Sukiyaki (Stir-Fry Beef)
Sukiyaki is a savory Japanese stir-fry featuring tender beef and vegetables in a sweet soy-based sauce, perfect for sharing and satisfying a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, sliced thin diagonally ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, peeled and sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced in thin strips ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, sliced diagonally in thin slices ⓘ
- 1 carrot, sliced in thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths with tops ⓘ
- 1/2 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water or cooking sherry ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Add the sliced sirloin steak and brown it.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar over the meat while browning.
- Add all vegetables and stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining sugar, soy sauce, and sherry, then cook for a few minutes more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of soy sauce and a dash of mirin or sake. If sirloin is unavailable, flank steak is a great alternative. To enhance the dish, you can also add tofu or bean sprouts for more texture. Ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a good sear on the beef, which adds depth to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sukiyaki over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad to balance the dish's richness. A light miso soup can also complement the flavors. For a varied experience, try alongside other beef recipes like Holupki - Stuffed Cabbage.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to gently warm it, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sukiyaki (Stir-Fry Beef) contains roughly 456 calories, with 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2511mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in Sukiyaki?
Absolutely! Sukiyaki is versatile, and you can include vegetables like bok choy, napa cabbage, or even zucchini. Just cut them into thin strips for even cooking. Feel free to adjust based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of Sukiyaki?
Yes! You can create a vegetarian Sukiyaki by replacing the beef with tofu or seitan and using vegetable broth instead of soy sauce. Load it up with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots for a delicious meat-free option.
What type of soy sauce is best for Sukiyaki?
A good quality, dark soy sauce is ideal for Sukiyaki, as it adds depth and richness to the dish. You can also use a low-sodium version if you're watching your salt intake. The balance of flavors will enhance the overall taste of your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).