What is Beef Teriyaki? A Complete Guide to This Sweet and Savory Japanese Dish

Beef teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that has become popular worldwide. It features tender slices of beef glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. But what exactly is teriyaki? And what makes beef teriyaki so delicious? This article will explain everything you need to know about this iconic dish.

What is Teriyaki?

The word “teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique in Japanese cuisine where proteins or vegetables are marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture. The ingredients are then grilled, pan-fried or broiled, allowing the teriyaki sauce to caramelize and glaze the food.

The term “teri” means gloss or luster and “yaki” means grilled or broiled. So teriyaki literally translates to “luster grilled” This cooking method was developed in Japan several centuries ago It produces food with a lovely sheen and infuses tons of flavor into the ingredients.

While teriyaki can be made with different proteins, beef is one of the most popular. Other common ingredients used in teriyaki recipes include chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu and vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms and eggplant No matter what main ingredient is used, the distinct sweet, salty and umami flavors of teriyaki sauce make it seriously tasty

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

Authentic teriyaki sauce contains just a few simple ingredients, but each one serves an important purpose.

• Soy sauce – Provides saltiness, savoriness and umami flavor. For gluten free teriyaki, tamari sauce can be substituted.

• Mirin – A sweet Japanese rice wine that lends subtle sweetness and enhances the glaze.

• Sake – A dry Japanese rice wine that boosts flavor.

• Sugar – White sugar, brown sugar or honey is used to balance out the salty flavors and add sweetness.

• Garlic and ginger – Offer aromatic qualities and spice.

• Cornstarch or arrowroot – Thickens the sauce so it coats the food nicely during cooking.

By combining these ingredients, an ideal sticky, glossy and balanced teriyaki sauce can be achieved. The sauce consistency should be just thick enough to cling to the proteins and vegetables during cooking without being too gloppy.

How to Make Beef Teriyaki

One of the great things about beef teriyaki is how quick and easy it is to make at home. Here is an overview of the simple process:

Prep the beef – Flank steak, sirloin or ribeye are good cuts to use. Slice very thinly across the grain into 1/8 to 1/4 inch strips. This ensures quick cooking and tender meat.

Make the teriyaki sauce – Whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. You can make homemade teriyaki sauce or use store-bought.

Marinate the beef – Place the sliced beef in a baking dish or zip top bag. Pour over some of the teriyaki sauce and let marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

Cook the beef – Drain excess marinade and cook beef in a hot skillet with oil for just 1-2 minutes per side.

Glaze the beef – Add the remaining teriyaki sauce to the pan. Let it come to a simmer and thicken into a glaze.

Toss with beef – Return cooked beef to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze.

And that’s it – easy peasy teriyaki beef ready in about 30 minutes!

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki beef tastes fantastic when served alongside:

• Steamed white, brown or fried rice
• Sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, peppers or snap peas
• Sprinkles of sesame seeds and sliced green onions
• Egg rolls, potstickers or edamame beans
• Fresh orange, pineapple or mango slices

A bed of fluffy rice or noodles with crisp-tender veggies makes the ideal base for the glistening teriyaki beef. A few extra garnishes like sesame seeds or chopped green onions add flavor and crunch.

Teriyaki Beef Nutrition

When made with lean beef and fresh vegetable sides, teriyaki can be a relatively healthy meal option. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:

• High in protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins from the beef.

• Fiber, vitamins, minerals from the vegetable accents and rice/noodles.

• Antioxidants from ingredients like soy sauce, garlic and ginger.

• Use reduced sodium soy sauce and minimal added sugars for a healthier teriyaki sauce.

• Balance out the sodium by including potassium-rich fruits and veggies.

• Smaller 3-4 oz portions of beef help control calories.

So while teriyaki sauce adds a touch of sugar, the meal can still be nutritious, especially when light beef cuts are used.

Fun Facts About Teriyaki

• The origins of teriyaki sauce may date back to 17th century Japan.

• In Japan, chicken is the most popular protein used for teriyaki dishes. Beef teriyaki became more widespread in the U.S.

• McDonald’s is credited for popularizing teriyaki burgers and chicken sandwiches in the 1970’s.

• Seattle, Washington claims to be the “teriyaki capital of the world” with over 100 teriyaki restaurants.

• “Teriyaki Boyz” is a Japanese hip hop group named after the food/culture.

• Hawaiian restaurants often serve “chicken katsu” – fried chicken breast with teriyaki sauce.

With its sweet and salty glazed sauce, beef teriyaki offers a mouthwatering taste of Japanese cookery. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet feels like an exciting restaurant-worthy meal. The caramelized teriyaki really brings out the flavor of beef and rice. Now that you know what makes this recipe so special, try making some tasty teriyaki beef at home tonight!