Introduction
There are some recipes that instantly brighten up even the busiest weeknight—and for me, Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry is right at the top of that list. 🥢✨
Growing up, Friday nights meant one thing: stir fry night. My dad would crank up some music, pull out the wok, and make the entire kitchen smell amazing. His go-to? A sizzling Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry that combined juicy slices of beef, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that clung to every bite.
The best part? It was ready in less time than it took to decide what to order for takeout. 🍜
This dish has everything:
✅ A quick cooking time.
✅ Layers of umami flavor.
✅ Plenty of veggies for balance.
✅ That irresistible homemade teriyaki glaze that tastes way better than bottled sauce.
Whether you’re a stir fry beginner or a kitchen pro, this recipe will make you feel like a wok master. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry, plus some easy substitutions to fit your dietary preferences.
🥩 Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
→ Flank steak gives a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. You can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
→ Helps create a velvety coating on the beef when stir-fried. - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
→ Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works (like avocado or canola oil). - 3 cups broccoli florets
→ Fresh is best for crisp texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry. - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
→ Adds color, sweetness, and crunch. - 1 small carrot, julienned
→ Optional, but adds lovely texture and color.
🍶 For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
👉 Why homemade? Bottled teriyaki sauce can be overly sweet or salty. Making your own lets you control the balance of flavors—plus, it only takes 5 minutes!
🌿 Optional Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegan: Substitute beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use a vegan teriyaki sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
- More Veggies: Snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn work beautifully here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The magic of stir fry is that once everything is prepped, the cooking is fast and fun. 🔥
👨🍳 Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin strips—this is the key to tender bites. Toss the slices in a bowl with cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies and sauce.
📝 Pro Tip: Partially freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes before slicing—it makes it much easier to get thin, even slices.
🍯 Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
Set aside. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell incredible. 😍
🥦 Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until they’re bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
Transfer the veggies to a plate and keep warm.
🥩 Step 4: Sear the Beef
Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding).
Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until the edges are browned but the beef is not overcooked. It should remain juicy and tender.
Remove from the pan and set aside with the veggies.
🍲 Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the hot pan. Stir as it bubbles and thickens even more, about 30 seconds. Add the cooked beef and veggies back in, tossing everything to coat evenly in that gorgeous sauce.
Cook for another minute to bring it all together.
✨ This is the moment where you’ll feel like a stir fry superstar.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
🥢 Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Noodles: Toss with cooked udon, rice noodles, or soba for a hearty stir fry noodle bowl.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flair.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals.
🌿 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Use chicken, pork, or shrimp instead of beef.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy teriyaki kick.
- Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet-tangy twist.
- Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving — based on Feel Good Foodie’s Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry recipe):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
👉 Nutrition will vary depending on your sauce ingredients and serving size.
FAQ Section
⏱ How long does it take to make Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry?
About 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15–20 minutes for cooking. It’s the perfect weeknight meal!
🔄 Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely. Swap beef for tofu or chicken, use tamari for a gluten-free version, or experiment with different veggies. The homemade teriyaki sauce pairs well with almost anything.
❄️ Can I freeze Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about mastering a quick, flavorful dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry is exactly that: a little bit of prep, a hot pan, and a homemade sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. 🍜✨
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something better than takeout, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
👉 If you make this Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, give it a star rating, and tag me on social media @YourFoodieBlog so I can see your delicious creations.