Description

This Brown Sugar Glazed Beef recipe features tender, thinly sliced beef cooked in a savory-sweet glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and a blend of flavorful ingredients. The beef is pan-seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich, caramelized sauce with garlic, ginger, and optional heat from red pepper flakes. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that’s quick and easy to prepare for a satisfying weeknight meal.

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 an added depth of flavor)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Garnishes

Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Season the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper evenly to enhance its natural flavors.
Heat the Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the beef.
Cook the Beef: Add the beef slices in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Start the Glaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Glaze Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and grated ginger to the skillet.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Optional Heat and Flavor: If desired, add red pepper flakes and sesame oil at this stage to introduce a subtle heat and deeper flavor.
Combine Beef and Glaze: Return the cooked beef slices back into the skillet and toss them thoroughly to coat with the glaze.
Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to ensure the beef is heated through and evenly coated with the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to balance the flavors.
Serve: Plate the glazed beef served over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add freshness and a slight crunch.

Notes

Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness and easier chewing.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking beef to allow proper browning instead of steaming.
Use low sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the glaze.
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, soba noodles, or steamed broccoli and snap peas.
Leftover glazed beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian