Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry
Tender slices of beef and crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. A classic one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, water, packed brown sugar, mirin, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
- c.In a separate small bowl, create a slurry by whisking the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce mixture until smooth. Set both the sauce and the slurry aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add half of the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until well-browned but still slightly pink inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- d.Using tongs, remove the seared beef to a clean plate. Repeat the process with the remaining beef.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.
- c.Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- d.Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the pan for 1 minute to steam.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Thicken the Sauce
- b.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- c.Give the teriyaki sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the ingredients.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- c.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- d.Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms it up, making it easier to slice thinly against the grain.
- 2Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the beef to get a good sear, which locks in flavor and juices.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef in batches to ensure it sears rather than steams.
- 4Have all your ingredients chopped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 5For a deeper flavor, marinate the sliced beef in 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared teriyaki sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- 6Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or tempeh.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like sliced carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Spicy TeriyakiSpicy Teriyaki
For a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few thinly sliced Thai chilies to the teriyaki sauce.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts at the end for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall bodily function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Packed with Vegetables
With broccoli, bell peppers, and onions, this stir-fry is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients.
Immunity Support
The inclusion of fresh garlic and ginger not only adds incredible flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help support your body's natural defenses.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry contains approximately 460-500 calories, excluding any rice or noodles it's served with. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, especially the cut of beef.