Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

There's something irresistible about the combination of tender beef, a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce, and a bed of fluffy rice. This Easy Beef Teriyaki recipe brings all the classic flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that my family now requests on a regular basis. With a simple homemade teriyaki sauce and thinly sliced beef, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful, hassle-free dinner.

Why You'll Love This Easy Beef Teriyaki

If you're looking for a dinner that's both delicious and effortless, this Beef Teriyaki checks all the boxes.

First, it’s incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Most of the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce—like soy sauce, honey, and garlic—are probably already in your kitchen.

You can customize it to your taste. Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even swap the protein for chicken or tofu to suit your preferences.

Lastly, it pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile meal that fits any occasion.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Easy Beef Teriyaki lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef: Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Soy sauce: This forms the base of the teriyaki sauce, providing the perfect balance of umami and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt content.

Honey and brown sugar: These ingredients add the perfect hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a fragrant depth of flavor to the sauce.

Cornstarch: A small amount thickens the sauce, creating that signature glossy coating on the beef.

A large skillet or wok is ideal for cooking this dish, as it ensures even heat distribution and quick searing of the beef.

How To Make This Easy Beef Teriyaki

Making this dish at home is surprisingly simple, and it comes together in just a few easy steps.

Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a bit of cornstarch. This mixture will thicken beautifully as it cooks.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, then sear the thinly sliced beef in batches. Cooking in small batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a nice caramelization.

Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, then return the beef to the pan and toss to coat.

Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully!

Refrigerate any remaining Beef Teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.

For a healthier option, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce and maple syrup for honey.

Want to add more vegetables? Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas along with the beef for extra color and crunch.

If you're vegetarian, swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms while keeping the sauce the same.

Prefer a spicy kick? Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

With so many ways to tweak this recipe, you can make it exactly the way you love it!

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