Creamy Honey BBQ Steak Rice

This hearty One-Skillet Creamy Honey BBQ Steak Rice has been my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want something impressive without the fuss. The combination of tender steak, creamy rice, and that sweet-tangy honey BBQ sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to impress my in-laws but had zero time for elaborate cooking. They were so impressed they asked for the recipe before leaving, and now it's become their favorite way to use leftover steak too.

Ingredients

• Flank steak: thin slicing against the grain ensures maximum tenderness
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire: these create a quick but effective marinade that penetrates the meat
• BBQ sauce: opt for a high quality brand with no corn syrup for the best flavor profile
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze on the meat
• Heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish special
• Beef broth: use low sodium to control the saltiness
• Cheddar cheese: freshly shredded melts better than pre shredded varieties
• Jasmine rice: its fragrant quality elevates the entire dish

How To Make One-Skillet Creamy Honey BBQ Steak Rice

Marinate the steak:

Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Add the thinly sliced steak and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The acid in the Worcestershire begins tenderizing the meat while the spices infuse flavor throughout each slice.

Prepare the sauce:

Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon, vinegar, and spices until smooth. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy and savory notes. Make sure to taste and adjust sweetness according to your preference.

Sear the steak:

Heat your skillet until very hot before adding oil. Place marinated steak in a single layer and cook just 2 to 3 minutes per side. The meat will continue cooking when returned to the skillet later, so a slight undercooking here is perfect.

Build the flavor base:

In the same skillet with all those delicious browned bits, sauté onions and garlic in butter until softened and fragrant. These aromatics create the foundation for the creamy rice that follows.

Cook the rice:

Add uncooked rice directly to the aromatics and toast briefly before adding broth. This toasting step dramatically enhances the nutty flavor of the rice. Cover and simmer until tender, about 18 minutes, keeping the heat low.

Create the creamy texture:

Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and silky smooth. The rice should have a risotto like creaminess but with much less effort. Make sure to taste and season now.

Combine everything:

Return the steak to the skillet and pour the honey BBQ sauce over everything. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, letting the sauce coat every grain of rice and piece of steak with its sweet tangy goodness.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the honey in the BBQ sauce creates these little caramelized bits throughout the dish. My daughter always requests this meal for her birthday dinner, claiming those sweet spots are like finding little treasure bites mixed in with the savory elements.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish works beautifully as a meal prep option. You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time as well. Store both separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The finished dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the rice may absorb some of the sauce during storage. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Perfect Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If flank steak is unavailable or outside your budget, try using ribeye, sirloin, or even leftover roast beef cut into strips. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream. The rice can be swapped for brown rice, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly. For those avoiding dairy, coconut cream makes a surprisingly delicious alternative to heavy cream in this recipe.

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Serving Suggestions

This one skillet wonder is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy main dish. For a more substantial spread, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the flavors perfectly. A crusty piece of garlic bread is also excellent for sopping up any remaining sauce. For a special touch, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley right before serving.

Flavor Variations

This recipe serves as an excellent base for endless variations. For a southwestern twist, add corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers to the rice, then substitute the BBQ sauce with enchilada sauce. An Asian inspired version works beautifully by replacing the BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce and adding snow peas and water chestnuts. For a Mediterranean take, use Italian herbs in the marinade and replace the BBQ sauce with a tomato and olive mixture. The versatility of this one skillet format means you can adapt it to whatever flavors your family enjoys most.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of steak works best?

Flank steak is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness and ability to absorb marinades well. However, skirt steak or sirloin can also work.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the steak with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

→ What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. A smoky and slightly tangy variety pairs well with the flavors in this dish.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more broth.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add some chili powder or red pepper flakes to the honey BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately (e.g., marinate the steak, cook the rice), then combine and reheat them just before serving.