Quick & Zesty Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe for Dinner Success

Whipping up a quick and mouthwatering beef teriyaki sends home cooks straight into culinary bliss.

Tender meat glazed with a rich, savory sauce becomes the star of this simple Asian-inspired dish.

Weeknight dinners demand fast, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for anyone wanting to impress at the dinner table.

Juicy beef strips marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce promise an explosion of umami goodness.

Simple yet sophisticated, this meal comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Easy Beef Teriyaki Sweet and Savory Notes

• Customize Your Flavor: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a restaurant-quality dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or as a protein in salads and wraps for endless meal possibilities.

Ingredients for Beef Teriyaki Perfection

• Beef: Tender slices that form the protein foundation of this teriyaki dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides the classic savory umami flavor base.
• Brown Sugar, Honey: Add sweetness and help create a rich caramelized sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute bold, aromatic flavor and traditional Asian cuisine depth.

• Cornstarch, Water: Help create a smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
• Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar: Provide additional complexity and authentic teriyaki flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offer a subtle background heat.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add visual appeal and fresh, complementary flavors.

• Rice, Noodles: Traditional accompaniments that complete the meal.

Cooking Beef Teriyaki in Simple Steps

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well blended and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Fire up a pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil.

Toss in the beef slices and cook them until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

This should take about 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Marry the Sauce and Beef

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the sizzling beef.

Give everything a good stir to ensure each piece is perfectly coated.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, creating a glossy, irresistible glaze that clings to every morsel of beef.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Garnish

Remove the pan from heat and add a final touch of elegance.

Scatter some sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your teriyaki beef over a bed of fluffy rice or tender noodles.

Dive in while it’s hot and savor the incredible blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Top Tips for Tender Beef Teriyaki

• Cut against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect browning without burning the meat or sauce.
• Stir continuously while cooking to ensure even coating and prevent sauce from sticking to pan.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level, keeping the authentic teriyaki taste intact.
• Let beef sit for a minute after cooking to lock in juices and maximize flavor absorption.

Fun Swaps for Beef Teriyaki Lovers

• Vegetarian Teriyaki Tofu: Replace beef with extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt to create a heart-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Korean-Style Version: Add gochujang or Korean chili paste for an extra kick of heat and authentic Korean flavor profile.

Serving Beef Teriyaki at the Table

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Pair the teriyaki beef with steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Asian-Inspired Side Crunch: Add a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the rich, savory beef.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Roast broccoli or asparagus with a light sesame oil drizzle to create a nutritious and colorful side that complements the teriyaki's bold flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and cilantro on top for a bright, fresh pop that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

Storing Beef Teriyaki for Next Serving

• Transfer leftover beef teriyaki to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Pack cooled beef teriyaki in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality.
• Place beef teriyaki in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What does teriyaki sauce taste like?

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory blend with a balance of salty soy sauce, sugary sweetness from brown sugar and honey, and subtle tangy notes from rice vinegar, creating a rich, glossy coating that enhances the beef’s flavor.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses beef, you can easily substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu for a similar delicious teriyaki dish that follows the same cooking technique.

• Is teriyaki sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which adds a gentle warmth. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory beef teriyaki brings Japanese culinary magic to home kitchens with minimal effort. Glazed tender meat strips deliver sweet and umami flavors that dance perfectly over steamed rice, making weeknight dinner dreams deliciously simple.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 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 rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together a vibrant blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create the teriyaki sauce.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375°F.
3. Carefully add beef slices to the hot pan, searing each side until a rich golden-brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the sizzling beef, thoroughly coating each piece and stirring continuously.
5. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and transform into a glossy, thick glaze that clings to the meat.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added texture and freshness.
7. Plate the teriyaki beef immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles, ensuring the sauce remains warm and appetizing.

Notes

• Perfectly slice beef against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and prevent tough, chewy pieces.
• Choose high-quality, thinly sliced beef like sirloin or flank steak for maximum flavor absorption and quick cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences without compromising the sauce’s balanced profile.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg