Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a flavorful, quick-to-make dish that features tender strips of beef coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables and delivers that satisfying umami flavor found in your favorite takeout, all made right at home.

ingredients

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

beef sirloin or flank steaksoy saucesesame oilsugar or honeygarlicgingergreen onionscornstarchwatervegetable oil

directions

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.

In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to form a slurry.

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

Add the beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a vegetable boost.

Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture and presentation.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor and more control over sweetness and saltiness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely—cook in advance and portion with rice for easy lunches.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Yes, it’s delicious over lo mein, udon, or even soba noodles.

Can I make it low-sugar?

Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is a delicious, satisfying dish that comes together in minutes. With its bold flavors and versatile options, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep favorite. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your home cooking routine.