Name: Teriyaki Beef & Pineapple Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced (about 1 lb); Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, about 1 cup); Cooked white or jasmine rice (4 servings); Soy sauce (1/4 cup); Brown sugar or honey (2 tbsp); Garlic cloves, minced (2 cloves); Fresh ginger, grated (1 tsp); Rice vinegar or mirin (1 tbsp); Cornstarch (1 tsp, for thickening); Green onions, sliced (for garnish, 2-3 stalks); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish, 1 tsp); Vegetable oil or sesame oil (2 tbsp)

I love this Teriyaki Beef & Pineapple Rice Bowl because it’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Tender beef cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce pairs beautifully with juicy pineapple chunks, all served over fluffy rice for a comforting and satisfying meal that feels both fresh and hearty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe irresistible because it combines bold Asian-inspired flavors with a tropical twist from the pineapple. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze coats the beef perfectly, while the pineapple adds a burst of freshness and acidity that brightens the dish. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Rice vinegar or mirin
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Vegetable oil or sesame oil

directions

Prepare the rice according to package instructions and keep it warm.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar or mirin to make the teriyaki sauce.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and cook until browned but still tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add pineapple chunks and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Return the beef to the skillet. Stir the teriyaki sauce and add it to the pan. Mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce coats the beef and pineapple nicely.
Serve the teriyaki beef and pineapple mixture over the warm rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I often like to switch things up by trying ground beef instead of sliced steak for a different texture. Sometimes I add bell peppers or snap peas to boost the veggie content and crunch. For a healthier twist, I swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice. If I want extra heat, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes works wonders in the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and prevent the pineapple from becoming too mushy. Microwaving works too, but I add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin, or even skirt steak work well. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! I substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of any meat juices to keep that rich flavor.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Definitely. The sauce I use is homemade, blending soy sauce, sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar or mirin — no need for bottled sauces.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

I cook it quickly over medium-high heat and slice thinly. Avoid overcooking; beef should be just browned and still tender.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time, but I recommend cooking just before serving to keep flavors fresh and textures optimal.

Conclusion

Making this Teriyaki Beef & Pineapple Rice Bowl always feels like a mini celebration at home. The combination of tender beef, sweet pineapple, and that glossy teriyaki glaze over warm rice never disappoints me. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit any mood or occasion. I’m confident it will become one of my go-to meals when I want something satisfying without fuss.

Teriyaki Beef & Pineapple Rice Bowl