Description
This Beef Teriyaki recipe features thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak cooked in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The sauce is thickened with a cornstarch slurry and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic, flavorful Japanese-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Teriyaki
- 1 pound beef (such as sirloin or flank steak)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, cutting against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Set Sauce Aside: Keep the prepared sauce mixture to the side for later use.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch with water and mix thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely, forming a smooth slurry.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and allow it to become hot.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef strips to the skillet and stir occasionally until the beef browns and is cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove Beef: Take the cooked beef out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the reserved sauce mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Slurry: Stir in the cornstarch slurry carefully and continuously stir as the sauce thickens further, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the beef to the skillet and toss thoroughly, ensuring each strip is coated evenly with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat and transfer the beef to a serving plate.
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef if using, adding a subtle nutty flavor and a nice visual touch.
- Add Green Onions: Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and a mild onion aroma. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons combined with the water.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Optional sesame seeds add a nice texture and flavor but can be omitted for allergy considerations.
