Crockpot Teriyaki Steak Bites

I’m so excited to bring you this brand new crockpot recipe that’s just perfect if you want a takeout inspired dinner, or you’re bored of the same old recipes in your slow cooker rotation and you want to try something new! 

My crockpot teriyaki steak bites are easy to make, loaded with flavor, and take just 15 minutes of prep. The steak gets a quick sear for extra flavor, then cooks low and slow with pineapple, garlic, and a simple teriyaki-style sauce until it’s soft and full of flavor. Let me walk you through the process, step by step!

I love a takeout inspired crockpot dish, and if you do too, I think you’ll also enjoy my crockpot chicken fried rice, crockpot beef and broccoli, crockpot chicken ramen, crockpot beef lo mein, and crockpot egg roll in a bowl! 

Ingredients 

Please note: The printable recipe card, complete with ingredients and instructions, is at the bottom of this post! 

• Sirloin steak: A great cut for this recipe. Tender enough to cook low and slow while still holding its shape!

• Salt: Seasons the steak and brings out the flavor.

• Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and balances the sweetness of the sauce.

• Oil: Used to quickly sear the steak and build flavor before slow cooking.

• Pineapple chunks: Add sweetness and a bit of texture that pairs really well with the teriyaki sauce.

• Pineapple juice: Helps create the base of the sauce and adds a natural sweetness.

• Teriyaki sauce: Brings that classic savory-sweet flavor that coats the steak.

• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a salty, umami balance to the sauce.

• Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the sauce thicken slightly.

• Garlic: Adds bold flavor and ties everything together.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings nicely to the steak.

• Scallions: Optional, but add a fresh finish and a little pop of color before serving.

How To Make Crockpot Teriyaki Steak Bites 

• Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the steak pieces until lightly browned on the outside.

• Transfer the steak to the slow cooker and add the pineapple chunks.

• In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch.

• Pour the sauce over the steak and give everything a quick stir.

• Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until the steak is tender.

• Stir the sauce before serving so everything is evenly coated.

Storage & Reheating 

Steak is always going to best when served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can keep them for easy lunches for the next few days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.

Recipe Notes 

Searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.

Sirloin or flank steak both work well here and stay tender during slow cooking.

Cut the steak into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.

Try not to overcook! Once the steak is tender, it’s ready. Cooking too long can cause it to break down more than you want.

If the sauce feels too thin at the end, you can remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes to help it thicken, or stir in a quick cornstarch slurry.

If it thickens too much as it sits, just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

For a little extra texture and freshness, add the scallions right before serving rather than during cooking.

Substitutes & Variations 

• Swap the protein: Chicken thighs work well in place of steak and stay nice and tender.

• Use honey instead of brown sugar: It gives a slightly different sweetness but works just as well.

• Fresh pineapple works too: Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and use it in place of canned.

• Add veggies: Bell peppers are a great addition! Stir them in during the last hour so they stay slightly crisp.

• Make it spicy: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

• Finish it off: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and a little texture.

Serving Ideas for Teriyaki Steak Bites 

Serve it over a bowl of steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that sweet and savory sauce.

It also works really well with noodles, like lo mein or even simple buttered noodles, for more of a takeout-style meal.

If you want to keep it lighter, try it with cauliflower rice or alongside steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans.

You can also turn it into a bowl with rice, veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for an easy, well-rounded dinner!

Print Recipe

Crockpot Teriyaki Steak Bites

These crockpot teriyaki steak bites are tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich sweet-and-savory sauce. The steak cooks low and slow with pineapple and garlic, creating a simple, takeout-inspired meal that’s easy to make and perfect served over rice or noodles.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time4 hours hrs

Total Time4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds sirloin steak cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
• ¾ cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Scallions for garnish optional

Instructions

• Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the steak pieces until lightly browned on the outside.
• Transfer the steak to the slow cooker and add the pineapple chunks.
• In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch.
• Pour the sauce over the steak and give everything a quick stir.
• Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until the steak is tender.
• Stir the sauce before serving so everything is evenly coated.

This is one of those recipes that’s easy to throw together but still feels a little different from the usual slow cooker dinners. The sweet and savory sauce, tender steak, and simple ingredients make it something you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation!

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with a side of veggies, it’s a reliable, no-fuss dinner that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for weekends when you’re trying to resist takeout but still want something fun that the whole family will happily dig into!