Teriyaki sesame beef skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or party appetizers. With tender slices of beef marinated in a savory blend of teriyaki sauce and sesame oil, then grilled to perfection, these skewers are simple yet impressive. Garnished with fresh green onions, they bring a balance of sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare with only 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Uses simple ingredients but delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor.
Perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking on an indoor grill pan.
Great for entertaining or as a fun, family-friendly dinner.
Pairs easily with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Thinly sliced beef tenderloin or sirloin
Teriyaki marinade & sauce
Sesame oil
Green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine sliced beef, teriyaki marinade, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
Thread marinated beef slices onto 8-inch skewers.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates with cooking oil.
Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onion. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes

Variations

Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the skewers for added crunch.
Spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
Try a different marinade such as garlic-ginger soy sauce for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat on a hot skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the beef from drying out.
Skewers can be frozen before grilling; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers?

Yes, just soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

What cut of beef works best?

Tenderloin or sirloin is recommended, but flank steak or ribeye also work well when sliced thin.

Can I cook these skewers without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or broil them in the oven for similar results.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least 30 minutes is enough, but up to 2 hours will deepen the flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the beef the night before and cook just before serving.

What can I serve with teriyaki beef skewers?

They pair well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or Asian-style noodle salads.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely, just scale up the ingredients and cook in batches.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Avoid overcooking; 3–4 minutes per side is usually perfect for thin slices.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and soy sauce.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but for extra freshness, you can also make homemade teriyaki sauce.

Conclusion

Teriyaki sesame beef skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and quick grilling, they bring together sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer spread, these skewers are sure to be a hit.