This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is a tasty meal that’s quick to whip up! The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce paired with crunchy broccoli makes it just perfect.
Add a drizzle of yum yum sauce on top, and you’ve got a dish that even picky eaters will love! I like to serve it over rice for an easy, filling dinner. Yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken can also work well. Just keep in mind the flavor might change a bit.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is perfect here for that crunchy texture. If it’s not available, you can use frozen broccoli; just cook it according to package instructions. Cauliflower is also a tasty substitute if you want something different!
Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice if you want to control the salt levels. You can replace teriyaki sauce with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.
Sesame Oil: This adds a delightful nutty taste, but if you don’t have it, you can use olive or vegetable oil. Just know, it won’t have the same rich flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Beef is Cooked Evenly?
Cooking ground beef properly is vital for a good texture and flavor. To ensure it’s cooked evenly:
- Begin by preheating your skillet over medium heat to get it hot enough before adding the meat.
- Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, which helps it brown evenly.
- Stir it occasionally, allowing all sides to cook thoroughly until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes.
If there’s excess grease after cooking, draining it will make your dish less greasy. But, if you’re using leaner meat, you might not need to drain anything at all!
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Yum Yum Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Water (to thin, as needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have a flavorful dinner on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through!
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
If there’s any excess grease, drain it from the skillet. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the beef. Cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic—yum!
3. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and coat the beef nicely.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, take a separate pot or steamer and cook the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green—this should take about 3-5 minutes. They should stay crunchy and fresh!
5. Combine the Beef and Broccoli:
Once the beef is ready and coated in the sauce, gently add the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed. It smells so good!
6. Make the Yum Yum Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Add a little water if you’d like it thinner, and stir until smooth.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place a scoop of cooked rice in bowls. Top it with the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture. Drizzle with Yum Yum sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Dig in and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that cooking times may be slightly shorter since these meats can cook more quickly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they reach the desired doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Broccoli?
No problem! While broccoli is a great choice, you can use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; softer veggies like zucchini will cook faster!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Can I Make the Yum Yum Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Yum Yum sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a stir and adjust the consistency with a bit of water if necessary before serving!
