This Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simple stir-fry packed with flavor! Tender beef and bright broccoli come together in a sweet teriyaki sauce that makes my taste buds dance.
Let’s be real; who doesn’t love a good sauce? The Yum Yum Sauce is the cherry on top! I often whip this up on busy nights because it’s quick, tasty, and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is my favorite, but you can easily swap it for other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even kale if you’re looking for something different.
Rice: Jasmine or sushi rice gives a great texture, but any rice works. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also lovely alternatives if you want to switch things up a bit.
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients: If you’re out of honey, regular sugar or agave syrup works just fine. You can replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Yum Yum Sauce: Mayo is traditionally used, but you can switch to plain yogurt for a lighter version. Just adjust other ingredients for taste!
How Do You Cook Broccoli Perfectly?
Cooking broccoli to a tender-crisp texture can be tricky. The aim is to keep that beautiful green color while making it tender enough to eat. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large, preheated skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, and let it get hot.
- Once hot, toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want some charred bits for flavor.
- Keep an eye on it! Look for a bright green color and just tender enough that you can pierce it with a fork but it still has a bit of crunch.
- After cooking, remove it from the skillet promptly to stop it from cooking further.
This step ensures your broccoli stays vibrant and delicious in your stir-fry!
Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or sushi rice preferred)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or a mix of black and white)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey or additional brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1-2 tsp water (to thin, as desired)
- A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional, adjust to heat preference)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time for cooking the rice and mixing the sauces. Everything comes together quickly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Cook your desired rice according to package instructions so it’s hot and ready for serving when the beef and broccoli are finished cooking.
2. Make the Yum Yum Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, melted butter, sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Set this sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until they are bright green, slightly charred, and tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and then the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it before moving to the next step.
5. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce.
6. Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce:
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef nicely. Add the broccoli back into the skillet, tossing everything together to heat through.
7. Serve:
Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls and top with the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture.
8. Garnish:
Drizzle the Yum Yum sauce over each bowl and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a nice crunch and extra flavor.
9. Enjoy:
Dig in right away for a quick, comforting homemade dinner that everyone will love!
This dish is not only simple to make but full of flavors that blend beautifully. The savory teriyaki complements the creamy Yum Yum sauce for a hearty meal you’ll keep craving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe and is a leaner option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, check labels on the sauces and any other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover teriyaki beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The Yum Yum sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate. You can also adjust the consistency with a little water if necessary.
