Easy Beef Teriyaki is a delicious, quick, and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices coated in a rich and savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe pairs well with rice or vegetables for a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients
- Packed with bold umami flavors
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Toss the sliced beef with cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and stir well. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Honey Teriyaki: Swap brown sugar for honey for a slightly sweeter touch.
- Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a more balanced dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Different Protein: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu as an alternative to beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Use thinly sliced beef and avoid overcooking. Marinating the beef briefly in a little soy sauce can also help.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Store them separately and cook when ready.
What cut of beef is best for teriyaki?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best as they are tender and flavorful.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce has a fresher taste and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness.
What can I serve with beef teriyaki?
It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. If needed, simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! If making it for kids, reduce or omit any spicy ingredients.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
While an air fryer isn’t ideal for the sauce, you can cook the beef in an air fryer and then toss it with the sauce on the stovetop.
How do I make it lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the sauce quantities accordingly and cook in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Easy Beef Teriyaki is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a homemade take on a classic favorite!
PrintEasy Beef Teriyaki
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious beef teriyaki recipe with tender slices of beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner and ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef – Thinly slice the beef against the grain and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for a tender texture).
- Heat the oil – In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the beef – Add beef slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds. Then add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine – Return the beef to the pan and stir until well coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve – Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for extra flavor.
- Swap beef with chicken or tofu for a different variation.
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