Teriyaki beef stir-fry: it’s like a dance party for your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender beef, glistening with that sweet-salty glaze, while vibrant veggies crunch beneath your molars. My first attempt at this dish was a chaotic whirlwind in the kitchen—soy sauce dripping everywhere—but oh, the reward was worth every sticky counter.
Steps
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small pot, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Heat over medium-high, stirring until the sugar dissolves in about 3 minutes. Increase the heat, bring to a boil, then thicken with a cornstarch-water mix, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add broccoli and bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cooking until evaporated, then remove the vegetables.
- Sear the Beef: Wipe the pan and heat the remaining oil on high. Season half of the beef slices with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Set the cooked steak aside and repeat with the remaining beef.
- Combine and Finish: Return all the beef and vegetables to the pan. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over them and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat until everything is heated through. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds of thinly sliced steak (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- 3 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Nutritional Values
Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 914mg | Potassium: 758mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 61.6mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3.1mg
FAQ
- What kind of beef should I use for teriyaki beef stir fry?
- For the best results, use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for stir fry.
- How can I make homemade teriyaki sauce?
- To make a simple teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a pot. Simmer the mixture and then thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. This sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance.
- Can I customize the teriyaki beef stir fry with different ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can switch the beef with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For vegetables, options like snow peas, mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, or asparagus work well. Adding cubed pineapple can also give the dish a tropical twist.
- What is the cooking process for the vegetables and beef in this recipe?
- First, cook the vegetables until they start to brown and soften, then set them aside. Sear the beef in a very hot pan to get a nice crust, cooking it in batches if necessary. Finally, combine the cooked vegetables and beef with the sauce in the pan to heat through.
- How can I serve the teriyaki beef stir fry?
- This stir fry pairs well with rice, which you can start cooking when you begin preparing the vegetables. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for a tender and flavorful stir fry. Ensure your pan is very hot to achieve a nice sear on the meat.
- Customize Your Vegetables: While broccoli and bell peppers are great options, feel free to substitute with your family’s favorite vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for added variety.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce in Advance: You can make the homemade teriyaki sauce up to three days ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and making the cooking process quicker and more efficient.
- Serve with Rice: Start cooking a pot of rice simultaneously with the vegetables. This way, you can have the entire meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy dinner.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Stir Fry Pan: A wok or a large stir fry pan is essential for cooking stir fry dishes due to its shape and ability to evenly distribute heat.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A high-quality chef’s knife is important for slicing the beef and vegetables thinly and evenly.
- Garlic Press: If you don’t want to mince garlic by hand, a garlic press can be useful.
- Ginger Grater: A small grater designed for ginger can help you easily prepare fresh ginger for the sauce.