Soy-Free Beef Yakiniku

Savor the bold, umami flavors of Japan with this Soy-Free Beef Yakiniku, a delicious twist on the classic Japanese grilled beef dish, perfect for those avoiding soy-based sauces. Tender slices of ribeye steak are marinated in a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, fish sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile without the need for soy. The dish comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, with a simple cornstarch slurry transforming the marinade into a glossy, irresistible sauce. Topped with nutty black sesame seeds and crisp spring onions, this yakiniku is a feast for the senses. Serve it over steamed rice or pair it with grilled veggies for an easy, flavorful meal that's both gluten-friendly and bursting with authentic Japanese-inspired flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef ribeye steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons regular mirin
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 2 whole spring onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, fish sauce, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, and mirin until well combined. This will serve as your marinade and sauce base.

Step 2

Add the thinly sliced beef ribeye to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to coat each slice evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3

While the beef is marinating, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. This will help thicken the sauce.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.

Step 5

Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and reserve the marinade for later use.

Step 6

Working in batches if necessary, add the beef slices to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Transfer cooked beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 7

Once all the beef is cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the same pan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 8

Stir the cornstarch slurry again and add it to the marinade in the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the pan, tossing to coat in the thickened sauce.

Step 10

Sprinkle black sesame seeds and sliced spring onions over the beef.

Step 11

Season with black pepper to taste, then serve hot over steamed rice or alongside grilled vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(703.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2029.1

Total Fat 148.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 400mg	0%
Sodium 1949.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g	0%
Total Sugars 56.7g
Protein 105.2g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 212.4mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 1630.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.7%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 13.6%