The Best Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe for Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

Teriyaki sauce brings magic to this incredibly simple beef recipe that anyone can master at home.

Weeknight dinners just got way more delicious with these tender, glossy meat strips.

Busy home cooks searching for quick meals will absolutely adore this straightforward approach.

The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates an irresistible glaze that coats each savory slice.

Marinading the beef for just 30 minutes infuses deep, rich flavors into every bite.

Japanese-inspired cooking doesn’t get easier or more satisfying than this crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why Easy Beef Teriyaki Is A Sweet And Savory Weeknight Win

• Whip Up Quick Meal: This beef teriyaki recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Master Effortless Cooking: Even beginner cooks can nail this dish with simple steps, minimal ingredients, and foolproof technique that guarantees delicious results every single time.
• Create Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping beef for chicken or tofu, adjusting sauce sweetness, or adding favorite vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Bring Family Together: The universally loved sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family meals that everyone will enjoy sharing around the table.

Everything You Need For Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Beef: Best cut is sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking meat. Lean cuts work perfectly for this dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the beef. Low-sodium options available for health-conscious cooks.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create glossy sauce. Balances the savory soy sauce.
• Mirin: Traditional Japanese rice wine that brings subtle sweetness. Essential for authentic teriyaki flavor.
• Water, Cornstarch: Creates smooth, glossy sauce with perfect thickness. Cornstarch acts as natural thickening agent.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that provide bold, warm flavor base. Grated or finely minced for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking. Helps prevent beef from sticking to skillet.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add texture and bright flavor. Provides visual appeal and extra crunch.
• White Rice, Brown Rice, Noodles: Starchy base that absorbs delicious teriyaki sauce. Choose based on personal preference.

How To Sauté Easy Beef Teriyaki With Big Flavor

Step 1: Marinate Beef

Place sliced beef in a mixing container. Add soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly ensuring every piece gets nicely coated. Let the beef rest while preparing sauce ingredients.

Step 2: Create Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Mirin
• Honey
• Fresh ginger
• Minced garlic

Whisk everything together until well blended.

In another small bowl, create a cornstarch mixture by stirring water and cornstarch until completely smooth.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully add marinated beef pieces. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until beautifully browned and just cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.

Pour prepared teriyaki sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add cornstarch mixture and stir continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce becomes wonderfully thick and glossy.

Return cooked beef to skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece gets perfectly coated with sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the beef.

• Steamed broccoli
• Snap peas
• Roasted bell peppers

Enjoy your homemade beef teriyaki!

Tips For Restaurant-Worthy Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Slice Beef Perfectly: Use a sharp knife to cut beef against the grain into thin, even slices for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that absorbs marinade quickly.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let beef sit in soy sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes to enhance taste and ensure meat remains juicy during high-heat cooking.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency – add more for thicker sauce or less for a lighter glaze.
• Choose Protein Alternatives: Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or tempeh for dietary preferences while maintaining the classic teriyaki flavor profile.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Include colorful vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to increase meal's nutritional value and create a balanced one-pan dinner.

Storage Ideas For Easy Beef Teriyaki Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover beef teriyaki in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
• Store the dish promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep the meal in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the best taste and texture.
• Gently reheat the beef teriyaki in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the meat tough and rubbery.
• Freeze the teriyaki beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, separating the sauce from the meat to preserve quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully to maintain the dish's delicious flavor and tender meat.

Perfect Side Dishes With Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Craft a Refreshing Rice Pairing: Serve the savory beef teriyaki over jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly and provides a soft, fragrant base that complements the rich teriyaki flavors.
• Select a Crisp Beverage Match: Pour a chilled Japanese beer like Sapporo or Asahi, whose light and clean taste cuts through the richness of the beef and balances the sweet-salty teriyaki sauce.
• Enhance with Vibrant Vegetable Sides: Add roasted sesame-glazed broccoli or quick-pickled cucumber salad, which offer a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender beef and bring additional texture to the meal.
• Choose a Zesty Wine Companion: Opt for a slightly chilled pinot noir with its light tannins and fruity undertones, which elegantly matches the teriyaki's sweet and umami profile without overpowering the dish.

New Twists For Easy Beef Teriyaki To Try Tonight

• Spicy Kick Teriyaki: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery version that tingles your taste buds.
• Hawaiian Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple chunks into the sauce for a tropical sweetness that complements the savory beef.
• Ginger Lovers' Edition: Increase fresh ginger amount and add grated ginger directly to the beef for an intense, aromatic flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Replace skillet cooking with a slow cooker, allowing beef to simmer in teriyaki sauce for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.

Quick FAQs On Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Why marinate the beef with cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps seal in moisture and creates a protective layer that prevents the beef from overcooking. It also helps the sauce stick better to the meat, giving you a more flavorful and tender result.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This teriyaki sauce works great with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked properly.

• Is mirin necessary for the sauce?

While mirin adds a unique sweetness and depth, you can substitute it with rice vinegar and a bit of extra sugar if you don’t have mirin on hand. The sauce will still taste delicious, though slightly different from traditional teriyaki.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

The key is to not overcook the beef. Cook it quickly over high heat and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s browned. The brief cooking time helps maintain the meat’s tenderness and juiciness.

Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of classic beef teriyaki, a Japanese-inspired dish that blends sweet and savory notes in perfect harmony. Tender beef slices glazed with a glossy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 500 g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or additional sugar)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Marinate the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated. Allow the meat to rest while preparing the aromatic sauce.
2. Create a vibrant teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, honey, minced ginger, and crushed garlic in a mixing bowl.
3. Develop a smooth cornstarch slurry in a separate small bowl to help thicken the sauce later.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
5. Carefully place marinated beef into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to caramelize and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
6. Remove the perfectly seared beef and set aside, keeping the flavorful meat warm.
7. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the same skillet, allowing it to simmer and absorb the delicious meat drippings.
8. Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
9. Reintroduce the cooked beef to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is lavishly coated with the luxurious teriyaki glaze.
10. Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
11. Serve the teriyaki beef atop fluffy steamed rice or tender noodles, accompanied by vibrant steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or colorful bell peppers.

Notes

• Choose lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak for tender, flavorful beef that absorbs marinade quickly and cooks evenly.
• Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent chewy texture during cooking.
• Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor depth and help tenderize the meat proteins.
• Keep cornstarch coating light to prevent beef from becoming too sticky or developing a thick breading.
• Use high heat when searing to develop rich caramelization and achieve restaurant-style golden-brown edges on the beef.
• Avoid overcooking beef to maintain juiciness; remove from pan when just slightly pink in center for perfect texture.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by reducing brown sugar or honey for low-sugar diets or increasing for more intense flavor profile.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Create vegetarian alternative by replacing beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms using same marinating technique.
• Meal prep friendly: Can be stored in refrigerator for 3-4 days and quickly reheated for convenient weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg