Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Name: Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Sesame seeds for garnish; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Creations

I love making Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli because it's a quick and flavorful dish that brings a taste of takeout right into my kitchen. The tender strips of beef paired with perfectly crisp broccoli and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. In just 30 minutes, I can have a vibrant, satisfying meal that my whole family looks forward to. Serve it over rice or noodles for the perfect end result that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but was made with love at home.

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:02:27.812Z

During one of my busy weeknights, I decided to whip up Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli after realizing I had all the necessary ingredients on hand. The key to capturing rich flavors in such a short time is to marinate the beef while prepping the rest of the ingredients. I noticed how the slight resting period allowed the meat to absorb the flavors beautifully, ensuring each bite was full of that signature teriyaki taste.

As I cooked the beef, the vibrant greens of the broccoli came to life in the pan, creating an appealing contrast. I learned that adding the broccoli at the right time allows it to retain its crunch, which I really love. This dish quickly became one of my go-to meals, offering both convenience and deliciousness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that complements tender beef
Crisp broccoli adds a fresh crunch to every bite
Quick preparation perfect for weeknight dinners

      

Flavor Harmony in Teriyaki Sauce

The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch creates a teriyaki sauce that is both sweet and savory. Soy sauce provides the umami taste, while the brown sugar effectively balances the saltiness with its caramel notes. Rice vinegar adds a tang that brightens the overall dish. The corn starch serves a crucial role, thickening the sauce and giving it a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli, enhancing every bite.

To ensure that you get the best flavor from your teriyaki sauce, it's important to let the beef marinate adequately. A 15-minute marination not only deepens the flavor of the meat but also allows the corn starch to tenderize it, providing a better texture. For added depth, consider marinating the beef longer, up to an hour if time permits, but keeping the balance of time and flavor in mind is key.

Perfecting Broccoli Preparation

Steaming or blanching the broccoli is crucial to maintain its vibrant color and crispness. Aim for about 3 minutes of steaming to achieve that perfect bright green hue and crisp-tender texture. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and dull color, so keep a close eye on the time. If using water for blanching, make sure to immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to halt the cooking process, preserving its crunch.

If you're looking to add a pop of flavor, consider tossing the steamed broccoli in a tiny bit of sesame oil or sprinkling it with a pinch of salt before adding it to the skillet. This small touch can enhance the overall dish without overwhelming the main ingredients, and it feeds into the Asian flavor profile beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While serving this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over rice or noodles is a classic method, feel free to experiment! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of greens can serve as a unique base that adds a twist to the traditional presentation. If you want to add extra nutrition, consider topping your dish with sliced green onions or chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions, substituting the beef with tofu or chicken is a simple way to adapt this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu generally needs less time to cook through. The teriyaki sauce will coat the meat (or alternative) no matter what you choose so don’t hesitate to get creative and make this dish your own!

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Broccoli

While the beef is marinating, steam or blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the marinated beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve

Serve the Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sliced bell peppers or carrots to the mix. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing brown sugar according to your taste.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, creating an even more flavorful meal when reheated. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to loosen any clumps of sauce.

For longer storage, consider freezing the Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, which helps maintain the texture of the beef and broccoli better than using a microwave.

Common Troubleshooting

If your teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening as expected, ensure that the heat is high enough and that you’re stirring it well to prevent sticking. A quick tip is to mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, and add it to the simmering sauce for a little extra thickness if needed.

On the flip side, if your beef ends up being tough, it may be due to overcooking. Beef sirloin cooks quickly, usually in just 5-7 minutes. For the best texture, slice against the grain and keep an eye on it to ensure it’s browned but not overdone.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or ribeye can be good alternatives for this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

→ Can I make this teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch with a bit of water to create a simple homemade sauce.

→ What can I serve with Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.