Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Irresistible Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe For Weeknight Dinners

Crafting a delectable beef teriyaki brings pure culinary joy to home cooking enthusiasts.

Tender strips of meat marinate in a rich, glossy sauce that whispers authentic Japanese flavors.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Imagine savoring each bite of perfectly glazed beef that melts in your mouth.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results, making this recipe a game-changer for busy cooks.

Pantry staples combine into a magical blend of sweet and umami notes.

Take the plunge and create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Beef Teriyaki Made Easy with Saucy Sweet Twists

  • Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free; serve over cauliflower rice for added nutrition.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and cutting into similar-sized strips before coating and cooking in the teriyaki sauce.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Replace brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener; use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice to reduce carbohydrates.

FAQs

  • What's the purpose of coating beef with cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the beef and allows the sauce to stick better, giving a more even and glossy coating that seals in moisture and flavor.

  • Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Just ensure you slice the meat thinly against the grain for the most tender result.

  • Is mirin necessary for the teriyaki sauce?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and a bit more sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for an extra kick of heat according to your preference.

Easy Beef Teriyaki: Sweet And Savory Perfection

Easy Beef Teriyaki: Sweet And Savory Perfection
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes, this beef teriyaki recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming complicated Asian cuisine into an easy, approachable recipe.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable beef cuts and pantry staples, this teriyaki recipe provides a cost-effective way to enjoy a flavor-packed meal without breaking the bank.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or serving with different sides, making it a versatile go-to meal for various taste preferences.

Beef Teriyaki Easy Ingredient Set

Protein:
  • Beef Sirloin, Beef Flank Steak: Tender meat cut into thin slices for quick cooking and easy eating. Choose cuts with minimal fat for better texture.
Marinade and Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Mirin: Essential liquid ingredients providing depth of flavor and traditional Japanese seasoning. Mirin adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
  • Brown Sugar, Honey: Natural sweeteners balancing the salty soy sauce and creating caramelization. Brown sugar offers richer flavor compared to white sugar.
Aromatics and Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics adding sharp, warm flavor profile. Grate or mince finely for even distribution.
  • Sesame Oil, Vegetable Oil: Cooking oils with distinct flavor. Sesame oil provides nutty undertone, while vegetable oil ensures smooth cooking process.
Thickening and Seasoning Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce consistency and helps glaze coat the meat evenly.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for mild heat and spice. Adjust according to personal preference.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings adding texture, color, and additional layers of flavor. Sprinkle just before serving.

Easy Beef Teriyaki Method

Easy Beef Teriyaki Method

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and combine your sauce ingredients with gusto.

Dive in with:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Mirin
  • Crushed garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Red pepper flakes

Swirl everything together until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended.

Let it hang out while you tackle the next step.

Step 2: Dust the Beef with Magic

Take your beef slices and shower them with cornstarch.

Toss and tumble until each piece gets a light, even coating that’ll help create an incredible crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a pan with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Drop in the beef and listen for that satisfying sizzle.

Cook those slices until they’re beautifully browned and developing deep caramelized edges.

Step 4: Pour and Coat

Stream your prepared sauce over the beef.

Stir enthusiastically to ensure every morsel gets drenched in that incredible teriyaki goodness.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl, then pour into the pan.

Let everything simmer and bubble until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, clingy glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Glorify

Pull the pan off the heat.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Nestle your teriyaki beef over steaming rice or twirled noodles.

Grab your chopsticks and dive in while it’s hot!

Beef Teriyaki With Stir-Fry Tips and Sauce Tricks

  • Dust beef with cornstarch before cooking to create a crispy exterior and help the sauce stick better, ensuring a more flavorful and textured dish.
  • Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, reducing sugar or adding more red pepper flakes for a personalized flavor profile that suits your palate.
  • Cook beef on medium-high heat quickly to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without overcooking, maintaining the meat's tenderness and juiciness.
  • Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute to intensify the teriyaki flavors and create a rich, glossy coating on the beef.
  • Swap rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Reheat Beef Teriyaki For A Second Serving

  • Store leftover beef teriyaki in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled beef teriyaki to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm the beef teriyaki in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place beef teriyaki in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve with Easy Beef Teriyaki

  • Pair with Crisp Rice Wine: Select a chilled Japanese sake that cuts through the beef's richness, balancing the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors with its clean, smooth profile.
  • Complement with Sesame-Infused Side: Prepare a light cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar to echo the recipe's nutty undertones and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Steamed Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful mix of blanched broccoli, carrots, and snap peas seasoned with a touch of ginger to enhance the dish's Asian-inspired taste and add nutritional balance.
  • Enhance with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Cook fragrant jasmine rice with a hint of butter and scallions, creating a delicate base that absorbs the teriyaki sauce's complex flavors while adding a subtle aromatic dimension.
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Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Savor Japan’s classic beef teriyaki with this simple, mouthwatering dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Succulent beef strips glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Base:

  • 1 lb (453.6 grams) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together a vibrant marinade combining soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, mirin, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
  2. Dust sliced beef thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring each piece receives an even, light coating.
  3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the meat.
  4. Carefully place coated beef into the hot pan, allowing each slice to develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  5. Cascade the prepared marinade over the browned beef, stirring continuously to coat and infuse flavors.
  6. Create a quick slurry by blending water with additional cornstarch, then pour into the skillet to help the sauce transform into a glossy, rich glaze.
  7. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, watching as the sauce gradually thickens and clings to the beef.
  8. Once the sauce reaches a perfect consistency, remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
  9. Plate over steamed rice or tender noodles, presenting a delectable teriyaki dish bursting with asian-inspired flavors.

Notes

  • Dust beef with a light, even layer of cornstarch to create a crispy exterior and help the sauce cling perfectly to each slice.
  • Adjust the sweetness and heat by tweaking honey and red pepper flakes to match your personal taste preferences.
  • Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the most succulent and quick-cooking teriyaki beef experience.
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make this dish keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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