These Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers are a tasty treat! The beef is marinated in a sweet soy sauce mix, grilled to perfection, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds.
They’re perfect for a fun backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. I love serving these with some rice on the side. It’s hard to just eat one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: Sirloin is great because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use tenderloin or even chicken breast for skewers. For beef lovers, flank steak works wonderfully too!
Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade: This marinade is convenient and tasty. However, if you want to make your own, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a bit of garlic. For a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty flavor. If you’re out, a light olive oil can be a good substitute, though you’ll lose that distinct sesame taste. Toasted sesame oil is even better if you want to amp up the flavor!
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zing. You could use ground ginger in a pinch, but use less (about 1/4 tsp) since ground can be stronger. For those who dislike ginger, just leave it out and add a bit more garlic instead.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings great flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder (1/4 tsp) can be used, but fresh is always my favorite for its vibrant taste!
How Do I Properly Prepare the Skewers for Grilling?
Preparing skewers, especially wooden ones, is key to getting them just right on the grill. Here’s how to ensure they don’t catch fire:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning.
- If using metal skewers, they don’t require soaking, but make sure they’re clean and dry.
- When threading the beef, leave some space between pieces. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice char without steaming.
- Preheat the grill well so meats sizzle upon contact, enhancing their flavor and creating those appealing grill marks!
Delicious Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and beef, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (overnight is best!). Then, set aside about 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, plan for a total of around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients until they’re well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the cubed beef to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure each piece of beef is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight!
3. Prepare the Skewers and Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while grilling. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the skewers are ready, thread the marinated beef cubes onto them, leaving a little space between each cube to ensure even cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the skewers for some extra crunch and flavor. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them until the beef reaches your preferred doneness and has a nice char on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Before serving, garnish with finely chopped green onions. You can serve the Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers with extra teriyaki sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat for Skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even firm tofu work well as substitutes for beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times: chicken should be cooked until it reaches 165°F, while pork should reach 145°F. Marinating times may vary slightly, so keep that in mind!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water in the microwave to retain some moisture!
What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly. For a closer flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the oil you’re using for that nutty essence.
Can I Make This Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time! Just combine all the marinade ingredients in a jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before marinating the beef!
