Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This teriyaki steak recipe is your answer. It's unbelievably easy, incredibly flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a delicious, healthy meal the whole family will love. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet stunning dish!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, about 1-inch thick (ribeye or New York strip also work great!)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved. This homemade teriyaki sauce is the key to amazing flavor!
Step 2: Marinate the Steak (Optional but Recommended)
Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's coated evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. If you're short on time, a 15-minute marinade still adds a noticeable difference.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade (reserve the marinade!) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a rich and glossy teriyaki glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the sliced steak and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Steak:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If your steak doesn't fit comfortably in a single layer, cook it in batches to ensure even browning and searing.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to guarantee your steak is cooked to your liking. Rare is around 125°F, medium-rare is 130-135°F, medium is 140-145°F, and well-done is 160°F or higher.
- Adjust the marinade: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a splash of honey for extra sweetness.
Variations:
- Chicken Teriyaki: Substitute the steak with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Shrimp Teriyaki: Use shrimp instead of steak, cooking for a shorter time until pink and opaque.
- Vegetable Teriyaki: Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet along with the steak or chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on steak cut and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy teriyaki steak recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!