How to Make Delicious Miniature Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

Teriyaki beef stir fry is a classic dish that combines the rich umami flavor of teriyaki with tender slices of beef and crisp colorful vegetables. While traditionally made with strips of steak, teriyaki beef can also be transformed into a fun miniature version using ground beef formed into small patties or meatballs. These bite-sized teriyaki beef stir fries pack big flavor into a petite package making them ideal as an appetizer or snack. In this article I’ll walk through an easy recipe for making these irresistible mini teriyaki beef stir fries at home.

Overview of Mini Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

Miniature teriyaki beef stir fry starts with lean ground beef shaped into 1-2 inch patties or meatballs. The petite beef portions are then coated in a homemade teriyaki marinade infusing them with sweet and salty flavor. Next, the beef is quickly pan fried until browned and cooked through. An assortment of finely diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are stir fried separately until crisp-tender. Finally, the seared teriyaki beef and sautéed veggies are assembled together on mini plates. A glossy teriyaki sauce is drizzled over the top and the dish is garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.

This scaled down take on beef stir fry makes for the perfect single-bite appetizer The sweet and salty teriyaki beef paired with crunchy fresh vegetables is a flavor and texture combo that’s sure to please. Keep reading for a full step-by-step guide on how to make these crowd-pleasing mini teriyaki beef stir fries at home

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1⁄4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup mixed diced vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas)
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by whisking together a simple homemade teriyaki sauce. Combine 1⁄4 cup soy sauce 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp each minced garlic and ginger 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1⁄2 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Form the Ground Beef into Mini Patties

Divide 1 lb ground beef into 16 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a 1 inch patty or meatball. Make them on the smaller side as they will shrink slightly when cooked.

Coat the Beef in the Teriyaki Sauce

Place the beef mini patties or meatballs into the teriyaki sauce. Use a spoon to gently turn and coat each piece until evenly covered in the marinade. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Teriyaki Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp vegetable oil. When oil is hot, add marinated beef patties/balls in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

If needed, add another tsp oil to skillet. Add carrots and broccoli and stir fry 1-2 minutes. Then add bell peppers and snap peas cooking 1 minute more. Vegetables should be crisp-tender.

Assemble the Mini Stir Fries

Spoon about 2 Tbsp cooked rice onto each of 8 small plates or spoons. Top with 2 teriyaki beef patties/balls and 1-2 Tbsp stir fried veggies. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serve Immediately

Serve the miniature teriyaki beef stir fries while still hot. The sweet and salty glazed beef paired with the fresh crunchy vegetables makes for an exploding mix of flavors and textures in each bite!

Tips for Success

• Use 90% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill assembled plates in fridge for 10 minutes to help them firm up before serving.
• Cook vegetables in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Use metal skewers for easy dipping if desired.
• Drizzle with Sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.

Get Creative with Additional Fillings

While this recipe calls for a simple mix of rice, beef and mixed vegetables, feel free to get creative with additional fillings and mix-ins. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Cooked quinoa or farro instead of rice
• Water chestnuts, bamboo shoots or baby corn for crunch
• Edamame, chickpeas or lentils for protein
• Kimchi, pickled vegetables or bean sprouts for tang
• Shredded carrots, cabbage, bok choy or spinach for extra veggies
• Peanuts, cashews or sesame seeds for texture

The possibilities are endless when making miniature meals! Use your favorite ingredients to craft the perfect bite-sized teriyaki beef stir fry.

Benefits of Miniature Meals

Scaling down traditional dishes like beef stir fry into miniature portions has many advantages:

• Portion control – Keeps servings sizes in check while still enjoying flavors
• Fun presentation – Visually appealing to see everything separated into bites
• Appetizer style – Easy to eat finger food style at parties or gatherings
• Kid friendly – Fun for picky eaters who enjoy dipping foods
• Variety – Allows people to sample different items
• Creative twist – Puts new spin on popular classic dishes

So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these crave-worthy miniature teriyaki beef stir fries. With each bite packing a flavor punch, these mini meals will be a hit at your next gathering or as a weeknight dinner alongside a fresh salad.