Beef Teriyaki

Beef Teriyaki Recipe from Japan: Learn to Make Authentic Teriyaki Sauce at Home

Region / culture: Japan, Northeast Asia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Teriyaki is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce. This recipe takes a delightful twist by serving the teriyaki beef over a bed of flavorful fried rice, making it a complete meal that is sure to satisfy. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and promises delicious results.

History

The origins of teriyaki sauce can be traced back to Japan, where it was traditionally used as a marinade and glazing sauce for fish. The word "teriyaki" itself is derived from the Japanese terms "teri," meaning luster, and "yaki," which refers to the cooking method of grilling or broiling. Over time, this cooking technique and sauce became popular worldwide, with variations including different types of proteins such as chicken, pork, and beef. The beef teriyaki recipe we know today is a fusion of traditional Japanese cooking with modern, global flavors.

Ingredients

For the meat base

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless beef round steak
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp dry mustard
0.67 cup pineapple syrup, drained from the canned pineapple or (1 cup pineapple juice)
2 tbsp soy sauce, dark or light only
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
3 tsp vegetable oil

Fried rice

0.75 cup chopped onion, red, white, or yellow only
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1.25 tbsp vegetable oil
0.25 tsp garlic powder
3 cup cold, cooked rice, white only
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp soy sauce

How to prepare

Meat base

Partially freeze the beef and cut it into thin strips, about 0.13 inch thick.
Combine garlic powder, ginger, mustard, pineapple syrup, soy sauce, and pepper sauce. Pour the mixture over the meat.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Drain the marinade from the meat.
Dissolve cornstarch in 0.25 cup of the marinade.
Bring the remaining marinade to a boil in a fresh, small saucepan.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture.
Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Keep it warm.
Stir-fry half of the beef in a small amount of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Do not overcook, as the meat will become tough. Repeat the process with the remaining meat.
Combine the cooked meat with the sauce. Serve it over beds of fried rice.

Fried rice

Cook the onion and green pepper in oil until they are soft but not brown.
Add garlic powder and rice. Heat thoroughly.
Add the egg and soy sauce.
Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the egg is firm.

Variations

1. Chicken Teriyaki: Substitute the beef with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version.
2. Vegetarian Teriyaki: Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.
3. Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Partially freezing the beef makes it easier to slice into thin, even strips, which is crucial for quick and even cooking.

2. Marinating the beef for several hours or overnight will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

3. When stir-frying the beef, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.

4. Keep the stir-fried beef warm while you prepare the sauce to ensure everything is hot and ready to serve at the same time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef teriyaki over a bed of the fried rice for a complete meal. For a lighter option, you can serve the beef teriyaki with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe are marinating, stir-frying, and sauce thickening. Marinating helps to tenderize and flavor the beef, stir-frying ensures quick cooking and browning, and thickening the sauce gives it the perfect consistency to coat the beef and rice.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Pineapple Juice: If pineapple juice is not available, you can use orange juice for a similar acidic sweetness.

2. Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

3. Vegetable Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or peanut oil, can be used in place of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, making this recipe great for meal prep. The fried rice can also be prepared ahead of time and quickly reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the beef teriyaki and fried rice in a bowl, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a touch of color and texture. A side of pickled ginger can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of Riesling wine pairs wonderfully with the savory sweetness of beef teriyaki. For a non-alcoholic option, try a cup of green tea to complement the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional soy sauce to keep the dish moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of beef teriyaki with fried rice contains approximately 500 calories. This makes it a substantial meal that can fit into a balanced diet, especially if served with a side of vegetables.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the rice. A serving of this beef teriyaki with fried rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates provide energy, making this dish a good option for a hearty meal.

Fats

This recipe contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from the vegetable oil used in stir-frying and the natural fats in the beef. A serving has about 15 grams of fat, which helps to carry the flavors of the dish and contributes to the feeling of satiety.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, and this dish provides approximately 25 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making this dish a great post-workout meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This beef teriyaki recipe is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including iron from the beef, vitamin C from the green peppers, and several B vitamins from both the beef and rice. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are soy (from the soy sauce) and gluten (from the soy sauce and possibly the cornstarch). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this beef teriyaki recipe offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

This beef teriyaki recipe is a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern cooking techniques. With its rich taste, nutritional benefits, and versatility, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Chang, who lived in Chinatown. Mrs. Chang was known for her incredible culinary skills, and I always admired the delicious meals she would whip up in her kitchen.

As soon as I walked into her home, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma. Mrs. Chang was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling sauce that smelled heavenly. When I asked her what she was making, she smiled and said, "Beef Teriyaki. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I watched in awe as Mrs. Chang expertly cooked the beef in the sizzling pan, adding the fragrant sauce and allowing it to simmer until it was perfectly glazed and caramelized. The end result was a mouthwatering dish that was both savory and sweet, with a hint of soy and ginger that danced on my taste buds.

I begged Mrs. Chang to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a worn piece of paper with scribbled instructions that had been lovingly passed down through her family. As I read through the recipe, I could feel the history and tradition behind each ingredient and technique.

I thanked Mrs. Chang profusely and promised to cherish the recipe and make it for my own family. Little did I know that this simple act of generosity would spark a lifelong passion for cooking and collecting recipes.

Over the years, I have experimented with the Beef Teriyaki recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavor and tender texture.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were always eager to help me in the kitchen, and I decided to teach them how to make Beef Teriyaki from scratch.

We spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, marinating the beef, and sautéing everything together in a hot pan. The children were mesmerized by the sizzle of the meat and the intoxicating aroma that filled the kitchen.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as my grandchildren took their first bite of the Beef Teriyaki. Their eyes lit up with delight, and they exclaimed that it was the best thing they had ever tasted.

It was in that moment that I realized the true power of food and family. Recipes are not just a list of ingredients and instructions; they are a link to our past, a connection to our loved ones, and a way to create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, writing down this story for posterity, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one holds a special place in my heart, but none quite like the Beef Teriyaki recipe that started it all.

So here it is, my beloved Beef Teriyaki recipe, passed down from Mrs. Chang to me, and now to you. May it bring you as much joy and deliciousness as it has brought me and my family over the years. Enjoy!