These Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers are super tasty and perfect for grilling! With flavorful beef coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, they are sure to make your taste buds dance.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love food on a stick? It makes everything taste better! I usually serve them with rice or veggies, and they always disappear fast at my cookouts!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works well here. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or tofu for a fantastic vegetarian alternative. Both can pick up the teriyaki flavors nicely!
Teriyaki Marinade: Kikkoman’s Teriyaki Marinade is a convenient choice that’s full of flavor. If you don’t have it, consider mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a homemade version. It’s simple and delicious!
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch. If you don’t have them on hand, try using crushed peanuts or sunflower seeds for a different texture and nutty flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil helps with grilling, but you can also use canola oil or sesame oil for added flavor. Just be cautious as sesame oil has a strong taste!
How Do I Grill the Skewers for the Best Flavor?
Grilling is key to getting that tasty, juicy beef on your skewers! Here are some steps to ensure even cooking and great flavor:
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. This helps achieve nice grill marks and flavor.
- Make sure to brush the grill with oil before adding your skewers. This prevents sticking.
- Leave space between the pieces of beef on the skewers. This allows heat to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes. This promotes even cooking and prevents charring.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one to check for doneness. Aim for about 135°F for medium-rare.
Letting the skewers rest after grilling lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Enjoy your skewers with a sprinkle of those green onions for a touch of freshness!
How to Make Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes, and around 15 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for approximately 1 hour for full flavor and deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef into a bowl. Pour the Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce over the beef, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, refrigerate it for up to 4 hours.
2. Prepping for Grilling:
Once your beef has marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. To avoid sticking, use a brush to lightly coat the grates with vegetable oil. While the grill is heating up, take your bamboo skewers (which should have been soaked in water for 30 minutes) and prepare to thread the beef.
3. Assembling the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated beef strips onto the skewers. Be sure to leave a little bit of space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Once all the beef is on the skewers, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for that extra crunch and flavor!
4. Grilling the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally to get an even cook. If you prefer medium-rare, keep an eye on the time and adjust according to your desired doneness.
5. Finishing Touches:
When the skewers are done cooking, carefully remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy. Just before serving, sprinkle the finely sliced green onions over the skewers for a fresh, flavorful touch.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers hot! They make for a tasty appetizer or can be served with rice as a delightful main dish. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast or thighs for beef. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time to around 30-60 minutes, as chicken tends to absorb flavors quickly. Keep an eye on grilling time as well; chicken may take a little longer to cook through than beef, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
What Can I Use Instead of Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade?
If you don’t have Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade, you can make your own by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and a splash of sesame oil. Combine equal parts soy sauce and water with a tablespoon of brown sugar and mirin for a quick homemade version. Adjust the sweetness to your preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can make the beef tough.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the beef and thread them onto skewers a day in advance. Just wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This makes meal prep easier for gatherings or busy weeknights!
