This teriyaki beef recipe is just what you need! The tender beef coated in a savory teriyaki glaze is packed with flavor, and it’s so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a casual dinner, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Why We Love This teriyaki beef
This teriyaki beef recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s not just about the delicious flavor—it’s about the experience of making it and enjoying it with loved ones. Here’s why it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals:
- Quick and Easy: You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. With a simple combination of fresh ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like it took all day but only took 30 minutes.
- Savory and Sweet: The teriyaki sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The umami from the soy sauce, the sweetness from the brown sugar, and the kick from fresh ginger all come together to create a mouthwatering glaze that coats the beef perfectly.
- Tender Beef: The marinade does wonders, ensuring the beef is flavorful and tender. Whether you’re using flank steak, sirloin, or another cut, this recipe is adaptable, so you can choose your favorite beef option. The marinade also helps lock in moisture, leaving you with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites of beef.
- Versatile: This dish is incredibly versatile. It’s great on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides. Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or even a light salad. The options are endless!
- Family-Friendly: The teriyaki beef recipe is one that everyone will love, from kids to adults. Its balanced flavors make it easy to please even the pickiest eaters, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it a no-brainer when you need a quick family meal.
Ingredients for teriyaki beef
Beef (flank steak, sirloin, or preferred cut): Tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin work best for teriyaki beef.
Soy sauce (low-sodium): Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels in the dish.
Brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds sweetness and richness to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor to the marinade.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds savory depth to the dish.
Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a zesty kick to balance the sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang to balance the flavors.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Water: Helps dilute the cornstarch for the right sauce consistency.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Add crunch and flavor.
Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Add freshness and color to the dish.
Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to bring this teriyaki beef dish to life. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and tender meal that’s sure to impress!
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips and add to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches, searing each side for 2-3 minutes. Set the beef aside.
Thicken the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining marinade and bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and toss in the thickened sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the teriyaki beef with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair with steamed rice or noodles.
Pro Tips
To ensure your teriyaki beef turns out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips that will elevate your cooking game and guarantee a delicious result:
Choose the Right Beef Cut
For the most tender and flavorful beef, go for cuts like flank steak or sirloin. These cuts are ideal because they absorb the marinade well and cook quickly without becoming tough. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak.
Don’t Skip the Marinade Time
While 30 minutes of marinating is fine for a quick meal, the more time the beef spends in the marinade, the more flavor it will absorb. Try marinating it for 2 hours or even overnight if you have the time. Just remember to cover the bowl and refrigerate it to keep the beef fresh.
Sear the Beef in Batches
It’s tempting to toss all the beef into the skillet at once, but to get that nice sear and prevent overcrowding, cook the beef in batches. This ensures each piece gets that delicious, caramelized exterior.
Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch
If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry! This simple trick turns the thin marinade into a rich, glossy sauce that coats the beef beautifully. Just make sure to stir constantly while adding the cornstarch to avoid lumps.
Adjust the Sweetness
The amount of brown sugar in the marinade can be adjusted depending on how sweet you like your sauce. Add a little more for a sweeter profile or reduce it for a more savory kick. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility to suit your taste!
Add Extra Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top right before serving. Not only does it enhance the presentation, but it adds a light crunch and freshness that complements the rich sauce.
Pair It Perfectly
Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. The rice will soak up all that delicious teriyaki glaze, making every bite irresistible. You can also add some stir-fried veggies on the side to balance the richness of the beef.
Variations
While the classic teriyaki beef recipe is already delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences or to try new flavors. Here are a few variations that you can experiment with to make this dish your own:
Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor and Nutrition
If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, stir-fry some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas along with the beef. Not only will they add a fresh crunch, but they’ll also absorb some of that rich teriyaki sauce, creating a more balanced dish.
Make It Spicy
If you love a bit of heat, try adding a diced chili pepper or a splash of sriracha to the marinade. This will give your teriyaki beef a fiery kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for an added spicy touch.
Switch Up the Protein
While beef is the star of this dish, feel free to swap it out for other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu. For a lighter option, chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully, while tofu provides a satisfying plant-based alternative that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of teriyaki beef is that it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments, making it an ideal dish for both casual dinners and special occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal and bring out the best in those delicious, savory flavors:
Serve with Steamed Rice
A classic choice, steamed white rice or jasmine rice acts as the perfect base to soak up all the tasty teriyaki sauce. Its light texture complements the rich, savory flavors of the beef. For an added twist, consider serving it with fried rice for a bit more depth.
Add Some Veggies
Balance the dish with a side of fresh or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas. These veggies add color, texture, and nutrients, while the slight bitterness of the greens complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Make a Teriyaki Beef Bowl
For a more substantial meal, transform your teriyaki beef into a hearty bowl. Layer it over quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option. Top it off with sliced avocado, pickled ginger, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
FAQs about teriyaki beef
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cuts of beef! While flank steak or sirloin popular choices for teriyaki beef, you can also use cuts like ribeye or skirt steak for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that some cuts may require a shorter or longer cooking time, depending on their thickness and tenderness.
2. How can I make the teriyaki sauce less sweet?
If you find the sauce a bit too sweet for your taste, you can easily adjust it. Reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey. Additionally, adding a bit more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar will help balance out the sweetness with more savory and tangy notes.
3. Can I prepare the teriyaki beef in advance?
Yes! Teriyaki beef is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can marinate the beef for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor. After cooking, store the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and enjoy!
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Teriyaki beef makes an excellent meal prep option. Simply cook the beef and store it in individual portions with your choice of sides, like rice or veggies. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal throughout the week without any extra fuss.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make teriyaki beef gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar savory depth. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as hoisin sauce or any marinades, are also gluten-free.
teriyaki beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sirloin, or your preferred cut
- 1/2 cup soy sauce low-sodium for a lighter option
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is smooth. This is where the magic happens, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the ginger and garlic blending together.
Marinate the Beef
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness. Add the beef slices to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for even more flavor. The longer it marinates, the more deliciously tender and flavorful your beef will be.
Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the remaining marinade and bring it to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve your teriyaki beef hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.