Beef teriyaki
Japanese cuisine has always been a fan favorite in restaurants and households around the world. Its unique flavors and cooking techniques make it stand out amongst other cuisines. One of the most beloved dishes in Japanese cuisine is Beef Teriyaki. It is a mouth-watering dish that is enjoyed by one and all, and it’s no surprise that the recipe has been greatly popularized in western countries as well.
The word “teriyaki” is a combination of two words – “teri,” which means shiny or glistening, and “yaki,” which means grilled or broiled. This dish is essentially grilled or pan-fried meat, usually beef, that has been marinated and cooked with a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce. The meat is usually served with a side of rice and vegetables, making it a complete meal in itself.
Japanese beef teriyaki uses cuts like sirloin, flank, and tenderloin because they are known for their tenderness and quick-cooking capabilities. Furthermore, it is best to use high-quality beef with good marbling, as the fat adds to the overall taste and texture of the dish. It is common for Japanese beef teriyaki to be served with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which complements the sweet and savory taste of the teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce is made up primarily of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, with sugar or honey added to provide sweetness. Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that gives the sauce a unique flavor, while sake, another rice wine, firm up the texture of meat. Soy sauce gives the sauce a savory umami flavor that is so typical to Japanese cuisine.
To make Japanese beef teriyaki at home, you will first need to marinate the beef in teriyaki sauce for at least thirty minutes to an hour, or up to four hours for better flavor. The process of marinating is crucial as it allows the flavors to get absorbed into the meat, making it more succulent and tasty. After marinating, the beef can be grilled or pan-fried, whatever suits your preference. Make sure to cook it evenly on both sides till it’s golden brown, and the juices run clear.
The vegetables can either be stir-fried in the same pan, or can be steamed separately. If using broccoli, for example, steam it for a few minutes and then stir fry in the same pan with the remaining sauce from the meat to ensure that the vegetables also get flavored by the teriyaki sauce.
Finally, assemble the meal by placing the beef on a bed of rice and top it with vegetables of your choice. Garnish with some sesame seeds or chopped scallions for an extra touch of flavor.
In conclusion, Japanese beef teriyaki is a delectable dish that is both classic and easy to make. The key to getting the desired taste is to marinate the meat properly and to have a good balance of flavors in the teriyaki sauce. Experiment with different cuts of beef and vegetables to find the perfect combination that works for you. Whether you are planning to cook it for your family or guests, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing dish. So, don’t hesitate, start experimenting with this Japanese beef teriyaki recipe and create your own mouth-watering variation that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar.
- Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add in the garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add in the beef, and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Pour in the sauce, and bring to a simmer.
- Continue to simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coated the beef.
- Stir in the green onions, and cook for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve over rice or with your favorite Asian vegetables. Enjoy!