If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to make, this Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, bite-sized sirloin pieces are cooked to juicy perfection and enveloped in a luscious, homemade sweet teriyaki sauce that balances savory soy, rich brown sugar, and a perfect hint of ginger and garlic. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this recipe showcases how the Ninja Foodi can transform simple ingredients into a truly crave-worthy meal that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making this dish so approachable yet delicious. Each component plays its part, creating a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make these beef tips irresistibly good.
- Beef sirloin tips (1½ pounds): Choose tender sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sear the beef beautifully, locking in flavors and juices.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): Adds the essential umami base for that authentic teriyaki taste.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce perfectly.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Enhances the sauce with a smooth, rich sweetness and a touch of depth.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings brightness and a slight tang to lift the flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its aromatic warmth and savory punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a fresh, crisp garnish that also adds a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch and beautiful contrast when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by setting your Ninja Foodi to the “Sauté” mode and heating up the olive oil. Add the beef sirloin tips to the pot and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides. This step locks in the juicy flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the dish.
Step 2: Mix and Add the Sauce
While the beef is browning, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. Once the beef is nicely seared, pour this vibrant teriyaki sauce mixture over the meat in the Ninja Foodi.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef
Hit “Cancel” on the “Sauté” setting, seal the lid of your Ninja Foodi, and set it to “Pressure Cook” on high for 15 minutes. Cooking under pressure tenderizes the beef quickly while infusing it with the rich flavors of the sauce. After the cooking time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Switch the Ninja Foodi back to “Sauté” mode. Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the teriyaki sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that clings to every piece of beef.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened, your Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips are ready to be plated and garnished with those sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds.
How to Serve Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish instantly. The fresh green onions add a bright, crisp contrast, while the tiny sesame seeds lend a delicate nutty flavor and a lovely visual appeal. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch as well.
Side Dishes
These beef tips pair beautifully with steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the sweet teriyaki sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with cauliflower rice or a bed of buttered noodles. Adding lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy balances the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering your beef tips over a bowl of mixed greens and shredded carrots for a teriyaki beef salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. You can also turn this into a delicious wrap by spooning the beef into warm tortillas with some crisp cabbage and drizzling with extra sauce. The Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe is versatile, letting you customize presentation to suit your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef tips and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further as they rest, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef tips in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without rice or noodles, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your beef tips gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the thick teriyaki sauce warms evenly without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef instead of sirloin tips?
Absolutely! Stew meat or flank steak works well; just ensure pieces are cut bite-sized for even cooking in the Ninja Foodi.
Do I need to marinate the beef beforehand?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended if you have the time. Marinate the beef in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors before cooking.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a gluten-free alternative, mixed with cold water before adding to the pot.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Definitely! Follow the same steps and cooking times, but be sure to use the “Sauté” and “Pressure Cook” functions on your device accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Try adding a teaspoon of chili paste or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a dish that feels both homemade and special, and this Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It brings together tender beef, a rich and sticky sauce, and simple ingredients in a way that’s quick enough for any weeknight yet impressive enough for company. Don’t wait to try this recipe — your taste buds will thank you!
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Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Ninja Foodi Sweet Teriyaki Beef Tips are tender, flavorful beef sirloin pieces cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Using the Ninja Foodi’s sauté and pressure cook functions, this recipe delivers juicy beef with a thick, glossy sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional sesame seeds, it’s a quick and delightful Asian-inspired main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Set the Ninja Foodi to the “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the beef sirloin tips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and prepares the beef for pressure cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and black pepper until well combined. This sauce will provide the sweet and savory teriyaki flavor.
- Add Sauce and Pressure Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared beef in the Ninja Foodi pot. Cancel the “Sauté” mode, securely seal the pressure cooker lid, and set the machine to “Pressure Cook” on high for 15 minutes. This tenderizes the beef and infuses it with the sauce flavors.
- Release Pressure and Thicken Sauce: After the pressure cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Then manually release any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid. Switch back to “Sauté” mode, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the sweet teriyaki beef tips immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your flavorful Asian-inspired main course!
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- You can substitute sirloin tips with beef stew meat or flank steak if preferred.
- Pair this dish with steamed broccoli or snap peas to create a complete, balanced meal.
