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Easy Beef Teriyaki

A quick and delicious meal featuring tender beef strips coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and Coating
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak Choose a fresh cut for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch This coats the beef for a crispy texture—opt for gluten-free if needed.
Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil A heart-healthy option that helps prevent sticking while cooking.
Teriyaki Sauce
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce Keeps the dish savory without overwhelming it with sodium.
  • 1 cup water Balances the flavor and helps create a delicious sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar Adds sweetness and depth; can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Introduces a mild acidity; apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Can reduce to taste or omit entirely.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (peeled and minced) Provides freshness; powdered ginger can be used as a last resort.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic (minced) Adds aromatic notes to the dish.
  • 3 tablespoons honey For natural sweetness; maple syrup can also be a great vegan alternative.
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the sauce; ensure proper measurement for best results.
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Garnish for crunch and presentation.
  • 3 pieces green onions (chopped) Adds color and freshness; can substitute with chives if necessary.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the flank steak into thin pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
  2. Place the beef slices in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Add ¼ cup cornstarch, seal the bag, and shake until the beef is evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef, cooking until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. While the beef cooks, combine the soy sauce, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, honey, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and transfer the teriyaki sauce mixture to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, tossing to coat all pieces in the teriyaki sauce. Heat through for another minute before serving.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Notes

To avoid overcooking the beef, pay close attention to cooking time; flank steak should cook quickly. For a healthier option, consider adding a variety of colorful vegetables to the pan when cooking the beef.