These Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in a sweet sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, they are perfect for grilling or cooking in the oven.
Trust me, everyone will love them at your next barbecue. I like to serve them with rice or veggies for a tasty meal that’s easy to enjoy with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: Sirloin is great for skewers because it’s tender yet flavorful. If you want something leaner, try flank steak or chicken. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu works well, absorbing the marinade nicely.
Teriyaki Marinade: Kikkoman is a reliable choice, but if you’re out, you can easily whip up a homemade version with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This way, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking!
Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, use olive oil for brushing, but for that extra kick, consider adding a touch of ground sesame seeds or even peanut oil.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. If you forget to toast them, raw seeds still work fine. Sunflower seeds can be a good substitute if you need a nut-free option.
Green Onions: These fresh, chopped greens really brighten up the dish! If you’re out, chives or cilantro could also add a pop of color and flavor.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Beef?
Marinating is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to maximize your results:
- Choose a bowl that’s not too large to ensure the beef is well-coated.
- Use at least 1/4 cup of the Teriyaki Marinade to cover the meat thoroughly. For more flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours, even overnight!
- Always keep the beef in the refrigerator while marinating to keep it safe.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Skewers for Grilling?
Preparing the skewers right can make grilling a breeze:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before you start cooking. This ensures even cooking.
- When skewering the beef, leave a little space between cubes for heat circulation. This helps them cook evenly.
How Can I Ensure the Beef is Cooked Just Right?
Getting the right doneness is key to juicy beef skewers:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to avoid charring. This helps cook them evenly on all sides.
- Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes off the grill; this helps redistribute the juices.
How to Make Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes for marinating, plus around 10 minutes for grilling. So, if you plan for it, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish, with lots of savory rewards!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by taking a bowl and mixing the beef sirloin cubes with 1/4 cup of the Teriyaki Marinade. Make sure the beef is well-coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, although 2 hours is even better. This marination will make your beef tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grill time! This prevents them from burning. While that’s happening, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready to go when you’re done with the beef.
3. Skewer the Beef:
After the beef has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Now, thread the beef cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece—this helps them cook evenly!
4. Season the Skewers:
Now, brush the skewers lightly with sesame oil and season them with salt and pepper according to your taste. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the beef for an extra touch of flavor!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on your preheated grill. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them now and then so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready based on your desired doneness—medium rare will look good at about 135°F (57°C).
6. Glaze with Marinade:
In the last minute of cooking, give those skewers a final brush with some additional Teriyaki Marinade for an extra burst of flavor. Yum!
7. Serve:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Finish by garnishing with the chopped green onions right before serving. Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers as a tasty appetizer or a delightful main dish!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use cuts like flank steak or ribeye. Just be aware that cooking times may vary due to differences in thickness and fat content. Always adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
How Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Sure thing! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. For assembly, it’s best to skewer the meat just before grilling to ensure freshness and juicy results. If you have already skewered them, cover the skewers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
What Other Marinades Can I Use?
If you want to try a different flavor profile, feel free to swap the Teriyaki Marinade for a different one like soy sauce with garlic, ginger, or a spicy chili marinade. Adjust the amount of salt since some marinades may already contain sodium.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. To keep them moist, add a splash of water or extra marinade while reheating!
