Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy beef teriyaki recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef coated in a rich and glossy homemade teriyaki sauce. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. This recipe is a staple in our household, consistently ranked among our best recipes and a true go-to for quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade teriyaki!
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- ¼ cup sake (optional, can substitute with extra mirin or water)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced sirloin steak with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps the sauce cling to the beef beautifully.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even cooking. Set the cooked beef aside.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In the same skillet, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens (about 3-5 minutes). This homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly flavorful and far surpasses store-bought varieties.
Combining and Serving:
- Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the teriyaki sauce.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for the Best Beef Teriyaki:
- Thinly sliced beef cooks faster and more evenly. Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain for the most tender results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when stir-frying the beef. This will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of browning.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can decrease both the honey and brown sugar, or even leave the honey out entirely.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before adding the beef back to the skillet.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to other proteins, such as chicken or pork.
Delicious Variations:
- Add vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas are all great additions. Stir-fry them with the beef or add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of soy sauce: Tamari soy sauce (gluten-free) is a great alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on one serving using 1 lb of beef divided into 4 servings, and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This easy beef teriyaki recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this healthy meal and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!