Authentic Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Sizzling Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe: A Savory Dinner Triumph

Whipping up a delectable beef teriyaki feels like unlocking a secret culinary treasure waiting to surprise you.

Succulent strips of meat marinate in a perfectly balanced sauce that whisks you straight to the heart of japanese cuisine.

Weeknight dinners can become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Classic ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes that dance across your taste buds.

Home cooking reaches new heights when simple techniques meet bold, authentic flavors.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for instant dinner hero status.

Flavor Twists on Beef Teriyaki

  • Chicken Teriyaki: Replace beef with sliced chicken breasts for a leaner protein option. Adjust cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
  • Tofu Teriyaki: Swap beef with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Press tofu to remove excess moisture before coating with cornstarch.
  • Low-Sodium Teriyaki: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener to create a healthier alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Teriyaki: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Inspirations for Teriyaki Beef

  • Family Feast Platter: Create a vibrant shared meal by arranging the teriyaki beef over a large platter with steamed white rice, colorful roasted vegetables, and sprinkled sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Quick Lunch Bowl: Pack the teriyaki beef in a portable container with brown rice, add some quick-pickled cucumber slices, and enjoy a delicious midday meal that's both satisfying and easy to transport.
  • Asian-Inspired Wrap: Stuff the tender beef into warm flour tortillas or lettuce wraps, add fresh crisp vegetables like shredded carrots and cabbage, and drizzle extra teriyaki sauce for a handheld dinner option that's light and flavorful.

Storing Beef Teriyaki Correctly

  • Refrigerate leftover beef teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Store sauce-coated beef separately from rice or noodles to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy sides.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • What is cornstarch used for in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps tenderize the beef and creates a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy while preventing it from becoming tough during cooking.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a similar teriyaki-style dish. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming chewy?

Slice the beef against the grain and avoid overcooking. Searing quickly at high heat helps maintain tenderness and prevents the meat from becoming tough.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this teriyaki recipe is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile with balanced notes from soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey.

Beef Teriyaki to Savor

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering beef teriyaki that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level sauce-making and meat-searing skills without needing advanced culinary training, boosting your kitchen confidence with every bite.
  • Customize Your Meal: Versatile recipe allows endless variations like swapping beef for chicken, serving over different grains, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and family tastes.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Enjoy restaurant-standard teriyaki with fresh ingredients, controlling sodium and sugar levels while saving money compared to delivery options.

Ingredients for Beef Teriyaki

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A tender and flavorful meat that becomes deliciously glazed with the teriyaki sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Water, Brown Sugar, Honey: A combination that creates a sweet and savory base for the teriyaki glaze.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the sweetness.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty undertone to the sauce.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian flavor.
Cooking and Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch: A key ingredient for coating the beef and thickening the sauce.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef and preventing sticking.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add texture and a pop of color to the final dish.
  • Rice or Noodles: Optional base for serving the teriyaki beef.

How to Make Beef Teriyaki

Step 1: Prepare Beef for Sizzling

Slice beef into thin strips. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and gently toss until each piece is lightly coated.

This helps create a beautiful golden crust and lock in those delicious juices.

Step 2: Craft Teriyaki Sauce Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Soy sauce
  • Water
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a glossy and aromatic sauce.

Step 3: Sear Beef to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add beef strips and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You want a beautiful golden-brown color on each piece. Once seared, transfer beef to a plate.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce and Thicken

Pour teriyaki sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water, then stir into the sauce. Watch as the sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return beef to the skillet and toss until every piece is generously coated with the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Serve piping hot over steamed rice or tender noodles.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Tips for Flavorful Teriyaki Beef

  • Dust beef with cornstarch before cooking to create a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in juices and enhances sauce absorption.
  • Sear beef quickly over high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors without overcooking, keeping meat tender and juicy.
  • Balance sauce ingredients carefully to achieve the perfect sweet-savory teriyaki profile, adjusting sugar and soy sauce to personal taste preferences.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor depth, as these aromatics are key to authentic teriyaki sauce complexity.
  • Let beef rest briefly after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful when served.
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Authentic Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Authentic Beef Teriyaki Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Mouthwatering beef teriyaki brings Japanese flavor right to kitchen tables with minimal effort. Home cooks can quickly prepare this savory dish that balances sweet and umami notes while satisfying hunger with simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

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

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Thickeners and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dust sliced beef with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly coated for enhanced texture and searing potential.
  2. Craft teriyaki sauce by blending soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a harmonious liquid mixture.
  3. Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Sear beef pieces rapidly for 2-3 minutes, allowing edges to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  5. Pour prepared teriyaki sauce into the same skillet, allowing it to bubble and reduce slightly over medium heat.
  6. Incorporate cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, thickened sauce consistency, stirring continuously for approximately 1 minute.
  7. Reintroduce seared beef into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating at medium-low temperature.
  8. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and beef to absorb sauce’s aromatic profile.
  9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for visual appeal and added flavor dimension.
  10. Serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles, presenting a vibrant and appetizing teriyaki dish.

Notes

  • Dust beef lightly with cornstarch to create a delicate protective coating, ensuring juicy and tender meat with a slight crispy exterior.
  • Marinate beef for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version without compromising the rich umami taste, perfect for those watching salt intake.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch, making the dish accessible to more dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 294 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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