Quick & Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe – Perfect Every Time

As the sun set, I craved something comforting with bold flavors. I remembered the delicious beef teriyaki from a local Japanese restaurant. I wanted to make it at home.

With simple ingredients and a bit of knowledge, I made a quick beef teriyaki. It tasted as good as the restaurant’s, maybe even better.

Key Takeaways

• Flavorful beef teriyaki recipe with simple ingredients
• Tender flank or skirt steak, cut against the grain
• Homemade teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, and more
• Quick 20-minute prep and cook time for a fast weeknight meal
• Naturally dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut, and tree nut free
• Gluten-free option available with tamari soy sauce
• Pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli and rice

Introduction to Beef Teriyaki

Beef teriyaki is a favorite Japanese dish. It mixes tender beef with a sweet, savory teriyaki sauce. This dish is loved by many at home and in restaurants worldwide. To enjoy beef teriyaki fully, knowing its origins and why it’s so popular is key.

What is Beef Teriyaki?

Teriyaki is a cooking method and sauce from Japan. It makes food look glossy and caramelized. This happens when meat is basted or grilled in a sauce of soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Beef teriyaki is a tasty dish with a rich umami flavor.

A Brief History of Teriyaki

Teriyaki started in the 17th century in Japan. Cooks then were trying new ways to flavor and preserve meats. The name “teriyaki” comes from “teri,” meaning “luster,” and “yaki,” meaning “to broil” or “to grill.” Today, teriyaki is a big part of Japanese food.

Why It’s a Favorite Dish

Beef teriyaki is loved for many reasons. The mix of tender beef and sweet teriyaki sauce is amazing. It’s also quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can make it your own by trying different beef, veggies, and ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Teriyaki

To make a delicious beef teriyaki, you’ll need a few important ingredients. Start with a good cut of beef like flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are tender and full of flavor. You’ll also need the key parts of the teriyaki sauce: soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and fresh ginger.

Fresh Beef Cuts to Use

• Flank steak
• Skirt steak
• Sirloin
• Brisket
• Hanger steak
• Ground beef (for a more affordable option)

Essential Teriyaki Sauce Components

1. Soy sauce – Gives the sauce a savory, umami taste
2. Mirin – Adds sweetness and depth from Japanese rice wine
3. Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness of soy sauce
4. Ginger – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor

Optional Vegetables and Add-Ins

To enhance your beef teriyaki, add some veggies and other ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Snow peas
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Baby corn

Finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a great look. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

How to Prepare Your Beef for Teriyaki

Getting your beef teriyaki just right begins with picking the right meat and slicing it perfectly. For tender and tasty results, focus on a few important steps in preparing your beef.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Flank steak or skirt steak are top choices for beef teriyaki. They have a rich beef flavor and become tender when marinated and cooked fast. Sirloin is a good substitute if you can’t find those cuts.

Marinating Techniques

Marinating your marinated beef is crucial for that unique teriyaki taste and texture. A mix of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and garlic is perfect. Let the beef soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.

Slicing Your Beef for Optimal Flavor

1. For thinly sliced beef, cut the meat against the grain into thin strips. This makes the meat tender and easy to chew.
2. If using ground beef preparation, skip slicing. Just shape the meat into small balls or crumbles.
3. Pat the beef dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps it brown and caramelize beautifully.

With the right marinated beef, thinly sliced beef, and beef preparation methods, you’re set to make a tasty beef teriyaki. Get ready to delight your taste buds!

The Easy Steps to Make Teriyaki Sauce

Making your own teriyaki sauce is easy and fun. It lets you choose the flavors and ingredients you like. While store-bought sauces are handy, making your own lets you tailor it to your taste. Let’s look at how to make a tasty, homemade teriyaki sauce for your beef teriyaki.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Sauces

Both homemade and store-bought teriyaki sauces have their perks. Homemade sauce lets you tweak the sweetness, salt, and thickness to your heart’s content. Store-bought sauces, on the other hand, offer a consistent taste and are easy to find. It really comes down to what you prefer and how much time you have.

Ingredients for a Basic Teriyaki Sauce

To whip up a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Black pepper

For an extra kick, try adding minced garlic and ginger paste to the mix.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sauce

Here are some tips to get your teriyaki sauce just right:

1. Play with the soy sauce-to-sugar ratio to find your perfect balance. Begin with a 2:1 ratio and tweak it as you like.
2. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if it’s still too thin.
3. Let the sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken.
4. Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness.

By following these easy steps, you’ll make a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s just as good as store-bought. Enjoy the pride of making a flavorful sauce from scratch to go with your beef teriyaki.

Cooking Methods for Beef Teriyaki

Choosing the right cooking method is key to making great beef teriyaki. You can go for the quick stir-fry, the smoky taste of grilling, or the tender slow-cooked version. Each method brings its own special touch to your dish. Let’s dive into the best ways to cook your beef teriyaki.

Stir-Frying Your Beef

Stir-frying is perfect for a fast and tasty beef teriyaki. Start by cooking the beef in sesame oil over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Then, add your teriyaki sauce and let it simmer until it thickens. This method keeps the beef tender and juicy, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Grilling for a Smoky Flavor

Grilling adds a unique twist to beef teriyaki. Marinate the beef in teriyaki sauce before grilling. The high heat and smoky char give your dish a delicious flavor. It’s especially good with flank steak or grilled meat cuts.

Slow Cooking for Tenderness

Slow cooking is great if you have more time. Use tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket, and simmer them in teriyaki sauce for hours. This method turns the meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It’s perfect for busy weekends or meal prep.

Regardless of the method, the secret to tasty beef teriyaki is letting the sauce flavors shine. Cook the meat until it’s tender and juicy. With a bit of practice, you’ll make stir-fry beef teriyaki bowls everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Teriyaki

Beef teriyaki is great with many side dishes. Serve it over fluffy white rice. Add steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for color and nutrition.

Traditional Side Dishes

• Sautéed garlic mushrooms: Their earthy and meaty flavors complement the savory teriyaki beef.
• Steamed bao: These soft, pillowy Chinese buns offer a unique and delightful contrast to the bold teriyaki flavor.
• Sesame stir-fry noodles: A quick-to-make side dish that bursts with savory flavor, perfectly pairing with the teriyaki beef.

Creative Serving Ideas

Try teriyaki beef in lettuce wraps or flour tortillas for a twist. The fresh lettuce or soft tortilla adds a nice texture. You can also make a protein-packed bowl with shredded cabbage, edamame, and grains.

How to Make It a Full Meal

Make your teriyaki beef meal complete with egg rolls, dumplings, or a ramen noodle salad. Top it with green onions, sesame seeds, and mayonnaise for extra flavor.

With these ideas, your beef teriyaki can become a memorable and balanced meal. It will satisfy your Japanese-inspired flavor cravings.

Tips for Making Perfect Beef Teriyaki Every Time

Making great beef teriyaki is more than just a recipe. It’s about getting the flavors right and the meat tender. Here are some tips to help you make beef teriyaki that stands out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One big mistake is overcooking the meat. This makes it tough and chewy. Use a meat thermometer to cook it just right. This keeps the beef juicy and tender.

How to Adjust for Taste Preferences

The sweetness of teriyaki sauce is up to you. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or less for a savory taste. A bit of sesame oil adds a nice Asian touch.

Timing and Cooking Techniques

Timing is key when cooking beef teriyaki. Make sure the sauce thickens well to coat the meat. Use frozen onions and minced garlic for a quick start. If it needs more flavor, add more sauce.

Remember these cooking tips, flavor adjustment, and beef teriyaki techniques. They’ll help you make perfect beef teriyaki every time.

Storing Leftover Beef Teriyaki

Enjoying your homemade beef teriyaki doesn’t have to end when you’re done eating. You can keep those leftovers fresh for days. We’ve got tips for storing your beef teriyaki in the fridge or freezer.

Refrigerating Leftover Beef Teriyaki

Keep your leftover beef teriyaki fresh by storing it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool down first to avoid bacteria growth.

Freezing Beef Teriyaki for Later

Freeze your leftover beef teriyaki for longer storage. Use an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Beef Teriyaki Leftovers

Reheat your beef teriyaki gently to keep it tasty. Reheat the beef and sauce separately in a skillet. Add extra sauce or water if it gets dry. Or, microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until warm.

Follow these tips to enjoy your beef teriyaki for longer. With a bit of prep, you’ll have tasty leftovers for quick dinners or lunches.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Beef Teriyaki

Congratulations on making delicious beef teriyaki at home! This Japanese dish is quick, easy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights and loved by many, with a 4.45-star rating from 63 votes.

Recap of Cooking Tips

For perfect beef teriyaki, use top-quality beef and slice it right. Adjust the sauce to your liking. It’s healthy too, with 304 calories, 37g of protein, and 8g of fat per serving.

Encouragement to Experiment

Feel free to try new things with beef teriyaki. Use chicken or tofu, and add different veggies. This way, you can make it your own and enjoy it often.

Share Your Beef Teriyaki Creations!

We want to see your beef teriyaki! Post it on social media with #BeefTeriyakiRecipe. Your dish will surely impress everyone.

FAQ

What is beef teriyaki made of?

Beef teriyaki is typically made of thinly sliced or bite-sized pieces of beef cooked in a teriyaki sauce, which is a sweet and savory Japanese glaze. The sauce is traditionally made from a combination of:

• Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base.
• Sugar or honey: Adds sweetness.
• Mirin or sake: A mildly sweet rice wine for depth of flavor.
• Garlic and ginger: Often added for aromatic notes. The beef is either stir-fried, grilled, or pan-seared and then coated with the sauce.

What cut of beef is best for beef teriyaki?

The best cuts of beef for teriyaki are tender, quick-cooking ones, such as:

• Sirloin: Lean, flavorful, and affordable.
• Ribeye: Rich in marbling, offering a juicy and tender texture.
• Flank Steak: Great for slicing thinly across the grain.
• Skirt Steak: Offers a slightly chewier texture but works well with the sauce.
• Tenderloin: A more premium option for exceptionally tender beef. Thin slicing is key to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of the teriyaki sauce.

What goes with beef teriyaki?

Beef teriyaki pairs well with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal:

• Rice: Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice absorbs the flavorful sauce.
• Vegetables: Stir-fried, steamed, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
• Noodles: Soba, udon, or yakisoba noodles as an alternative to rice.
• Salad: A light cucumber or mixed green salad with a sesame dressing.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds a tangy contrast.
• Miso Soup: A classic Japanese side dish to complement the flavors.
• Edamame: Lightly salted boiled soybeans for a simple starter.

Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?

It depends on the cooking method, but typically:

• Before Cooking: If marinating the beef, teriyaki sauce is applied before cooking to infuse the meat with flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than a few hours, as the soy sauce can break down the meat fibers.
• During Cooking: Brush or glaze the beef with the sauce while grilling, stir-frying, or broiling to build a caramelized coating.
• After Cooking: Additional teriyaki sauce can be drizzled over the cooked beef as a finishing touch to enhance flavor and presentation. For stir-fry dishes, the sauce is usually added near the end of cooking to coat the meat and vegetables.