Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about the sweet and savory flavors of beef teriyaki. The glossy, caramelized sauce clings to tender strips of beef, creating a dish that’s both comforting and packed with umami. Whether served over a bowl of steamed rice or alongside fresh stir-fried vegetables, this easy beef teriyaki recipe is a surefire hit for any weeknight dinner.

I first started making beef teriyaki when I was searching for a quick but flavorful dinner that didn’t require a long list of ingredients. After a few tweaks and experiments, I landed on this simple version—one that comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes just as good as takeout.

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it.

Why You'll Love This Easy Beef Teriyaki

This beef teriyaki isn’t just delicious—it’s the perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.

It’s also budget-friendly. Instead of ordering takeout, you can whip up this dish using affordable cuts of beef, a few pantry staples, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Another great reason to love this recipe? It’s completely customizable. You can switch up the protein, add more vegetables, or adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste.

And if meal prep is your thing, this dish is perfect for making ahead. The flavors get even better as they sit, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.

Now, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dish so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this beef teriyaki recipe lies in its simplicity, but every ingredient plays an important role in building flavor.

Beef is the star of the dish, and I recommend using flank steak or sirloin. These cuts are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for stir-frying. To get the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain—it makes all the difference.

Soy sauce is the foundation of the teriyaki sauce, providing that deep, savory umami flavor. For a slightly lighter version, you can use low-sodium soy sauce without sacrificing taste.

Brown sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Garlic and ginger bring warmth and complexity to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make the sauce taste vibrant and authentic, but in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can work too.

Cornstarch is the secret to getting that thick, glossy sauce. A quick cornstarch slurry helps the sauce cling beautifully to the beef, creating that classic teriyaki texture.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet or wok to cook everything efficiently over high heat. Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.

How To Make This Easy Beef Teriyaki

Making beef teriyaki at home is surprisingly simple, and the key is to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.

Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness and helps the meat absorb the teriyaki sauce. If you want extra tender beef, you can marinate it in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Let it sear for about 2 minutes before flipping, ensuring it develops a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn them, as this can make the sauce bitter.

Next, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water, then pour it into the pan. Stir and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer before adding the cornstarch slurry. As soon as the sauce begins to thicken and turn glossy, return the beef to the pan, tossing it to coat evenly.

After just a minute or two, your beef teriyaki is ready to serve. The total cooking time is under 15 minutes, making this an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this beef teriyaki stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef and sauce for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

If you don’t have flank steak, try using ribeye, top sirloin, or even thinly sliced chicken breast. Each will work beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.

Want to add more vegetables? Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots all make excellent additions. Simply stir-fry them before adding the sauce.

For a gluten-free version, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both provide a similar depth of flavor without the wheat.

Prefer a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give the sauce a spicy kick.

This easy beef teriyaki recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and once you see how simple it is to make, you’ll never need takeout again. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite way to enjoy it!

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