This teriyaki beef stir fry uses thinly sliced flank steak, fresh broccoli, onions, and red bell peppers cooked with a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a tasty and healthy meal served over white rice, perfect for any day.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
You’ll appreciate this recipe because it’s quick and easy without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Using flank or skirt steak sliced thin, allows the beef to cook fast while staying tender. The homemade teriyaki sauce has a balanced taste, combining salty, sweet, and tangy notes with the fresh punch of ginger and garlic. The vegetables steam just enough to retain their crispness, adding a fresh texture contrast. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that can please even picky eaters, and you control every ingredient, so it’s healthier than many takeout alternatives. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a perfect solution for busy evenings.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
Here is what you will need for this tasty meal. All ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup water
- 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Steamed white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and garlic until well combined. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it dissolves completely. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the soy sauce blend, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
Next, heat half a tablespoon of avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper for seasoning. Stir and cook for about three to five minutes until the onion starts to turn golden and the peppers soften slightly.
Add the broccoli florets, along with half a cup of water, to the pan. Immediately cover it with a tight-fitting lid and let the vegetables steam for two to three minutes. This step softens the broccoli slightly while keeping it crisp and vibrant. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the skillet and place them on a plate, keeping them warm.
Add the remaining half tablespoon of avocado oil to the same pan. When it’s hot, add the thinly sliced flank steak. Season the meat lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir constantly and cook for one to two minutes until the steak just loses its raw color but remains tender.
Return the reserved vegetables to the pan with the beef. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the contents and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently for two to three minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the meat and vegetables in a glossy finish.
Once done, serve the teriyaki beef stir fry hot over steamed white rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of nutty flavor and extra texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later.
How to Serve Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
When it comes to serving, this stir fry works beautifully as a main course alongside plain steamed rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with brown rice or quinoa if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free grain alternative. To add some extra color and freshness, try garnishing with chopped green onions or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro.
For a complete meal, pair your teriyaki beef stir fry with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for an Asian-inspired touch. If you want to boost the vegetable content, feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn when stir-frying.
The balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and slightly sweet sauce makes it ideal for serving at family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. Remember to serve it hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Expert Tips for Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
To get the best results, always slice your flank steak thinly and against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. Using a sharp knife and a steady hand will help you achieve consistent slices.
When making the sauce, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before mixing it into the soy sauce mixture. This prevents lumps and gives you a smooth, thickened sauce. If the sauce thickens too much while resting, you can add a small splash of water to loosen it before cooking.
Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking the beef. Stir-frying in batches, if necessary, keeps the meat from steaming and becoming tough. High heat is key to getting a good sear on the beef and quick cooking of the vegetables.
If you prefer more sauce, feel free to increase the ingredients proportionally. Likewise, adjust the sweetness or tanginess by tweaking the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar according to your taste.
Finally, to add extra flavor complexity, you might try adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking or a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.
How to Store Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container once the dish cools down to room temperature. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume within three to four days for optimal freshness.
Reheat the stir fry gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help loosen the sauce and prevent the dish from drying out.
This recipe also freezes well. For best results, freeze in meal-sized portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly. Note that the texture of some vegetables, like broccoli, may soften slightly after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor remains intact.
Variations of Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
You can customize this stir fry in many ways to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For a leaner option, substitute flank steak with sirloin or top round steak, slicing thinly as usual.
For a different protein twist, try using thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs; cooking times remain similar. Alternatively, shrimp or firm tofu can be excellent substitutions for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly meal.
Swap out the broccoli and red bell peppers for other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn to add variety and seasonal freshness. Adding sliced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots also lends an appealing crunch.
For a bolder flavor, mix in some fresh chopped chili peppers or drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce on top when serving. You can also experiment by adding crushed peanuts or cashews for texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
If you want to make the sauce gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. To reduce sugar, try substituting brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting quantities to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
What cut of beef works best for teriyaki stir fry?
Flank or skirt steak is ideal because it cooks quickly and becomes tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before using.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to soy sauce, but you can easily swap in gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make it suitable.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp in the stir-fry?
Add a small amount of water and cover the pan to steam the vegetables briefly. This keeps them tender yet crisp.
Can I freeze leftover teriyaki beef stir fry?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How long does it take to cook teriyaki beef stir fry?
The entire dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
What can I serve with teriyaki beef stir fry?
Steamed white rice is classic, but brown rice, quinoa, or noodles are great alternatives. A fresh side salad or steamed edamame also complements the meal well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and makes for a nutritious, flavorful lunch or dinner option during the week.
Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce for teriyaki sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar for teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar for teriyaki sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger for teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic grated, for teriyaki sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch for teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup water for teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil divided for stir-fry
- 1 onion thinly sliced for stir-fry
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced for stir-fry
- ½ cup water for steaming broccoli
- 3 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Steamed white rice (for serving)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved. Combine both mixtures and set aside.
- Heat half a tablespoon of avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add broccoli florets and water to the pan. Cover tightly and steam for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables and keep warm.
- Add remaining avocado oil to the pan. When hot, add flank steak, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
- Return vegetables to the pan and pour teriyaki sauce over. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, garnished with sesame seeds.