Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sweet and savory aroma of beef teriyaki sizzling in a hot pan. This quick and easy dish combines tender beef, a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, and just the right balance of umami flavors, making it a go-to weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with beef teriyaki when searching for a simple yet satisfying meal after a long day. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking time, this recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It's the perfect blend of convenience and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You'll Love This Easy Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This beef teriyaki is packed with flavor, easy to make, and comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout.

First, it’s incredibly fast and simple. With only a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort.

Second, it’s budget-friendly. You don’t need expensive cuts of beef to make this recipe shine—flank steak, sirloin, or even ground beef work beautifully.

Plus, it's a healthier alternative to takeout. By making your own teriyaki sauce, you control the ingredients, avoiding excess sugar, sodium, and preservatives found in store-bought versions.

Finally, this dish is endlessly versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. You can also toss in some vegetables for added nutrition.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that signature teriyaki flavor, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and depth.

Beef – Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best for this recipe. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. If using ground beef, simply brown it in the pan for an easy alternative.

Soy Sauce – The foundation of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce provides the perfect salty, umami-rich base. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt content.

Brown Sugar – This adds the signature sweetness to the sauce, helping it caramelize beautifully when cooked. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.

Garlic & Ginger – These aromatics bring depth and warmth to the sauce. Fresh is always best, but garlic powder and ground ginger can work in a pinch.

Cornstarch Slurry – A mix of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy texture. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply reduce the amount of cornstarch.

Sesame Oil – Just a drizzle at the end adds a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a good skillet or wok to sear the beef and a saucepan to thicken the sauce.

How To Make This Easy Beef Teriyaki

Making beef teriyaki at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to achieve restaurant-quality results in minutes.

Start by preparing your beef. If using flank steak or sirloin, slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures each piece stays tender and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this helps the meat develop a nice caramelized crust. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Now, it's time to make the sauce. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the pan, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.

To thicken the sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water). Cook for another minute until the sauce reaches the perfect glossy consistency.

Finally, return the beef to the pan, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

This entire process takes about 20 minutes, making it one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can whip up on a busy night.

Storage Options

This beef teriyaki stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

For freezing, allow the beef and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm the beef teriyaki in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about beef teriyaki is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a bit of gochujang to the sauce for some heat.

For a low-carb option, swap the sugar for a sugar-free alternative and serve the beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.

If you’re out of soy sauce, coconut aminos or tamari make great substitutes while keeping the flavor profile similar.

For a different protein, try swapping the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The sauce works beautifully with a variety of proteins, making it easy to customize.

No matter how you choose to make it, this easy beef teriyaki is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try tonight and see just how simple and delicious homemade takeout can be!

Print