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Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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