Description
Japanese-inspired teriyaki sesame beef skewers deliver complex, savory flavors that dance between sweet and umami notes. Marinated beef threads through bamboo skewers, grilling to caramelized perfection while you savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless beef sirloin roast, sliced 1 cm thick against the grain
- ½ cup (120 ml) pineapple juice or fresh crushed pineapples (optional for tenderizing lean meats)
- ½ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar (light brown can be used, but dark brown is preferred)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce (if using less-sodium, add ½ tsp sea salt)
- 2 tbsps garlic (6 cloves), pressed
- 2 tbsps hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsps mirin, or 1 tsp white sugar
- 2 tbsps white sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 12 wooden (or bamboo) skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour
Instructions
- Skewer Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for one hour to prevent burning during grilling.
- Sesame Seed Preparation: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. Crush thoroughly using a mortar and pestle or sealed bag method.
- Meat Preparation: Trim beef, removing excess tissue. Slice against the grain into uniform, thin strips maintaining consistent dimensions.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, mirin, ground toasted sesame seeds, hoisin sauce, and pineapple juice into a complex flavor blend. Completely coat beef strips, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Marination and Skewering: Refrigerate beef for one hour to allow flavor absorption. Thread approximately 6 strips per skewer, leaving handling space. Arrange on foil-lined tray.
- Sauce Reduction: Simmer remaining marinade over medium heat until transformed into a thick, glossy basting sauce.
- Grilling Process: Cook skewers over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Brush with reduced marinade, developing a sticky, caramelized exterior. Continue until beef reaches desired doneness.
- Serving: Remove from grill and plate immediately. Optionally garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds. Serve with complementary side dishes or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Skewer Soaking Strategy: Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for one hour to prevent burning and ensure even grilling without charred edges.
- Sesame Seed Success: Carefully toast sesame seeds until golden brown to unlock their rich, nutty flavor, then grind them to enhance the marinade’s depth and complexity.
- Meat Preparation Precision: Pat beef dry and slice against the grain into uniform 2×3 inch strips to guarantee tender, consistent cooking and maximum marinade absorption.
- Marinade Magic: Allow beef to marinate for one full hour in the refrigerator, enabling the complex blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum taste impact.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg