Teriyaki Sesame Beef Skewers

Step 1

Soak wooden skewers in water for 1 hour prior to grilling (to help prevent sticks from burning too quickly).

Step 2

Toast white sesame seeds on medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown (you can also use pre-toasted sesame seeds). Set it aside in a heat-proof bowl to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Grind seeds in a mortar with a pestle (or in a zip-top plastic bag with a rolling pin).

Step 3

Remove roast from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If present, trim away connective tissue or silver skin (the membrane that will not break down during grilling) from the roast. Slice roast into even, thin slices against the grain. Cut slices approx. 2 x 3 inches with a 1 cm thickness. Set beef aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, mirin, toasted sesame seeds, hoisin sauce and pineapple juice (only recommended for tougher meats. See my notes below for more info). Pour the sauce into the bowl with sliced beef and mix everything with a spatula until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap (or place beef into a zip-top plastic bag) and refrigerate it for 1 hour.

Step 5

Skewer about 6 beef slices on one skewer stick, leaving a 2-inch gap on the dull side of the stick for easy handling. Repeat this step until all of the meat is skewered. Place skewers on a tray lined with aluminum foil.

Step 6

If there is excess marinade left over, pour it into a saucepan and bring it to a boil (stir occasionally) until the sauce has reduced and is thickened. Use this as an extra sauce to brush on the beef while grilling.

Step 7

Grill skewers on your BBQ oven on medium-high heat (approximately 400°F) for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the meat is cooked and the sauce is sticky (slightly charred is even better for flavour). Serve immediately as an appetizer or as a main course with a side dish.