This Haitian Tasso recipe uses just a few ingredients, and with a lightning-fast cook time, they are a great high protein option that everyone will enjoy. Tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, these steak bites are cooked to perfection and is ready in no time!
STEAK
Haitian Tasso is quick and easy to prepare which makes them one of the ultimate party dish.
Starting with the right cut of meat, you want to make sure you are using a cut of beef that works well with fast cooking, such as sirloin, rump or fillet. If using the instant pot, opt in for a suitable fattier meat like the tender chuck roast.
Other cuts that are intended for stewing have a higher collagen content which takes a long time to break down and will come out tough and chewy if you try to cook them in the air fryer.
In Haiti, it is not uncommon to find vendors, especially at night making these steak bites. They are usually served with of course fried plantains, fried sweet potatoes, and pikliz (pickled coleslaw), and a cold drink!
In this Haitian Tasso recipe, we used chuck roast as this cut is fattier. With the help of the instant pot, we were able to tenderize the meat in about 20 minutes.
SEASONING
As steak is so flavorful on its own, it doesn’t need much in the way of seasonings to bring out its deliciousness.
Lightly season the meat with the Haitian Epis, salt and pepper to taste if desired, and allow to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes but best overnight.
How To Make It
There are two ways to make this recipe. However, both requires you start by cleaning the meat thoroughly.
Cut the meat into large cubes and we recommend using vinegar to clean the meat. You can also use lemon, limes, or sour oranges to clean the meat.
Coming from a hot Caribbean country, bacteria tend to flow around much more. So, to avoid any food born illnesses, we often wash our meats and vegetables with vinegar and or lemon/lime.
Next, season the meat with the epis and salt to taste, if desired, and let it marinate.
Cooking Option One: If using beef cubes….
Afterward, pan-fry the beef cubes meat until golden brown on all sides and cook according to your level of satisfaction in a heated skillet.
Be mindful the meat may not be as tender. With the skillet option, opt in for a good quality meat.
Cooking Option Two: Instant Pot Steak Bites
Option two includes cooking your steak bites in the instant pot. This will make your Haitian Tasso very tender.
For this option, opt in for the chuck roast tender cut. Cut and wash the meat.
Place the meat along with the seasoning base (epis), and lightly season with salt (if desired) in the instant pot.
Allow the meat to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but best overnight.
Cook the meat for 20 minutes. Then deep fry to golden brown.
Adding Finishing Touches
Once the meat has browned on all sides, place the meat in a large bowl. At this point I like to dress the meat with the liquid from the instant pot and finish it off with pepper slices.
To do this….
- Take ¼ cup of the sauce from the instant pot. Add more for larger quantity.
- Slice the bell peppers
- Slice one small onion
- Add the Ingredients to the meat and mix well. This will keep the meat moist and soft.
- Feel free to also sprinkle red pepper flakes to the meat for extra heat.
Serve with Pikliz and enjoy!
Air Fry Tasso Instead Of Deep Fry
You can absolutely make this Haitian Tasso in the air fryer. Cook meat in the instant pot as recommended, then transfer the meat in the air fryer for about 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees or until the meat has browned.
How To Store & Reheat
For any leftovers, allow your Haitian Tasso or steak bites to cool before transferring them to an airtight container and putting them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.
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Haitian Tasso (Steak Bites, Fried Beef Tips, Beef Bites)
Equipment
- Deep fryer
Ingredients
Chuck Tender Roast Option
- 2.49 Lb. Chuck tender Roast Cut into large cubes and washed
- 1 Cup Haitian Epis
- Juice From 1 Lemon
- 2 Tsp. Kosher Salt Optional; For extra flavor
Sirloin Steak Option
- 1 lb pound sirloin steak or pre-cut beef tips
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup red onions chopped
- parsley (optional) for garnish
Instructions
Chuck Tender Roast Option – Instant Pot & Deep Fryer Version
- Cute meat into cubes and wash the meat. Place the meat along with the seasoning base (epis), and lightly season with salt (if desired) and lemon juice in the instant pot. Allow the meat to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but best overnight. Cook the meat for 20 minutes in the instant pot by pressing meat/stew and adjust the time to 20. Seal and cook.
- When the meat has cooked, quick release. Heat 1 quart (about 4 cups) Vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. Then deep fry to golden brown at 350°F. This process take about 2-4 minutes per small batch.Place the meat in a large bowl and garnish. See notes below for adding finishing touches.
Sirloin Cooking Option – Skillet Version
- Cut and wash the meat. Set aside. Place the meat in the pan in a single layer. It will sizzle loudly when it first touches the pan. Drain any excess fluid.
- Start turning the meat when it is brown on one side. Add all of the ingredients and stirring in between. Cook the meat until brown on all. Cook the steak to your liking. Should be at a minimum of 3 minutes per side, and a little more for well done.
Video
Notes
- Take ¼ cup of the sauce from the instant pot. Add more for larger quantity.
- Slice the bell peppers
- Slice one small onion
- Add the Ingredients to the meat and mix well. This will keep the meat moist and soft.
- Feel free to also sprinkle red pepper flakes to the meat for extra heat.
Permafrost says
Haitian recipes online rarely specify what cut of beef to use; but different cuts turn out very differently. So, thank you for giving options!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much. Glad you found it helpful.
Karyl Henry says
My goodness these steak bites look amazing! Such a simple recipe, but with wonderful flavors. I love fried plantains too, so this dish is right up my alley
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
These looks so good, and that chimichurri + tostones along with these steak bites would be amazing!
MDesir says
Yes, Definitely. Thank you!
Christina Shoemaker says
These look perfect! Love the simple ingredient list too!! Yum yum yum!!
MDesir says
Thank you, Christina!
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says
Looks delicious = EASY too.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. It’s a new one for me>
Small bites !
MDesir says
Thank you, Carol!
Laura Duffy says
I love how simple flavors can be so delicious. This sounds fantastic!
Lindsey Dietz says
This looks and sounds SO delicious! I’ve never heard of it, but I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Tina says
I never knew about washing meat in vinegar. Interesting idea and thanks for sharing.
MDesir says
You’re welcome! It’s just a little something I learned while growing up in Haiti. It has stuck with me.
ChihYu says
they look so good! I bet they make the best party dish to share with friends, too!
MDesir says
Thank you!
jennifer says
I am a beef loving gal, and this looks Ah-mazing. Plus, sirloin is such a great, versatile cut that is lean yet tender!
MDesir says
Exactly! To make something like this in such little time, you need a great cut meat. The beef cubes would work too, however, it requires a little more care to make it tender. Thank you for reading, Jennifer!
Jean says
Oh wow, I’m drooling at these photos! I definitely need this in my life. Looks so flavorful!
MDesir says
Thank you, Jean! Yes, it is very flavorful! You will love it.
Renee D Kohley says
Such a simple weeknight meal!
Raia Todd says
Wow! I had never heard of tasso before, but I wasn’t expecting this. Haha! It looks amazing and sounds so simple. 🙂
MDesir says
Hahaha! I love your reaction! Thank you. 🙂
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
These look wonderful! I love steak bites! I’ve never heard of washing meat in vinegar before, but I do live in a cold and wet country, so it’s probably not necessary! Does it alter the taste at all or does it just make it tender? I must say I sometimes struggle with beef if it’s chewy, I much prefer my beef to be tender so I may have to try putting it in vinegar!
MDesir says
Yes, Annie! It does alter the taste if it is soaked for too long (over 24 hours) However, for just a few hours, it does make the meat a little more tender. I personally do not mind a little acidic taste. However, if you are not used to it, I would not recommend it.
Natalie says
These steak bites look so delicious and juicy! YUM!
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Homemade meals are always much more appealing aren’t they and this is a nice easy recipe.
Julia says
These steak bites look so delicious! Thanks for the tip of using vinegar to wash off any bacteria.
MDesir says
You are welcome, Julia. Thank you for reading.
Danielle Wolter says
This sounds so simple and delicious! I don’t know much about Haitian food, but love to learn about new cuisines. Glad I stumbled across this!
MDesir says
Thank you, Danielle!