Description
This Brown Sugar Glazed Beef recipe features tender slices of sirloin, flank, or ribeye steak cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, the dish offers a delicate balance of flavors complemented by optional heat from red pepper flakes and a hint of sesame oil. Perfect served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for added depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef slices with salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance the natural flavors.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef slices in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant to build the glaze’s base flavor.
- Add Glaze Ingredients: Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and grated ginger, combining them well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Optional Heat and Flavor: If desired, stir in red pepper flakes and sesame oil to add a subtle kick and depth to the glaze.
- Combine Beef and Glaze: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing it gently in the glaze to coat evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the beef through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Plate the glazed beef over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables as preferred.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top to add color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use thin slices of beef to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Cooking the beef in batches prevents steaming and helps achieve a good sear.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity by varying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to your taste.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the glaze can thicken upon standing.
