Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender beef slices coated in a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry favorite comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

ingredients

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

beef (sirloin, flank, or skirt steak)soy saucebrown sugar or honeygarlic (minced)ginger (freshly grated or ground)rice vinegar or mirincornstarchwatervegetable oilgreen onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (optional)

directions

Slice beef thinly against the grain and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.

Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the beef slices and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through.

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan and stir to coat the beef.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the beef is fully cooked.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or tofu instead of beef.

Add stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.

Make it spicy with chili flakes or sriracha.

Swap brown sugar for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best?

Flank, skirt, or sirloin are tender and work well with quick cooking.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade offers fresher, adjustable flavor.

Do I have to marinate the beef?

Not required, but marinating for 15–30 minutes enhances flavor.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, especially if serving over rice or veggies.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Can I prep it ahead?

Yes, slice the beef and mix the sauce in advance to save time.

How do I avoid tough beef?

Slice against the grain and don’t overcook.

What sides go well?

Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, or Asian slaw are great options.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours, but sauce may need thickening.

Can I grill the beef?

Yes, grill slices and brush with thickened teriyaki sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a fast, delicious meal that brings bold flavor with minimal effort. With tender beef and a homemade sauce that rivals takeout, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite that satisfies every time.