Ground Beef Teriyaki – A Savory, Sweet, and Tangy Stir-Fry That Packs a Flavor Punch

If you’re craving a delicious, quick, and filling meal, Ground Beef Teriyaki is here to satisfy your taste buds. Juicy ground beef is cooked to perfection and paired with fresh, crunchy broccoli and sweet carrots, all coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a hint of orange zest creates a beautifully balanced sauce that complements the savory beef and vegetables perfectly. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this stir-fry will become a go-to favorite for a quick and satisfying dinner!

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The Inspiration Behind Ground Beef Teriyaki

Teriyaki dishes are known for their perfect balance of savory and sweet, and this recipe takes that delicious combination and simplifies it by using ground beef. Ground beef is quick-cooking, affordable, and easily absorbs the flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce. Paired with crisp veggies like broccoli and carrots, this dish is not only full of flavor but also packed with nutrients. The addition of orange zest and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes gives the sauce a unique twist that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Why Ground Beef Teriyaki Will Become Your New Weeknight Staple

This dish is as easy as it is flavorful. Ground beef cooks up quickly, and the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The teriyaki sauce is rich, sweet, savory, and just the right amount of tangy, coating the beef and vegetables in a velvety, mouthwatering glaze. Plus, this meal is versatile! Serve it over rice for a classic take, or try it with noodles, in lettuce wraps, or even on its own for a lower-carb option. And the best part? It’s customizable, so you can easily swap out the veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 3g

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can easily add rice, noodles, or extra veggies to stretch it into a more filling meal.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ground Beef Teriyaki pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for something a little different, serve it over noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for a comforting stir-fry experience. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra crunch and flavor. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad would make a refreshing accompaniment to this bold, flavorful dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Ground Beef Teriyaki stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, store the teriyaki beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed. The sauce may thicken after cooling, so feel free to add a splash of water or beef broth when reheating to loosen it up.

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Fun Fact: The Origins of Teriyaki

Did you know that the word "teriyaki" comes from the Japanese words "teri," meaning luster or shine, and "yaki," meaning grilled or broiled? Traditionally, teriyaki dishes are grilled or broiled meats that are basted with a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. This recipe uses those same foundational flavors but simplifies the cooking method by using ground beef in a quick stir-fry for a speedy yet satisfying dinner.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Veggies: Fresh broccoli florets will give you the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works great too! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir-fry to prevent extra moisture.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder teriyaki, use less red pepper flakes. For a spicier version, feel free to add more or even drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish.
3. Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, simmer the stir-fry for an extra minute or two to let the sauce reduce. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

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Optional Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
• Make it Low Carb: For a low-carb or keto version, swap the rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or serve the teriyaki beef in lettuce cups.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.

Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ – ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust as desired)

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4-5 green onions, chopped
• Sea salt to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
• Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, corn starch, orange zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and let it heat up. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned and cooked through. Season with a pinch of sea salt.
3. Add the veggies: Stir in the broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and simmer: Lower the heat to medium and pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the beef and veggies.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the teriyaki beef stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Teriyaki is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and just a touch spicy, making it an irresistible dinner option for any night of the week. With tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s packed with flavor, this dish comes together in no time and is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, you’ll love how easy and delicious this meal is!