Quick & Tasty Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers Recipe for Summer

Teriyaki sesame beef skewers transport meat lovers into a world of sizzling, umami-rich delights.

These tantalizing morsels blend sweet and savory flavors with an irresistible Asian-inspired twist.

Bold marinades penetrate tender meat, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Complex spices dance across the palate, converting simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Grilling techniques elevate these skewers from ordinary to extraordinary, caramelizing edges and infusing deep, smoky notes.

Versatile and crowd-pleasing, this dish offers a perfect solution for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.

You’ll impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers

• Marinate Masterfully: Let beef soak in teriyaki sauce for at least one hour to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Slice with Precision: Cut beef against the grain into uniform thin slices to ensure even cooking and prevent tough texture.
• Prevent Skewer Burnout: Always soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to stop them from catching fire during grilling.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast sesame seeds before grinding to release their nutty aroma and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Sauce Reduction Magic: Simmer leftover marinade into a thick glaze for brushing during grilling, adding extra depth and caramelization to the beef.

Best Storage for Leftover Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover beef skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm skewers gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, which helps preserve the meat's tenderness and flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Side Dishes to Serve with Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers

• Sip Japanese Sake Smoothly: Pair these teriyaki beef skewers with chilled sake to complement the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors, enhancing the umami profile of the grilled meat.
• Crunch with Asian Slaw: Serve a crisp, tangy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame dressing alongside the skewers to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized beef.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Add a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, fresh herbs, and a touch of honey to balance the intense teriyaki marinade and provide a cooling element to the dish.
• Embrace Jasmine Rice Companion: Plate the skewers over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that brings together all the flavors.

Creative Glaze and Garnish Ideas for Beef Skewers

• Spicy Korean Beef Skewers: Add gochujang or Korean red pepper paste to the marinade for a fiery kick, creating a bold and zesty flavor profile that brings intense heat to the classic teriyaki recipe.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Beef Skewers: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the marinade, replacing sesame oil with olive oil to give the skewers a Mediterranean-inspired twist with aromatic herb notes.
• Citrus Lime Beef Skewers: Swap pineapple juice with fresh lime juice and add orange zest to the marinade, introducing a bright and tangy citrus element that cuts through the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing complexity.
• Smoky Bourbon Beef Skewers: Mix in a splash of bourbon whiskey and smoked paprika to the marinade, creating a deep, rich flavor with subtle smokiness that elevates the traditional teriyaki profile.

Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers That Bring the Backyard Sizzle

• Savor Flavor-Packed Marinades: The teriyaki sesame sauce creates an explosion of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that deeply penetrate the beef, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible taste sensations.
• Master Effortless Grilling Technique: These skewers offer a foolproof cooking method that transforms simple beef slices into restaurant-quality appetizers, with easy-to-follow steps that guarantee perfect results even for novice cooks.
• Experience Textural Delight: Thin-sliced beef becomes incredibly tender when marinated, while toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch that elevates the overall eating experience, creating a perfect balance of soft meat and nutty texture.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners, these skewers can be served as an appetizer or main course, making them a flexible and impressive option for multiple occasions.

Bold Ingredients in Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers

• Beef Roast: Premium cut with good marbling for tender and flavorful skewers, best when sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce: Creates a sweet and savory base for the teriyaki flavor, balancing umami and caramelization.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Asian flavor profile to the marinade.
• Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty undertone that enhances overall taste complexity.
• Mirin: Traditional Japanese rice wine that adds subtle sweetness and helps tenderize meat.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings rich, dark complexity with sweet and tangy notes.
• Pineapple Juice: Natural meat tenderizer that helps break down protein fibers.

• White Sesame Seeds: Offers nutty crunch and visual appeal, toasted for enhanced flavor.
• Wooden Skewers: Helps shape and handle meat during grilling, requires pre-soaking to prevent burning.
• Aluminum Foil: Provides easy cleanup and helps manage grilling surface.

How to Marinate and Grill Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for at least 60 minutes before grilling. This prevents the skewers from burning quickly during cooking.

Step 2: Toast And Grind Sesame Seeds

• White sesame seeds

Heat sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Transfer to a cool surface.

Crush seeds using a mortar and pestle or place in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Step 3: Prepare Beef

Remove beef roast from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.

Trim any connective tissue or silver skin.

• Approximately 2 x 3 inches
• Around 1 cm thick

Place prepared beef slices in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Create Teriyaki Marinade

• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil
• Mirin
• Crushed sesame seeds
• Hoisin sauce
• Pineapple juice

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Pour marinade over beef slices and mix thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Beef Skewers

Thread approximately 6 beef slices onto each skewer.

Leave a 2-inch handle space on the skewer’s dull end.

Arrange skewers on a foil-lined tray.

Step 6: Prepare Basting Sauce

Pour remaining marinade into a saucepan.

Simmer and reduce sauce until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Grill Beef Skewers

Preheat grill to 400°F (medium-high heat).

Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side.

Brush with reduced sauce while cooking.

Cook until meat is done and sauce becomes sticky.

Optional: Slight charring enhances flavor.

Serve hot as an appetizer or main course with complementary side dishes.

Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling teriyaki sesame beef skewers bring Japanese-inspired flavors to your grill with bold, caramelized perfection. Marinated tender beef chunks glazed in sweet-savory sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds promise a delicious backyard barbecue adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin roast, sliced 1 cm thick against the grain
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, toasted
• 12 wooden (or bamboo) skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup dark brown sugar (light brown can be used, but dark brown is preferred)
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (if using less-sodium, add ½ teaspoon sea salt)
• 2 tablespoons garlic (6 cloves), pressed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons mirin, or 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

Optional Tenderizing Ingredient:

• ½ cup pineapple juice or fresh crushed pineapples (optional for tenderizing lean meats like ‘eye of round’ or ‘chuck’)

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Instructions

1. Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for an hour to prevent rapid charring during grilling.
2. Carefully toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Allow seeds to cool completely, then grind using a mortar and pestle or by crushing in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Prepare the beef by patting it dry and removing any visible connective tissue. Slice the meat against the grain into uniform, thin strips approximately 2 x 3 inches with consistent thickness.
4. Create a complex marinade by whisking together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, mirin, ground toasted sesame seeds, hoisin sauce, and pineapple juice. Thoroughly coat the beef slices in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Refrigerate the marinated beef for one hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
6. Thread approximately 6 beef strips onto each skewer, leaving a small section at the end for easy handling. Arrange the prepared skewers on a foil-lined tray.
7. Transfer the remaining marinade to a saucepan and reduce over medium heat until it becomes a thick, glossy sauce for basting.
8. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side. Brush with reduced marinade and continue grilling until the meat develops a sticky, slightly charred exterior.
9. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional toasted sesame seeds if desired. Pair with your favorite side dish or enjoy as a standalone appetizer.

Notes

• Skewer Soaking Prevents Burning: Wooden skewers need a water bath for one hour before grilling to stop them from catching fire quickly during cooking.
• Sesame Seed Preparation Matters: Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and can be done on stovetop or with pre-toasted options, then ground for maximum flavor infusion.
• Meat Cutting Technique is Crucial: Slice beef against the grain into thin, even pieces around 2×3 inches to ensure tender, easy-to-eat skewers that cook uniformly.
• Marinade Enhances Flavor Depth: Let beef soak in the teriyaki mixture for one hour to allow seasonings to penetrate deeply, creating more intense and complex taste profiles.
• Sauce Reduction Adds Intensity: Reserve leftover marinade, boil it down until thickened, and use as a glaze during grilling to intensify flavors and create delicious caramelization.
• Grilling Precision Ensures Perfection: Cook skewers at medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for sticky sauce and slight charring to maximize flavor and achieve optimal meat doneness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg