Quick and Easy Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe

Skip the takeout menu—tonight, we’re making a homemade Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry that’s faster and tastier than delivery. Hi, I’m Betty from Betty Cooks, and this is my go-to recipe when I need a fantastic meal without the fuss. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and savory, with tender beef and crisp veggies. I’ll show you my simple sauce trick and all my tips for the best stir-fry ever, right at home.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why This Beef Teriyaki is a Weeknight Lifesaver
• The Secret to a Perfect, Glossy Teriyaki Sauce
• Picking the Right Beef for Quick and Easy Stir-Fries
• My Go-To Veggie Lineup (And Easy Swaps)
• Stir-Fry Success: Tips for That Perfect Sizzle
• More Easy Dinners to Try on Betty Cooks
• Quick and Easy Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality beef teriyaki in 30 minutes. The homemade sauce, made with pantry staples, is far superior to bottled versions. Thinly sliced flank steak cooks in minutes, and you can customize the veggies based on what you have. It’s a foolproof, family-friendly dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy schedules.

Why This Beef Teriyaki is a Weeknight Lifesaver

We all have those nights. You’re tired, hungry, and the thought of a complicated dinner feels impossible. That’s when this recipe shines. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s one of my ultimate easy recipes. Everything cooks in one pan (hello, easy cleanup!), and the ingredient list is straightforward. You get the satisfaction of a homemade, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s truly a lifesaver for any busy cook.

The Secret to a Perfect, Glossy Teriyaki Sauce

The heart of any great teriyaki dish is the sauce. Forget the overly thick, syrupy stuff from a bottle. My version balances sweet brown sugar and honey with savory soy sauce and a touch of acidity from rice vinegar. The real secret? A simple cornstarch slurry added at the end. This creates that beautiful, glossy coating that clings to every piece of beef and vegetable, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Once you try this simple method, you’ll never go back.

Picking the Right Beef for Quick and Easy Stir-Fries

To keep this dish truly quick and easy, the cut of beef matters. You want something that cooks fast and stays tender. My top choice is flank steak. It’s lean, flavorful, and when sliced thinly against the grain (this is crucial!), it becomes wonderfully tender in the hot pan. Sirloin is another excellent, budget-friendly option. The key is that thin slice—it ensures your beef cooks in just 1-2 minutes per batch, locking in juices and preventing toughness.

My Go-To Veggie Lineup (And Easy Swaps)

I love the classic combo of crisp bell peppers, onion, and broccoli for color and texture. But the beauty of a stir-fry is its flexibility. This is one of my favorite easy beef recipes to clean out the fridge. Got snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms? Throw them in! For an ultra-convenient option, a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetable mix works perfectly. Just add them straight from the freezer when you’re cooking the other veggies. This adaptability makes it a reliable staple.

Stir-Fry Success: Tips for That Perfect Sizzle

A great stir-fry is all about high heat and quick cooking. Make sure your pan or wok is screaming hot before you add the oil. Don’t crowd the pan with beef—cook it in a single layer, in batches if needed. This allows it to sear and brown properly instead of steaming. Have all your ingredients chopped and your sauce mixed before you turn on the heat. This “mise en place” is the secret to a smooth, stress-free cooking process for any quick and easy recipe.

More Easy Dinners to Try on Betty Cooks

If you loved how simple and delicious this was, you’re in the right place! At Betty Cooks, I specialize in turning everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals without the extra hassle. For another fantastic quick and easy recipe, try my One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken or my 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta. I believe that cooking should be joyful, not stressful, and every recipe on my site is designed with that in mind.

Quick and Easy Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe

(The full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions is provided in the recipe card above.)

Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Sauce: The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently or add it cold to the pan—it will thicken as it warms.
Protein Swap: This recipe works beautifully with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
Extra Flavor: For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. A tablespoon of orange juice can also add a lovely citrus note.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Quick and Easy Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe

This delicious and easy beef teriyaki stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes. A simple, sweet, and savory sauce coats tender beef strips and crisp vegetables, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that beats takeout!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Asian stir-fry wonders, beef teriyaki recipe easy, dinner recipes, easy recipes, quick and easy recipes, stir-fry, tasty 5-ingredient recipes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

For the Stir-Fry

• 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Instructions

Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
3. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Stir-Fry

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove beef to a plate.
3. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add bell pepper, onion, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over everything.
5. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 more minutes until the beef is cooked through and everything is heated and coated in the glossy sauce.

Serve

1. Serve the beef teriyaki stir-fry immediately over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For an even quicker version, use a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables. You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.