Name: Brown Sugar Glazed Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you’re in search of a weeknight dinner that blends irresistible sweetness with savory umami and a hint of gentle heat, look no further than Brown Sugar Glazed Beef. This dish features tender strips of beef kissed by a glossy glaze made from brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, coming together in just about 25 minutes. The layers of flavor and gorgeous caramelization make it especially popular with family and friends, proving once again that “quick and easy” doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you scoop it over a bed of steamed rice or toss it with noodles, this Brown Sugar Glazed Beef is a hearty, comforting meal everyone will rave about.

Brown Sugar Glazed Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Brown Sugar Glazed Beef such a delight is how simple yet harmonious the ingredients are—each one brings something unique to the table, from zippy freshness to a velvety mouthfeel. These pantry staples are all you need to transform everyday beef into a deeply flavorful, saucy sensation.

Flank steak or sirloin (1½ pounds, thinly sliced): Choose flank steak for tenderness and robust flavor, or sirloin for juiciness—just remember to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): This neutral oil helps achieve a golden sear on the beef without overpowering the glaze.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Our sweet star ingredient, it caramelizes into a sticky, shiny glaze with an unforgettable depth.
Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds a punch of savory saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives the glaze a subtle tang and helps balance the sweet and salty notes.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): A surprising touch! It brings body, color, and a hint of gentle acidity.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Provides a pungent aromatic kick that melds deliciously with the glaze.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): This adds brightness and warmth, uplifting every bite.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who want a little spice, a pinch rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Green onions (2, sliced): These add a burst of freshness and color as a final topping.
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): They contribute crunch and a nutty finish that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Beef

Step 1: Whisk Together the Glaze

Start the Brown Sugar Glazed Beef by preparing its signature sauce. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of extra zing. Give everything a good whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set this aside—it’s about to work its magic!

Step 2: Sear the Beef in Batches

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread out half the sliced beef in a single layer, letting each strip sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Once the first batch is done, transfer it to a plate and repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Searing in batches ensures that the meat browns beautifully without steaming.

Step 3: Glaze and Simmer

Once all your beef is browned, return every strip to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the reserved glaze, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan. Stir to coat the beef evenly, then let it all simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef, creating that irresistible Brown Sugar Glazed Beef finish.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the glossy beef. The onions add a fresh, vibrant crunch that plays off the rich, sticky glaze. If you want it picture-perfect, save a few green onions and sesame seeds to sprinkle on right before serving.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Beef

Garnishes

A final shower of green onions and sesame seeds is a must for Brown Sugar Glazed Beef, bringing freshness, crunch, and a pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted peanuts or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can add a new twist. For those seeking even more brightness, try a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

This saucy beef begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up every drop. Fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly, as do soft, chewy rice noodles. For a lighter meal, sautéed bok choy, crisp broccoli, or shredded cabbage slaws add needed crunch and brightness against the sweet-and-savory beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring out your inner chef! Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Beef in lettuce cups for an interactive, low-carb meal, or drape it over a bed of sesame noodles with fresh herbs. Trying sliders? Pile the glazed beef, a dab of spicy mayo, and quick pickled veggies on soft buns for an Asian-inspired spin on game day classics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your cooled Brown Sugar Glazed Beef to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor will deepen as it sits, making for delicious next-day lunches!

Freezing

For longer storage, let the beef cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and you’ll have a ready-to-go main for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Reheating

To preserve tenderness and keep the sauce glossy, reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the glaze looks thick. Microwave reheating also works well; just cover and use medium power to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Brown Sugar Glazed Beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin gives the best results in terms of tenderness and flavor, you can substitute skirt steak or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to cut against the grain for extra tenderness.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can add as much or as little as you like. Feel free to skip them entirely if you prefer a sweeter, milder dish, or increase for more heat.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be whisked together up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can make mealtime even faster—just remember to give it a quick stir before using, as the sugar may settle.

What are good substitutions for brown sugar?

If you want a lighter sweetness, honey or maple syrup can replace the brown sugar. Both offer a slightly different flavor but still create a glossy, delicious glaze for your Brown Sugar Glazed Beef.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a stickier glaze, simply let the sauce simmer a minute or two longer. For an even thicker texture, stir together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of water and add it to the pan, simmering until the glaze thickens to your liking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Brown Sugar Glazed Beef at home, you’re in for a real treat. The balance of sweet, savory, and little hints of zing makes this dish impossible to resist, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a busy weeknight. I promise you’ll be hooked after one bite—so gather your ingredients and let the magic begin tonight!

Brown Sugar Glazed Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Brown Sugar Glazed Beef recipe combines tender slices of beef with a sweet and savory Asian-inspired glaze, creating a delicious dish that is perfect served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Glaze:

⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Beef:

1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear half of the beef slices for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Return all beef to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and pour in the glaze mixture. Stir to coat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and beef is cooked through.
Serve: Top the beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.