Sizzling Beef Teriyaki Recipe: Simple Magic on Your Plate

Tender cuts of beef sizzle with a delectable teriyaki sauce that brings an explosion of Japanese-inspired flavors to your plate.

The classic beef teriyaki recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that dance across your taste buds.

Marinades work their magic, infusing each tender slice with rich, caramelized goodness.

Quick and simple techniques turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that impresses without complex cooking skills.

Weeknight dinners transform with this effortless culinary creation that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.

Restaurants charge premium prices for what you can now easily prepare at home with just a few ingredients.

Bring the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine directly to your kitchen and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides rich protein for the dish. Choose sirloin, flank, or ribeye for best results and slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the beef during marination. Look for traditional Japanese or low-sodium varieties for balanced seasoning.

• Water, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Honey: Create a harmonious sweet-savory liquid foundation that gives teriyaki its signature glossy texture and balanced taste. Select high-quality honey and authentic mirin for authentic flavor profile.
• Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide vibrant, zesty undertones and complement the beef's richness. Use fresh roots for maximum flavor intensity.

• Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating silky sauce consistency and achieving perfect beef sear. Choose neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point and finely ground cornstarch for smooth results.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Crisp garnishes that add nutty crunch and fresh, sharp brightness to finish the dish.

What You Need For Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing beef and cooking sauce evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for marinating beef and preparing teriyaki sauce.
• Small Bowl: Used for creating the cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing beef and chopping green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Ideal for precise beef and green onion cutting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring sauce and turning beef while cooking.

How To Make Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Prep the Beef Goodness

Slice your beef into thin, mouth-watering strips and toss with a zesty blend of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let the meat soak up those amazing flavors while you get ready to cook.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a spectacular teriyaki sauce by mixing soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, honey, ginger, and garlic. Create a smooth cornstarch mixture to help thicken things up later.

• Sizzle and Transform

Fire up a skillet with some oil and get it nice and hot. Toss in those marinated beef strips and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and perfectly tender. Once cooked, scoot the beef to the side.

• Sauce It Up

Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce into the same skillet. Let it bubble and simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Watch the sauce transform into a glossy, thick coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the beef with the luscious sauce, coating every single strip with that incredible teriyaki goodness. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of flavor.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pile your teriyaki beef over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Throw some steamed veggies on the side for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Hints For Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Perfect Beef Cutting Technique: Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each piece is thin and uniform for quick, even cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate beef up to 24 hours in advance to intensify flavor and save time during meal preparation.
• Sauce Consistency Secrets: Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch slurry – start with less to prevent over-thickening and adjust as needed.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap beef with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options. Vegans can replace meat with firm tofu or seitan, maintaining the classic teriyaki flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious teriyaki essence intact.

Serving Tips For Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Colorful Rice Bowl Delight: Create a vibrant and nutritious bowl by layering fluffy rice with the teriyaki beef, topped with a rainbow of fresh, crisp vegetables like julienned carrots, cucumber slices, and edamame for a balanced and visually appealing meal.
• Noodle Fusion Feast: Transform the teriyaki beef into a quick stir-fry by tossing it with hot udon or soba noodles, adding extra vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying Asian-inspired pasta dish.
• Quick Lettuce Wraps: Serve the glazed beef in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, hands-on eating experience that's perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner, allowing guests to create their own flavor-packed wraps with the tender teriyaki beef.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the beef in advance and store in portioned containers with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches that stay fresh and delicious throughout the week, making busy days a breeze.

Save And Plan With Easy Beef Teriyaki

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover beef teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the meat and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore sauce consistency.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Separate sauce from meat to prevent texture breakdown. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Freshness Tips: Separate rice or noodles when storing to prevent sogginess. Store garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds separately in small containers to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.

Mouthwatering Beef Teriyaki Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory beef teriyaki brings Japanese culinary magic to home kitchens with minimal effort. Succulent marinated beef combines sweet and umami flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner perfect for adventurous cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey (or additional sugar)
• 2 tbsps mirin (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Marination Preparation: Coat beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing the meat to absorb flavors while assembling the teriyaki sauce.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, mirin, honey, ginger, and garlic in a mixing bowl, creating a complex flavor profile for the teriyaki glaze.
3. Cooking Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring a hot surface for optimal meat searing.
4. Beef Searing: Cook marinated beef pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a caramelized golden-brown crust that locks in savory flavors.
5. Sauce Transformation: Deglaze the skillet with prepared teriyaki sauce, incorporating cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, rich coating that clings perfectly to the meat.
6. Final Touches: Return beef to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage with the luxurious teriyaki glaze, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Plating: Present the teriyaki beef over steamed rice or noodles, complemented by vibrant steamed vegetables for a complete and visually appealing meal.

Notes

• Maximize Meat Tenderness: Slice beef against the grain to ensure each bite remains soft and easy to chew, preventing tough, chewy textures.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent over-thickening, adding small amounts while stirring to achieve perfect glossy coating.
• Manage Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat for quick searing, allowing beef to caramelize without burning, which preserves rich flavor and prevents bitter undertones.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, or replace beef with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options that maintain similar cooking techniques.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg