If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy to make yet packed with incredible flavor, the Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is here to save the day. This dish combines tender, juicy beef sirloin tips with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe turns your Ninja Foodi into the ultimate kitchen sidekick, promising a rich and satisfying dinner without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together effortlessly to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element plays its part in delivering the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami, with fresh garlic and ginger adding that homemade depth you can’t get from store-bought sauces.
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat: Choose tender, bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for browning the beef and creating that rich sear.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds the backbone of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the salty soy.
- 1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that gives the sauce a luscious, sticky finish.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps thin the sauce just enough to coat the beef perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a bright, mild acidity to cut through the richness.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Provides a toasty, nutty aroma that’s signature to teriyaki dishes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory brightness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty spice that livens up the beef tips.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry): Mixed with cornstarch to create a silky thickener without lumps.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): For garnish that adds crunch and freshness.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, fire up your Ninja Foodi by setting it to ‘Sauté’ mode and heating the vegetable oil. Add the beef tips in batches to avoid overcrowding, letting each piece develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and juices, so be patient and don’t rush it. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisking everything together at this stage ensures all the ingredients meld perfectly, creating the signature sweet and savory base that will coat your beef with tons of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned beef tips to the Ninja Foodi pot, then pour the freshly whisked teriyaki sauce over the meat. Stir gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with that rich, aromatic mixture—this will make every bite irresistibly savory and sweet.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef
Seal the Ninja Foodi lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes. Remember to set the valve to ‘Seal’ to trap all those wonderful flavors inside. This pressure-cooking phase tenderizes the beef, allowing it to soak up the sauce perfectly while getting melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 5: Release Pressure Carefully
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This gradual release helps the meat retain moisture and stay tender. After those 10 minutes, you can quickly release any leftover pressure by carefully switching the valve to ‘Venting’. Safety first, always!
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Switch the Ninja Foodi back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry and stir it steadily into the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a luscious, glossy coating. This finishing touch elevates your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a touch of authenticity and crunch, garnish your sweet teriyaki beef tips with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These little extras brighten the dish both visually and texturally, making your meal as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and green onions is the classic way to finish off this dish. The seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, mild sharpness that cuts through the richness, making each bite perfectly balanced.
Side Dishes
This tender beef pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or jasmine rice, which soaks up all that flavorful teriyaki sauce. You can also serve it alongside simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to add freshness and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, consider serving your Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or inside warm pita pockets for an Asian-inspired sandwich. For a low-carb option, pile it on cauliflower rice or enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves for a delicious handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover beef tips and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. These flavorful leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners when you’re short on time but still want something tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the beef tips completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin tips or stew meat are ideal for quick cooking and tenderness, you can also try chuck roast cut into cubes or flank steak, just adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve tender results.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a Ninja Foodi?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker or Instant Pot by following similar steps. Just use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, and finish by thickening the sauce with cornstarch.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Of course! Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey to suit your taste. You can also add a bit more rice vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are decent substitutes that will provide a similar mild tang without overpowering the sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe gluten-free, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is truly a gem, delivering a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re new to the Ninja Foodi or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll come back to again and again. So, go ahead and treat yourself to a home-cooked dinner that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant but comes together in no time at all!
Print
Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips recipe features tender beef sirloin tips cooked to perfection in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Using the Ninja Foodi’s sauté and pressure cooking functions, the beef tips are browned, pressure cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, then thickened to create a rich teriyaki glaze. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this easy dish is perfect served over rice or steamed vegetables for a quick, delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Cooking Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Turn the Ninja Foodi to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the beef sirloin tips in batches if necessary, browning them on all sides to develop a rich color. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the browned beef tips to the Ninja Foodi pot. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and stir to coat all pieces evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid securely and set the Ninja Foodi to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to ‘Seal’ to build pressure properly.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After this, carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Thicken the Sauce: Switch the Ninja Foodi back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, rich consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the beef tips for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot over steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Cut beef into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- The natural release of pressure ensures beef stays tender and juicy.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the honey and brown sugar quantities to your taste.
- The cornstarch slurry is key for a perfectly thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Can be served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
