Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, savory-sweet flavors of beef teriyaki sizzling in a hot pan. This dish combines tender beef, a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, and a hint of sesame, making it an irresistible dinner option.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a quick but flavorful meal to satisfy my family's cravings for takeout. With just a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, I was able to whip up a dish that quickly became a weeknight favorite.

Why You'll Love This Easy Beef Teriyaki

Get ready to add this beef teriyaki recipe to your go-to meal rotation! It's a perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and versatility.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without the high price tag.

Not to mention, it's versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving that perfect teriyaki taste.

Beef: The best cuts for this dish are flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for stir-frying. Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Soy Sauce: This is the base of the teriyaki sauce, providing deep umami flavor. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness balanced.

Brown Sugar: This adds the signature sweetness to the sauce, helping to create that perfect sticky glaze. If you prefer a deeper caramel-like flavor, try substituting honey or maple syrup.

Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger elevate the sauce, adding warmth and complexity. If you're short on time, pre-minced garlic and ginger paste work well too.

Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce to coat the beef beautifully. If you like a thinner sauce, you can reduce the cornstarch slightly.

How To Make This Easy Beef Teriyaki

Creating this flavorful beef teriyaki is simple and fast. Here's how to do it step by step.

Start by slicing your beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain to ensure tenderness. If the beef is too soft to cut cleanly, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and let it get hot before adding the beef. Stir-fry the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add your garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Then, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water, stirring to combine.

Once the sauce starts to simmer, whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.

Finally, return the beef to the pan and toss it in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute until everything is well coated and heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep them fresh and flavorful.

To refrigerate, transfer the cooled beef teriyaki to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This beef teriyaki recipe is easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a healthier twist, swap brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar, and use low-sodium soy sauce.

Prefer chicken teriyaki? Simply swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs and follow the same steps.

Want more vegetables? Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the final minutes of cooking for added crunch and nutrition.

If you're gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Experiment and make it your own! Whether you like it extra spicy, sweeter, or packed with veggies, this recipe is a great base to customize.

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