Easy Beef Teriyaki

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender beef slices coated in a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce. Made with simple ingredients, this Japanese-inspired recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
• Deliciously tender beef with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce
• Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner
• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables
• Made with simple pantry staples

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch and soy sauce until evenly coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes while preparing the sauce.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and glossy.
   • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Beef Teriyaki: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Include sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete stir-fry.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Chicken Teriyaki: Substitute beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or over a bed of fresh greens.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked beef teriyaki for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. What cut of beef is best for teriyaki?

Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye are great choices. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

2. How do I make the beef tender?

Coating the beef in cornstarch and slicing it thinly against the grain helps keep it tender during cooking.

3. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, for convenience, you can use your favorite bottled teriyaki sauce and skip the sauce-making step.

5. What should I serve with beef teriyaki?

Steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are great choices.

6. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch during the last 30 minutes.

7. How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?

Stir-fry the beef quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.

8. Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but thaw the beef completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

9. Is teriyaki sauce the same as soy sauce?

No, teriyaki sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, sweeteners, and additional flavors, while soy sauce is simply a salty condiment.

10. How do I make the sauce sweeter or less sweet?

Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a delicious and versatile dish that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, this savory-sweet recipe is sure to be a hit. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prepping, this dish offers a great way to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen!

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