Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender slices of beef cooked in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe brings a taste of Japanese-inspired comfort food to your table with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef sirloin or flank steaksoy saucesesame oilbrown sugargarlicgingercornstarchwatervegetable oilgreen onionssesame seeds (optional for garnish)

directions

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and cornstarch to create the teriyaki sauce.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced beef and cook until browned and just cooked through.

Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir well to coat the beef.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a lighter version.

Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete stir-fry.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Try using honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade offers a fresher flavor and allows you to control sweetness and saltiness.

What cut of beef is best?

Sirloin, flank, or skirt steak are great options for tenderness and flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can slice the beef and mix the sauce up to a day ahead.

What can I serve with Beef Teriyaki?

Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables make great pairings.

Can I grill the beef?

Yes, marinate the beef in the sauce first, then grill and toss with the remaining sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it has a mild, sweet-savory flavor that kids often enjoy.

Can I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.

How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

Cook on high heat for a short time and slice the beef thinly for quick cooking.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely, especially if you like extra sauce for rice or veggies.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a fast, satisfying recipe that delivers big flavor with little fuss. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight meals or impress with a homemade takeout favorite, this dish is a dependable go-to. Try it once and it might just become your regular dinner hero.