
4. Why are my chicken fries soggy?
Overcrowding the baking sheet traps steam—space them out!
5. Can I air-fry the chicken fries?
Yes! 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
📝 Recipe Card: Honey Garlic Steak and Chicken Fries
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Steak:
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sesame oil
Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Chicken Fries:
1 lb frozen chicken fries (or homemade breaded chicken strips)
Cooking spray
Instructions
Marinate the steak: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil. Add steak, toss to coat, and let sit 10-15 mins.
Bake chicken fries: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange fries on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 18-20 mins until golden and crispy.
Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Remove steak from marinade (reserve liquid) and sear 2-3 mins per side until browned.
Glaze: Reduce heat, pour reserved marinade into the skillet, and simmer 2-3 mins until thickened. Toss steak in the glaze.
Serve: Arrange chicken fries on a platter, top with glazed steak, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra crispy fries, bake on a preheated sheet.
Don’t skip the sesame oil—it adds depth!
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Allergy Info
Contains: Soy, wheat (check chicken fries label), sesame.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional info is estimated; for accurate values, use a calculator with your exact ingredients.
