Introduction
Teriyaki Beef Skewers with Sesame Seeds is a flavor-packed dish that combines juicy, tender beef marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds. This recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or party appetizers. The balance of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey in the marinade infuses the beef with bold flavor, while grilling adds a smoky char that takes it to the next level.
It’s a dish that feels both fun and sophisticated—easy to eat off the skewer but impressive enough to serve at gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with bold flavors. The beef comes out tender, juicy, and full of teriyaki goodness, while the toasted sesame seeds give it just the right nutty crunch. I also love how versatile it is—you can serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even over rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Plus, the skewers make it interactive and fun to eat, which always makes meals more enjoyable. Whether for a weeknight dinner or summer grilling party, this recipe always gets rave reviews.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- It’s restaurant-quality but easy to make at home.
- The marinade ensures deep, savory-sweet flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for entertaining—guests love handheld skewers.
- It’s customizable—add veggies, change proteins, or spice it up.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Servings: 4 servings (about 8 skewers)
- Calories: ~320 calories per serving
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Course: Main Course, Appetizer
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Marinate beef strips in teriyaki mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Thread marinated beef onto skewers.
- Grill or broil until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
- Add sliced beef strips and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Prepare Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated beef strips onto skewers, folding strips back and forth like an accordion.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil grates or pan.
- Grill skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, until beef is cooked through and slightly charred.
(Alternatively, broil skewers in the oven for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.)
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove skewers from heat.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve
- Serve skewers as an appetizer with dipping sauces like extra teriyaki, spicy mayo, or chili garlic sauce.
- Pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a full meal.
- Add to a bento box lunch for a fun, portable option.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Slice beef thinly across the grain for tenderness.
- For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill—cook in batches if needed.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes for extra nuttiness.
Variations
- Chicken Teriyaki Skewers: Substitute chicken breast or thighs.
- Vegetable Skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skewers.
- Spicy Skewers: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes to the marinade.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing (Raw, Marinated Beef): Freeze skewered or unskewered beef with marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before cooking.
- Freezing (Cooked Skewers): Freeze cooked skewers up to 1 month. Reheat on grill or in oven.
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill, grill pan, or broiler
- Skewers (metal preferred, or soaked wooden ones)
- Mixing bowl for marinade
Conclusion
Teriyaki Beef Skewers with Sesame Seeds is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as flavorful as it is fun to eat. Juicy beef marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, kissed by the grill, and finished with sesame seeds makes every bite delicious. Perfect for BBQs, parties, or weeknight dinners, this recipe is versatile, simple, and always a hit.
Teriyaki Beef Skewers with Sesame Seeds
Description
Teriyaki Beef Skewers with Sesame Seeds is a flavor-packed dish that combines juicy, tender beef marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
For the Skewers:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare Marinade : In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Add sliced beef strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (or up to overnight).
-
Step 2: Prepare Skewers : If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated beef strips onto skewers, folding strips back and forth like an accordion.
-
Step 3: Grill the Skewers : Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates or pan. Grill skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, until beef is cooked through and slightly charred. (Alternatively, broil skewers in the oven for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.)
-
Step 4: Garnish and Serve : Remove skewers from heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
