Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers with Toasted Sesame (Print version)
Tender grilled beef skewers brushed with a sticky teriyaki sesame glaze and finished with toasted sesame seeds.
# Ingredients:
For the beef
01 -
2 lb (900 g) beef sirloin, flank steak, or flat iron steak
02 -
1 tablespoon neutral oil, for the grill grates
03 -
10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
For the sesame teriyaki marinade
04 -
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted, divided
05 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce
06 -
1/3 cup (65 g) packed dark brown sugar
07 -
2 tablespoons mirin
08 -
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
09 -
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
10 -
5 cloves garlic, pressed or finely grated
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
12 -
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice, optional for tougher beef cuts
14 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For serving
15 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 -
Extra toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Place bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, so they are less likely to burn on the grill.
02 -
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Crush 1 tablespoon of the seeds with a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a measuring cup.
03 -
Pat the beef dry. Slice across the grain into thin strips about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and 3-4 inches long.
04 -
Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, hoisin, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, crushed sesame seeds, pineapple juice if using, and black pepper until the sugar mostly dissolves.
05 -
Add the beef strips and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. If using pineapple juice, do not marinate longer than 1 hour.
06 -
Thread the beef onto the soaked skewers, folding longer strips back and forth. Leave a small space at the handle end for easy turning.
07 -
Pour leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. This makes it safe to brush on the skewers.
08 -
Oil the grill grates and heat to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C). Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with boiled glaze near the end, until browned and cooked through. Finish with green onions and extra toasted sesame seeds.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served hot from the grill while the glaze is sticky.
02 -
If using pineapple juice, keep the marinade time short to protect the beef texture.
03 -
Nutrition is an estimate per serving and will vary by cut of beef and glaze used.