Simply Delicious Beef Teriyaki: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of beef steak (sirloin or rib-eye for better taste)
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of mirin (or sweet rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon of water (optional, for thickening sauce)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the beef steak into thin slices, against the grain for optimal tenderness.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the teriyaki sauce. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Place the sliced beef in the sauce and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook until it's browned on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then pour the mixture into the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
  7. Sprinkle the cooked beef with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
  8. Serve the beef teriyaki hot with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the beef with chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to make it a beef teriyaki stir-fry.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
  • Try using different cuts of beef, such as flank steak or tenderloin, for a variation in texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or brown sugar instead of white sugar in the teriyaki sauce.
  • Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade for a nutty flavor.
  • Garnish the dish with cilantro or Thai basil for an herbaceous twist.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a healthier alternative.
  • Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Recipe overview

Beef Teriyaki is a popular Japanese dish that's loved by many around the world. It's a simple yet delicious meal that features tender slices of beef glazed in a savory and slightly sweet teriyaki sauce. This recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients like beef steak, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger. It's a versatile dish that can be served with steamed rice or vegetables. The end result is a beautifully plated, flavorful dish that's sure to impress your guests. Whether you're new to Japanese cuisine or looking to recreate a favorite dish at home, this Beef Teriyaki recipe is a fantastic choice. Enjoy the process of making it - and even more, enjoy the taste!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use sirloin or rib-eye steak for this recipe for better taste and tenderness.
  2. How long should I marinate the beef? It is recommended to marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Can I make the sauce thicker? Yes, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then pour the mixture into the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
  4. What can I serve with beef teriyaki? Beef teriyaki goes well with steamed rice or vegetables as a side dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for slicing the beef and other ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef into thin slices.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the ingredients and marinating the beef.
  • Whisk - A utensil for stirring and mixing the teriyaki sauce.
  • Cooking pan - A pan for cooking the beef teriyaki.
  • Spatula - A tool for flipping and stirring the beef while cooking.
  • Small bowl - For mixing cornstarch and water to create a thickening agent for the sauce (optional).
  • Serving plates - Plates for presenting the finished beef teriyaki.
  • Garnish shaker - A tool for sprinkling sesame seeds on top of the beef teriyaki.

Origin stories

The concept of teriyaki cooking has its roots deep in Japanese cuisine, where it was traditionally used with fish like tuna, salmon, trout, and mackerel. The word "teriyaki" itself is a combination of "teri," meaning luster given by the sweet soy sauce marinade, and "yaki," which means broiled or grilled. The fusion of these two elements results in a beautifully caramelized, glossy dish with a sweet and savory flavor. However, the teriyaki we're familiar with today, especially dishes like beef teriyaki, gained popularity in the Hawaiian iteration of Japanese cuisine, where local ingredients like pineapples were added, and fish was frequently substituted with more readily available meats. The teriyaki sauce we know and love was actually popularized in Hawaii before making its way back to Japan and the rest of the world. Nowadays, this simple, flavorful dish is enjoyed globally, yet another testament to the universal appeal of sweet and savory flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.