Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

This Easy Beef Teriyaki is the ultimate go-to when you need something satisfying, flavorful, and fast. Tender strips of beef are coated in a glossy, garlicky-sweet teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite. It’s bold, savory, and just the right amount of sweet—like your favorite takeout, but better. Best of all? It comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for those busy weeknights when dinner needs to be quick, but still delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in Minutes: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes—yes, really! Perfect for those nights when time is not on your side.
• Takeout-Style Flavor: That sticky, umami-rich teriyaki sauce is truly irresistible and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, maybe even better.
• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe relies on pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, so there’s nothing fussy or hard to find.
• Customizable: Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, this dish plays well with many sides and swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so incredibly flavorful and simple:

• Beef: Flank steak or sirloin work best. Slice thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Soy Sauce: Forms the base of the teriyaki sauce and provides that essential salty umami depth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and enhance the caramelization.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Ginger: Fresh or ground, ginger adds warmth and just a little bit of zing to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds a nutty aroma that really elevates the overall flavor.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, mild bite and as a finishing garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

Variations

• Chicken or Tofu: Swap out beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or crispy tofu cubes if you prefer.
• Spicy Teriyaki: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use honey or a sugar substitute instead of brown sugar for a lighter twist.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for a built-in side of vegetables.

How to Make Easy Beef Teriyaki

Step 1: Slice the Beef

Thinly slice your beef across the grain. This step is key to keeping it tender—don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and a splash of water. Whisk until smooth. This is your magic teriyaki sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat a bit of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear quickly until browned on all sides—this only takes a minute or two. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, pour in the sauce, and stir. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and coats the beef in that shiny, sticky goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Against the Grain: This helps break up the muscle fibers in the beef, making it tender rather than chewy.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: It cooks quickly, so just a quick sear is all you need to keep it juicy.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: While powders work in a pinch, fresh aromatics make a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce: Taste as you go—want it sweeter? Add a touch more sugar. Need more salt? A splash more soy sauce will do.

How to Serve

This Easy Beef Teriyaki pairs wonderfully with:

Over Rice:

Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

With Noodles:

Toss it with udon or soba noodles for a fun, slurpy twist.

With Veggies:

Add a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for freshness and crunch.

In a Bowl:

Build a rice bowl with beef, shredded carrots, cucumber, and edamame for a vibrant meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

Freeze the cooked beef and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely. Flank steak and sirloin are top choices, but skirt steak or even ribeye will work if sliced thinly.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Ground ginger is a fine substitute—use about 1/4 teaspoon in place of fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes! If you’re serving this with lots of rice or veggies, doubling the sauce is a great idea for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Teriyaki is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavor. With minimal effort and a whole lot of delicious payoff, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print