If you have a craving for a flavorful, tender dish that packs a punch of sweet and savory goodness, the Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This dish combines juicy beef sirloin tips with a luscious teriyaki sauce that is perfectly balanced with honey, soy, and a touch of ginger and garlic. It cooks effortlessly in the Ninja Foodi, locking in bold flavors while keeping the meat incredibly tender. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor, depth, or texture that elevates the dish from ordinary to spectacular. From the tenderness of the beef sirloin tips to the rich sweetness of brown sugar and honey, here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- Beef sirloin tips or stew meat (1.5 lbs): Choose tender cuts for the juiciest results that soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to brown the beef, creating a flavorful crust that seals in juices.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Provides the salty umami base for that authentic teriyaki flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and depth to balance the savory elements.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a sticky glaze to the sauce.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps to blend the sauce ingredients and keep the beef moist during cooking.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Introduces mild acidity to brighten the overall flavor.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Gives a toasty, nutty aroma that is unmistakably teriyaki.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses aromatic depth and a little kick.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and subtle spice that complements the beef perfectly.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce into a glossy, irresistible coating.
- Cold water for slurry (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to ensure smooth thickening without lumps.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): Perfect garnishes that add crunch and fresh color.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by setting your Ninja Foodi to ‘Sauté’ mode and heating the vegetable oil. Add the beef sirloin tips, searing them until all sides develop a beautiful brown crust. This step is crucial because browning not only boosts flavor through the Maillard reaction but also seals in the meat’s natural juices. Work in batches if your pot is crowded to avoid steaming instead of browning. Remove the beef and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This blend captures the essence of teriyaki with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic notes. The sauce will become the heart of your dish, so mix thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned beef tips to the Ninja Foodi pot and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Stir gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This allows the beef to start soaking up the delicious sauce right off the bat.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection
Seal the lid on your Ninja Foodi and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to ‘Seal’ to trap the steam inside. This pressure cooking step tenderizes the beef quickly while intensifying the flavors, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that you will crave.
Step 5: Natural and Quick Release of Pressure
Once the cooking timer ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—this helps keep the beef juicy and tender. After that, carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. This two-step release method preserves the moisture and texture of your beef tips without sacrificing safety.
Step 6: Thicken the Teriyaki Sauce
Switch your Ninja Foodi back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly, watching as the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy coating that clings beautifully to the beef. This final step gives your dish that signature teriyaki richness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For an inviting touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the beef tips. These garnishes add subtle nuttiness, freshness, and a pop of color that make the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty. Now you are ready to plate up and enjoy.
How to Serve Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and vibrant green onions can elevate your dish by adding texture and brightness. The crunch of sesame seeds complements the tender beef while green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This beef tips recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the teriyaki sauce perfectly. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots also make excellent companions, adding color, crunch, and a healthy balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your teriyaki beef tips over cauliflower rice or noodles for a low-carb option. You can also use the beef as a filling for lettuce wraps, topped with crunchy shredded carrots and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce to create an interactive, hands-on meal your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover teriyaki beef tips store wonderfully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious. Consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to save your homemade Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your beef tips without drying them out, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water or broth will help maintain the sauce’s silky consistency and keep the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin tips work wonderfully for their tenderness, you can also use stew meat or even chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure the meat is trimmed well so it cooks evenly in the Ninja Foodi.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef is highly recommended as it develops rich flavor through caramelization and seals in juices. Skipping this step might save time but will result in less depth in taste and texture.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch without honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even extra brown sugar. Each substitute will slightly alter the flavor but still provide that essential sweetness.
How spicy is this Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe?
This recipe is generally mild, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you enjoy a little heat in your teriyaki dishes.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure your Ninja Foodi can accommodate the increased volume, or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Final Thoughts
The Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With tender beef coated in a sweet, savory sauce that is bursting with flavor, this recipe is a keeper for weeknights and special gatherings alike. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy teriyaki at home!
Print
Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 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 rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. Utilizing the Ninja Foodi’s sauté and pressure cooking functions, this dish comes together quickly with minimal effort. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s perfect served over rice or steamed vegetables for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Cooking
- 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
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Beef: Turn the Ninja Foodi to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the vegetable oil. Add the beef tips in batches, browning them on all sides to develop flavor. Remove browned beef and set aside once done.
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the browned beef to the Ninja Foodi pot and pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the meat. Stir thoroughly to ensure all beef pieces are coated evenly with the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Ninja Foodi lid and set the cooker to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Seal’ for proper pressure build-up.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining pressure safely.
- Thicken Sauce: Switch the Ninja Foodi back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Prepare the slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the beef tips with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use sirloin tips or stew meat that browns well for flavor development.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar and honey to your preference.
- Ensure the Ninja Foodi valve is correctly set to ‘Seal’ before pressure cooking to prevent steam from escaping.
- If you don’t have a Ninja Foodi, a similar pressure cooker or Instant Pot can be used following the same method.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add texture and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers reheat well but sauce may thicken further.
