Juicy 30-Min Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds

Name: Juicy 30-Min Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 500g beef strips; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 20, 2025

Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about that moment when sizzling Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds hit the hot pan—the aroma of sweet soy, garlic, and toasting sesame seeds fills the kitchen, and suddenly everyone’s hovering around asking “When’s dinner?” This dish became my weeknight superhero back in college when my roommate and I discovered how ridiculously easy it is to transform cheap beef cuts into something restaurant-worthy. Just 30 minutes in that sticky-sweet marinade works miracles!

What I love most (besides licking the marinade spoon) is how the flavors deepen beautifully—the soy sauce caramelizes, the ginger gives it a little kick, and those sesame seeds add this addictive nutty crunch. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen pro when really, you’re just throwing a few pantry staples together. My Japanese grandma would approve of this lazy-girl teriyaki, though she’d probably scold me for not marinating it overnight (worth it though—who has that kind of patience when beef smells this good?).

The best part? Those glossy, sesame-speckled beef strips work over rice, stuffed in lettuce wraps, or even piled high on next-day sandwiches. It’s the versatile superstar your quick dinner rotation needs.

Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips

This recipe for Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds has been my go-to for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:

Weeknight magic: From fridge to table in 20 minutes flat – perfect when hunger strikes unexpectedly
Flavor bomb: That sweet-savory teriyaki glaze caramelizes into sticky perfection while the sesame seeds add nutty depth
Endless possibilities: Serve over rice, stuff in tacos, toss with noodles – it transforms any meal instantly
Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have (who doesn’t have soy sauce hiding in the back?)
Crowd pleaser: My picky nephew even eats his veggies when they’re swimming in that delicious sauce!

The secret? That marinade works its magic fast – no fancy techniques needed. Just beef, basic ingredients, and boom: restaurant-quality flavors at home.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible teriyaki beef strips – I’ve learned over the years that quality ingredients make all the difference with simple recipes like this:

500g beef strips – Look for sirloin or flank steak sliced thin against the grain (your butcher can do this!)
1/4 cup soy sauce – I prefer Kikkoman’s low-sodium, but regular works too – just taste before adding salt
2 tbsp brown sugar – The molasses notes pair perfectly with the sesame
1 tbsp honey – Local honey adds floral notes, but any honey works
2 cloves garlic – Freshly minced, none of that jarred stuff!
1 tsp ginger – Grate it fresh if you can – the zing cuts through the sweetness
1 tbsp sesame oil – That toasted aroma is non-negotiable
1 tbsp rice vinegar – The subtle tang balances all the rich flavors
2 tbsp sesame seeds – Toast them lightly for extra fragrance
2 tbsp vegetable oil – For that perfect sizzle when cooking

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start – this recipe comes together fast once the marinade’s ready!

How to Make Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – turning those simple ingredients into sticky, savory-sweet perfection. I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every step so yours turns out just right.

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and let’s build some flavor! Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey first – keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely (no one wants gritty teriyaki!). Then add the garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Take a quick taste – want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Need more zing? A splash of extra vinegar does wonders. This sauce is your playground!

Step 2: Marinate the Beef Strips

Now for the fun part – throw your beef strips into the marinade and get hands-on. Massage that gorgeous sauce into every nook and cranny – I use my clean hands to really work it in. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. The minimum? 30 minutes. But if you’ve got time (and willpower!), overnight marinating makes the beef practically melt in your mouth. Just don’t peek every five minutes like I used to!

Step 3: Cook the Beef Strips

Heat your pan to medium-high – you want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles instantly. Add the oil, then carefully lay in your beef strips in a single layer (crowding the pan steams them instead of searing – we want that gorgeous caramelization!). Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a good crust, then stir occasionally until they’re browned all over and just cooked through (5-7 minutes total). Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Step 4: Add Sesame Seeds

Here’s where we take it next level – sprinkle those sesame seeds right into the pan and give everything one last stir. The residual heat will toast them slightly, releasing their nutty aroma. For extra flavor, toast the seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them. Watch them carefully – they burn faster than you’d think!

And just like that, you’ve got restaurant-worthy Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds ready to devour. See? I told you it was easy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Beef Strips

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my hard-won secrets for teriyaki beef perfection:

Patience pays: Pat those beef strips dry before marinating – excess moisture prevents that gorgeous caramelized crust we crave
Pan matters: Use cast iron or stainless steel for the best sear (nonstick just doesn’t get the same flavorful browning)
Slice smart: Always cut against the grain – it makes even tougher cuts melt in your mouth
Fire control: If your pan starts smoking, lower the heat slightly – burnt garlic ruins everything
Double duty: Make extra marinade (before adding raw meat) to brush on at the end for glossy, saucy beef

The biggest tip? Don’t stress – even my “oops” batches still disappeared fast!

Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips

Now for my favorite part – playing matchmaker with these gorgeous beef strips! My go-to is steaming hot jasmine rice – it soaks up all that glorious teriyaki sauce like a sponge. But don’t stop there! Try tossing them with:

Crisp stir-fried veggies (bell peppers and snap peas are perfect)
Chewy udon noodles for a heartier meal
Buttery mashed potatoes when you want comfort food vibes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds makes everything look (and taste!) fancier. Get creative – these beef strips make any plate instantly special!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the scoop on keeping those teriyaki beef strips tasting fresh! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). When reheating, I always prefer the stovetop: just toss them in a hot pan with a splash of water to revive the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch too – cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight – bonus!

Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe from friends and family. Here are the most common ones with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! The marinade works beautifully with chicken thighs (my second favorite!) or pork tenderloin slices. Just adjust cooking times – chicken needs about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through, while pork cooks similarly to beef. The sesame seeds add that signature crunch no matter what protein you choose.

How can I make this less salty?

Two easy fixes: First, use low-sodium soy sauce (I swear by Kikkoman’s). Second, you can dilute the marinade with 1-2 tablespoons of water or unsalted beef/chicken broth. Taste as you go – the honey and brown sugar help balance the saltiness beautifully.

My sauce isn’t getting sticky – what am I doing wrong?

This usually means either the heat’s too low (crank it up to medium-high!) or there’s too much liquid in the pan. Try draining excess marinade before cooking, or let the cooked beef sit for a minute – the sauce thickens as it cools slightly. A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) can help too if you’re in a hurry.

Can I freeze the marinated beef?

Yes! Freeze the beef in the marinade for up to 2 months – it actually penetrates better as it thaws. Just toss the whole bag in the fridge the night before you want to cook. The texture stays perfect, though I’d toast fresh sesame seeds when serving for maximum crunch.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re enjoying (and maybe assuage any guilt from licking the pan clean), here’s the scoop on these Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers will vary slightly based on ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 25g (beef for the win!)
Carbs: 15g
Sugar: 10g (blame the honey and brown sugar for the good stuff)
Fat: 18g (but it’s the delicious kind from sesame and beef)

For those watching sodium, using low-sodium soy sauce cuts it nearly in half. Now go enjoy your perfectly balanced, protein-packed meal!

Hungry for More?

Now it’s your turn! Whip up these Teriyaki Marinated Beef Strips with Sesame Seeds and tell me how yours turned out – tag me in your sizzling pan pics or leave a star rating if this became your new weeknight hero too!