This Easy Beef Teriyaki is the perfect weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor without taking too much time in the kitchen. With tender strips of beef coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is both quick to prepare and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe shines with its sweet and savory notes, making it ideal for various occasions. Plus, it uses mostly pantry staples, so you can whip it up any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a delicious blend of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice or veggies to customize your meal based on what you have on hand.
- Healthy Option: Using lean flank steak and low-sodium soy sauce makes this dish a healthier alternative to takeout.
- Family-Friendly: This Easy Beef Teriyaki appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in preparing your Easy Beef Teriyaki.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Gallon-sized Ziploc bag
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Provides enough space to cook the beef evenly without crowding.
- Gallon-sized Ziploc bag: Great for coating the beef with cornstarch quickly while minimizing mess.
- Whisk: Ensures that your teriyaki sauce is lump-free and well combined.
Ingredients
This Easy Beef Teriyaki cooks up tender strips of beef quickly before they’re tossed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce! This easy meal goes together in about 30 minutes using mostly pantry staple ingredients. Serve it over a bed of rice and veggies for a satisfying dinner!
For the Beef
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 green onions (chopped)
How to Make Easy Beef Teriyaki
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the flank steak into thin pieces.
- Place the sliced beef in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with cornstarch.
- Shake until all sides are coated evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef slices to the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and cornstarch.
- Whisk until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
- Lower heat to medium after removing beef from skillet.
- Pour teriyaki sauce into the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and let thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Beef with Sauce
- Return cooked beef to the skillet with teriyaki sauce.
- Toss until beef is well coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Easy Beef Teriyaki!
How to Serve Easy Beef Teriyaki
Easy Beef Teriyaki makes for a versatile meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual weeknight meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
Serve Over Rice
- White Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the savory teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Pair with Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds bright color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the beef.
- Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Sweet and crunchy bell peppers complement the dish’s flavors.
Wrap in Lettuce
- Romaine Lettuce Wraps: Use large leaves as a fresh, low-carb alternative to wrap the beef for a fun presentation.
Add Toppings
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a burst of flavor and color.
How to Perfect Easy Beef Teriyaki
To achieve the best results with your Easy Beef Teriyaki, consider these helpful tips for cooking and flavor enhancement.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting flank steak against the grain ensures tenderness in each bite.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear without steaming it.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify sugar or honey levels based on your taste preference for sweetness in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the overall flavor profile of your teriyaki sauce.
- Let it Rest: Allowing cooked beef to rest before serving can help retain juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Beef Teriyaki
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Beef Teriyaki can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Fried Rice: A savory mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs that complements teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- Miso Soup: A light, comforting soup that adds warmth and depth to your meal experience.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers dressed in vinegar add freshness and contrast to the rich beef.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame pods offer protein and make for an enjoyable snack alongside your main dish.
- Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled carrots or radishes provide tanginess that balances out the sweetness of teriyaki.
- Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad with sesame dressing offers a delightful textural contrast and can be made ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Beef Teriyaki can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring meat quality: Using low-quality beef can lead to a tough dish. Always opt for fresh and tender cuts like flank steak for the best results.
- Skipping the marination step: Not allowing the beef to marinate in cornstarch affects the sauce’s absorption. Coat the beef well and let it sit for a bit before cooking.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking beef too long can make it chewy. Aim for a quick sear, about 3-4 minutes per side, to keep it tender.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: This can overpower the flavors and make your dish too salty. Choose low-sodium soy sauce for a balanced taste.
- Not whisking the sauce properly: Lumps in your teriyaki sauce can ruin its smooth texture. Whisk thoroughly until there are no lumps before adding it to the pan.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Easy Beef Teriyaki
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Easy Beef Teriyaki
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Beef Teriyaki that you might find helpful.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can use sirloin or ribeye as alternatives.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
What vegetables pair well with Easy Beef Teriyaki?
Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas complement this dish beautifully. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and cook the beef ahead of time; just reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef Teriyaki recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce. Give this delightful meal a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Beef Teriyaki
This Easy Beef Teriyaki is the ultimate weeknight dish that combines tender strips of flank steak with a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, delivering a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that will impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe requires mostly pantry staples, making it a convenient choice for any occasion. Serve it over rice or alongside crisp vegetables for a delightful dinner everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak into thin strips and coat with cornstarch in a Ziploc bag.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour sauce into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
