Easy Beef Teriyaki

Introduction

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The beef absorbs the rich, umami flavors of the sauce, while being stir-fried to perfection. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re craving something tasty and satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

I first made Easy Beef Teriyaki when I was in the mood for something Asian-inspired but didn’t want to wait for takeout. The recipe is super simple—just thinly sliced beef, a few pantry staples for the sauce, and a quick stir-fry. The teriyaki sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, coats the beef beautifully, making every bite burst with flavor.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by adding more honey or soy sauce. For extra texture, I like to toss in some sliced vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Easy Beef Teriyaki is a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something delicious and quick that feels like it came from a restaurant!

Perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Family dinners
Meal prepping
Lovers of savory and sweet dishes
Quick Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Easy Beef Teriyaki will become your go-to weeknight meal:

Savory-Sweet Flavor: The teriyaki sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and savory, coating the beef in a delicious glaze.
Quick and Simple: This recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days.
Tender Beef: The beef becomes tender and juicy, cooked just right for the perfect bite.
Versatile Dish: You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even veggies for a balanced meal.
No Need for a Grill: This dish is made entirely on the stovetop, making it ideal for any kitchen setup.
One-Pan Meal: Less mess and easy clean-up with a one-pan approach.
Customizable Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the sweet and savory flavors in this dish.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Make it ahead and store for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 27g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Beef Teriyaki:

1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Optional Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Steamed rice
Steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers)

Ingredient Highlights

Flank Steak or Sirloin: The thin slices of beef cook quickly and absorb the teriyaki sauce for a rich flavor.
Soy Sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce, adding saltiness and depth.
Honey: Provides the perfect sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to the sauce.
Cornstarch: Optional for thickening the sauce and creating a glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips.
Heat Oils: Heat vegetable and sesame oils in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the Beef: Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Thicken the Sauce (optional): In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens.

Combine Beef and Sauce:

Return the Beef to the Skillet: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and toss to coat with the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the beef is well-coated and heated through.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Serve the beef teriyaki over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Beef Teriyaki:

With Steamed Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing.
With Noodles: Toss the beef teriyaki with cooked noodles for a quick, hearty meal.
On a Salad: Serve over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots for a lighter option.
With Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a healthy side.
In Lettuce Wraps: Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
For Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.
With Fried Rice: Pair with a side of fried rice for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
With Pickled Veggies: Add pickled cucumbers or radishes for a tangy contrast to the sweet beef.
As a Stir-Fry: Add some bell peppers, onions, and snap peas for a stir-fry variation.
As Tacos: Use the beef as a filling for soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Additional Tips

Thinly Slice the Beef: For tender pieces, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce as needed.
Cornstarch Slurry: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
Garnish with Freshness: Fresh sesame seeds and green onions add a delightful crunch and flavor to the dish.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Teriyaki: Skip the beef and use your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
Chicken Teriyaki: Replace the beef with chicken breast or thighs for a different protein.
Gluten-Free Teriyaki: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Teriyaki Meatballs: Use ground beef to make meatballs and cook them in the teriyaki sauce.
Sweet and Sour Beef: Add pineapple chunks to the dish for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Mango Teriyaki: Top the beef with fresh mango slices for a fruity twist.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers: Thread the beef onto skewers and grill for a fun and flavorful presentation.
Vegan Teriyaki: Use tempeh or tofu instead of beef for a plant-based version.

Special Equipment

Skillet or Wok: For cooking the beef and sauce.
Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For tossing the beef in the sauce.
Rice Cooker: For perfectly steamed rice.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurement.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the beef thoroughly before slicing and cooking.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the beef teriyaki?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, pork, or tofu.
How do I make the sauce less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.
Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for honey, but the flavor may differ slightly.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for some heat.
Can I skip the sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil if necessary.
How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
Cook the beef quickly on high heat, and be sure to slice it thinly for faster cooking.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a flavorful and quick dish that combines tender beef with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beef absorbs all the rich, tangy flavors of the sauce, while a touch of ginger and garlic adds depth and warmth.

This dish is versatile and can be served over steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The balance of sweet and salty from the teriyaki sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

I’d love to see your Easy Beef Teriyaki creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see how delicious your beef teriyaki turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any special twists you added to the recipe!