Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
If you love quick, flavorful dinners that bring a burst of savory and sweet in every bite, then this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy ground beef coated in a rich teriyaki glaze mingles perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. This recipe is a delicious balance of textures and flavors, and thanks to a special homemade yum yum sauce, it elevates the entire meal to something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises a satisfying and comforting dinner everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element brings its own character, from the freshness of the broccoli to the rich, savory notes of the ground beef, all tied together by the flavorful teriyaki sauce and a creamy, spicy yum yum drizzle.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing broccoli and browning beef to develop depth and slight caramelization.
- Broccoli florets (12 oz): Adds vibrant color, crunch, and nutrition to the dish, balancing the richness of the meat.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, minced, optional): Offers a fresh zingy aroma that brightens the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced, optional): Brings warm, savory depth that complements the beef.
- Teriyaki sauce (1 cup): The star glaze providing that perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
- Light mayo (1/4 cup): Base for the yum yum sauce, giving creaminess and balance.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild tang to the yum yum sauce to cut through richness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the yum yum sauce and ties into the teriyaki’s sweetness.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Injects a gentle heat and lively kick into the yum yum sauce.
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (1 cup): Perfect for serving the savory beef and broccoli on a fluffy or low-carb bed.
- Scallions and sesame seeds: Garnishes that add freshness and a subtle nutty crunch to finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Broccoli
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and let one side char slightly for 2-3 minutes before stirring and cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This step locks in that bright green color while giving the broccoli a delightful smoky flavor and tender crunch.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Remove the broccoli and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Place the ground beef in the pan and let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before breaking it apart. This method helps the beef develop a rich, caramelized crust, which is essential for depth of flavor in this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger if you’re using them. Sauté them with the beef for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this adds layers of warmth and freshness that perfectly complement the savory beef and sweet teriyaki sauce.
Step 4: Pour in Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the full cup of teriyaki sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat every morsel. Let this simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the beef soaks up that delicious glossy glaze and the sauce thickens just enough to cling beautifully to every bite.
Step 5: Return Broccoli to the Pan
Time to bring back the broccoli. Stir it into the pan with the beef to mix all those fantastic textures and flavors together. Let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes so the broccoli is perfectly tender and the sauce integrates completely.
Step 6: Whisk Up Yum Yum Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together light mayo, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha until smooth. This yum yum sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dimension that’s irresistible on top of the teriyaki beef and broccoli.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish up this delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe over fluffy cooked rice or low-carb cauliflower rice. Drizzle generously with your homemade yum yum sauce and sprinkle with fresh scallions and sesame seeds for added color and texture.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scattering of thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds not only adds a fresh crunch but also gives your dish that beautiful restaurant-worthy presentation. These garnishes elevate the appearance and add subtle flavor notes that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to turn it into a complete feast, consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice for extra heartiness or a light cucumber salad to add a crisp, refreshing contrast. Pickled ginger or a quick miso soup on the side also pairs wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli inside a hollowed-out bell pepper or atop a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles. You could also sprinkle crushed peanuts or drizzle a little extra sriracha on top of the yum yum sauce for a little flair and added heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner on the go.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to avoid drying out the beef. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to rehydrate the dish if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives. Just note that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, and you might want to adjust seasoning to keep the bold flavors balanced.
Is the ginger and garlic optional?
Yes, while ginger and garlic add wonderful aromatic flavors that complement the teriyaki sauce, if you’re short on time or ingredients, the dish will still be tasty without them.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce if you’re making your own. This keeps the hearty and flavorful essence intact without the gluten.
What’s the best way to make the yum yum sauce spicier?
To dial up the heat, simply add more sriracha or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also serve some extra sriracha on the side for anyone who wants to add their own fiery twist.
Can I prepare this dinner ahead of time for a crowd?
Yes, you can cook the beef and broccoli ahead and the yum yum sauce separately. Reheat the beef mixture just before serving and drizzle the sauce right before plating to keep everything fresh and vibrant for your guests.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe enough if you want a flavorful, fuss-free dish that will wow your taste buds every time. It’s speedy to prepare, satisfying, and packed with layers of complementary flavors that make dinner something special. Give it a try and I promise you’ll want to keep this one in your regular recipe rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef are cooked in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, then served over rice with a creamy, spicy yum yum sauce drizzle. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines ease and delicious Asian-inspired flavors for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 oz broccoli florets
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (soy-free or regular)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
To Serve:
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- Scallions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow one side to char. Stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli turns a deep green and is tender-crisp. Remove broccoli from skillet and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground beef and let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until beef is thoroughly browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Broccoli: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Prepare Yum Yum Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli over cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Drizzle generously with the yum yum sauce and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the yum yum sauce based on your spice preference.
- To make the recipe soy-free, choose a soy-free teriyaki sauce.
- Optional ginger and garlic add depth of flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
