Sesame Teriyaki Beef (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Skewers
01 -
12 bamboo or wooden skewers, soak in water for 1 hour before cooking
→ Teriyaki Beef Marinade
02 -
2 pounds of boneless sirloin, sliced thin (about 1 cm) across the grain
03 -
½ cup dark brown sugar
04 -
⅓ cup soy sauce (add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for low-sodium versions)
05 -
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted until aromatic
06 -
1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 -
2 tablespoons crushed garlic (6 cloves)
08 -
2 tablespoons mirin or 1 teaspoon of sugar
09 -
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
10 -
½ cup fresh pineapple juice or crushed pineapple (optional for softening chewy meat)
# Instructions:
01 -
Make sure wooden skewers soak in water for about an hour before grilling so they don’t burn.
02 -
Heat sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic—takes around 2–3 minutes. Let them cool, then grind them using a mortar or smush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
03 -
Trim the beef roast and cut it into slices about 2 x 3 inches and 1 cm thick. Be sure to slice against the grain. Put the pieces into a big bowl.
04 -
In another bowl, mix together the sesame seeds, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, mirin, and pineapple juice if using. Pour the marinade over the sliced beef, mix it up well, cover the bowl, and chill in the fridge for an hour.
05 -
Thread around 6 strips of beef onto each skewer, leaving a couple of inches at the bottom for handling. Lay the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil.
06 -
Simmer any leftover marinade in a small pot until it thickens. Use this as an extra sauce for grilling.
07 -
Place skewers on a grill preheated to medium-high (around 400°F). Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until the beef is done and a little caramelized at the edges. Serve hot as a starter or main dish.
# Notes:
01 -
Top sirloin tip, tri-tip, or flank steak work great for this. Tenderloin is the softest option but costs more.
02 -
If using strong acidic fruits like pineapple, don’t marinate longer than 15 minutes, or the meat might get mushy.
03 -
Always cut beef against the grain for a better bite and less chewiness.
04 -
While freshly toasted sesame seeds give a bolder flavor, the pre-toasted ones can save time in a pinch.