Name: Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound sirloin steak (cut into thin, bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided); 1 whole red bell pepper (cored and cut into thin slices); 3 cups chopped mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots); 1 can sliced water chestnuts (8-ounce can, drained); 3 medium green onions (finely chopped; divided); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 1 cup prepared brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice for serving); ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¾ cup water; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus additional to taste); 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings a taste of the East right to your kitchen? Look no further! This Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry is not only bursting with flavor but also colorful and nutritious. With tender slices of sirloin steak paired with vibrant vegetables and a mouthwatering sauce, this dish will become a weeknight favorite in no time. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful stir fry!

The Upside of Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry offers a multitude of benefits. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to incorporate any vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of protein and veggies ensures a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. You can also control the ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to takeout. And who can resist the glossy, savory teriyaki sauce that coats each bite of beef and veggies?

What Goes Into Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

To make an irresistible Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound sirloin steak – cut into thin, bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – divided
1 red bell pepper – cored and cut into thin slices
3 cups chopped mixed vegetables – such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts – drained
3 medium green onions – finely chopped; divided
1 tablespoon sesame seeds – optional
Prepared brown rice – or white rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice for serving
¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¾ cup water
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – plus additional to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start whipping up this tasty dish, make sure you have the following tools:

Wok or large skillet – ideal for stir-frying
Sharp knife – for slicing the beef and vegetables
Cutting board – to keep your workspace organized
Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements
Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and tossing the ingredients

Directions: Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by marinating the sirloin steak. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, and black pepper. Toss to coat the beef evenly and let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ¾ cup of water, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. This mixture will create a wonderfully sticky sauce that brings all the flavors together.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Add the drained water chestnuts and half of the chopped green onions to the pan, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry over prepared brown rice, white rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with the remaining green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, here are some easy substitutes:

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Replace sirloin steak with chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp.
For a low-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of maple syrup.
Swap out the olive oil for avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Even seasoned cooks can make blunders when preparing Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not slicing the beef thinly enough. Thin slices ensure quick cooking and tender bites.
Overcrowding the pan. If you’re making a large batch, cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming.
Forgetting to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Stir-frying happens quickly, so have everything ready to go.
Not letting the sauce thicken. Be patient and let the sauce simmer to achieve that perfect glaze.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them for later enjoyment:

Refrigerate: Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Reader Questions

Can I use different vegetables in my Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you love or have on hand. Snow peas, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian stir fry. Just be sure to press and cube the tofu before cooking to achieve a nice texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy some heat, simply add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the cornstarch may settle.

Let’s Eat

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to prepare a fabulous Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry, it’s time to enjoy this flavorful dish! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors, delightful taste, and easy preparation, it’s a meal that can be savored any day of the week. Grab your chopsticks (or fork!) and dig in; you’re in for a treat!