Image Source from karlanaftel

Easy Beef Teriyaki: A Delightful Japanese Classic

If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious meal to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than Easy Beef Teriyaki. This popular Japanese dish is characterised by its savoury-sweet sauce that clings to tender strips of beef, creating a flavourful delight that is sure to please the whole family. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, easy beef teriyaki is a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Ingredients

To make Easy Beef Teriyaki, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g beef steak (such as sirloin or fillet), thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
• 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch), mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds and chopped spring onions (for garnish)
• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles (to serve)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by slicing your beef into thin strips—aim for about 5mm in thickness. This allows the beef to cook quickly and evenly. For the best results, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing; this makes it easier to cut.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sake. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This savoury-sweet marinade will become your teriyaki sauce and is what gives the dish its signature flavour.

3. Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is browned on one side, then flip it over to cook the other side, which should take another minute. Be careful not to overcook the beef; you want it tender and juicy.

4. Add the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked through, pour the teriyaki sauce over the meat. Stir well to ensure all the beef is coated. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute before adding the cornflour mixture. This will help thicken the sauce, creating a glossy finish.

5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Serve your Easy Beef Teriyaki over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top for an extra touch of flavour and presentation.

Tips for Perfecting Your Teriyaki

• Beef Selection: While sirloin and fillet are excellent choices, you can also use flank steak or ribeye for added richness. Just be sure to slice it thinly.
• Vegetable Additions: For an added burst of colour and nutrition, consider adding vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process.
• Marinating: For deeper flavour, marinate the beef in the teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with the sauce’s delicious flavours.
• Rice Alternative: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the beef teriyaki over cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Teriyaki is not just a dish but an experience—a beautiful blend of flavours and textures that can transport you straight to a bustling izakaya in Tokyo. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this Japanese classic in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging in a personal treat, this dish is sure to become a regular fixture in your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this easy yet flavourful beef teriyaki!