Ready to spice up your weeknight meals? My Teriyaki Steak Stir Fry packs bold flavor and comes together in no time. This dish combines tender flank steak with vibrant veggies like bell peppers and broccoli, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking to impress, this simple and delicious recipe is your new go-to. Let’s dive in and transform dinner!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, enhancing the taste of the steak and veggies.
- Colorful and Nutritious: The mix of vibrant vegetables not only adds color to your plate but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile: This stir fry can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
To create a great teriyaki steak stir fry, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Flank steak is a fantastic choice. It cooks quickly and offers great flavor. Slice it thin against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender. For vegetables, I love using red and yellow bell peppers. They add color and sweetness. Broccoli florets bring crunch, and sugar snap peas add a nice snap.
Don’t skip the seasonings. Minced garlic and ginger give the dish a warm, aromatic base. Low-sodium soy sauce provides that classic umami flavor. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Lastly, the cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce, giving it a lovely glossy finish.
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds enhance the dish's look and taste. Chopped green onions add a fresh kick, while sesame seeds provide a nice crunch. These small touches make your stir fry more appealing and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
- Slicing the flank steak
Start by placing the flank steak on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain makes the steak tender and easy to chew. Aim for slices about a quarter-inch thick for the best texture.
- Preparing the vegetables
Next, wash and slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. You want them to cook quickly. Rinse the broccoli and cut it into small florets. For the sugar snap peas, simply trim the ends. Finally, chop the green onions and mince the garlic and ginger. These will add great flavor to your stir fry.
Cooking Steps
- Searing the steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced steak in a single layer. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns a nice brown color. This step adds flavor and texture. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-frying the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. This keeps the veggies colorful and full of nutrients.
- Combining steak and sauce
Return the seared steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together well, ensuring all the steak and veggies are coated in sauce. This step is key for maximizing flavor.
Finalizing the Dish
- Thickening the sauce
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Next, add the cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Look for a smooth and glossy sauce that clings to the steak and veggies.
- Garnishing and serving suggestions
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Serve the stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your colorful and tasty Teriyaki Steak Stir Fry!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Flavor
Marinating the steak is key. It adds depth and richness to the dish. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. You can use a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This simple blend makes a big difference.
For cooking oils, I suggest using vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point. This means it won't burn at high heat. You can also use canola or peanut oil for a bit of extra flavor.
Perfecting the Stir Fry Technique
The ideal cooking temperature is medium-high. This helps sear the steak and keep it tender. Preheat your pan before adding the oil. A hot pan ensures a nice sear.
To avoid overcooking vegetables, keep an eye on them. Stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes. You want them tender yet crisp. This way, they stay colorful and full of nutrients. Keep stirring to cook them evenly, and remove them from heat as soon as they look bright and fresh.
Pro Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness in each bite.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: To make cooking smoother, prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. This way, you can focus on stir-frying without interruptions.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that perfect sear. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the steak.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season. Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work great!
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can easily swap flank steak for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cut it into thin strips, like the steak. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Firm tofu holds its shape well when cooked.
Seafood also makes a tasty option. Shrimp or salmon would taste great with teriyaki sauce. Cook shrimp until they turn pink. For salmon, sear it until it's flaky and tender.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to switch up the vegetables! Carrots add a nice crunch. Slice them thin for quick cooking. Snap peas are great, too, but you can use bok choy or zucchini.
Consider seasonal twists! In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. Using what's in season makes the dish fresh and exciting.
Sauce Variations
You can make teriyaki sauce at home if you want to try it. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a quick mix. If you want less sweetness, add more soy sauce.
To adjust the saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce. This way, you control the flavor to fit your taste. You can also add sesame oil for a nutty hint.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Teriyaki Steak Stir Fry fresh, follow these steps:
- Let the stir fry cool to room temperature.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to three days.
For the best taste, eat it within two days. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for safe storage.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully:
- Use a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning.
- You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
If you want to freeze the stir fry, do this:
- Place it in a freezer-safe container.
- It will last up to three months.
When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the taste and texture nice.
FAQs
What is teriyaki sauce made of?
Teriyaki sauce is a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can add sesame oil for a richer taste. This blend creates a sweet and salty flavor that makes your steak shine. It’s easy to make at home. Just whisk the ingredients together and you’re ready to go.
Can I make Teriyaki Steak Stir Fry in advance?
Yes, you can make Teriyaki Steak Stir Fry in advance. Cook it completely and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave. This saves time on busy nights.
How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
To check steak doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F. For medium, aim for 145°F. You can also use the touch test. Press the steak; it should feel firm but springy.
- Tips for checking doneness
- Use a fork to poke the steak. Juices should run clear.
- Cut into the steak slightly to see the color. It should be pink in the middle.
- Signs of overcooked steak
- Dry texture and lack of juice.
- A gray color throughout instead of pink.
- Toughness when you cut into it.
This blog post explored how to make a delicious teriyaki steak stir fry. We covered key ingredients, from flank steak to colorful veggies and tasty seasonings. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful tips for great flavor, and how to store leftovers. You can easily swap in proteins or veggies based on what you have. Remember, practice makes perfect in stir frying. Enjoy your cooking journey and make it your own.
