This tasty dish combines juicy ground beef with crisp broccoli, all tossed in a sweet teriyaki sauce. And let’s not forget the yum yum sauce that brings it all together perfectly!
I love how quick and easy this meal is to whip up. It’s like a restaurant dinner at home! Just serve it over rice, and you’ve got a wonderful meal ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. They’ll still provide the protein without as much fat.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli florets also work, just adjust the cooking time. You could also use snap peas or green beans for variety.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, but you can make a simple version at home using soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
Rice: I use jasmine rice for its aromatic flavor. Brown rice is a healthier choice with more fiber, or you can even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Yum Yum Sauce: If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You could add sriracha for a bit of heat or substitute honey for sugar for a more natural sweetener.
How Do I Cook Broccoli to Keep It Bright and Tender?
Cooking broccoli perfectly can be a little tricky. You want it bright green and tender without being mushy. The key lies in stir-frying over medium heat.
- Start by heating sesame oil in your skillet. It adds nice flavor.
- Add broccoli florets and stir frequently for 5-7 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning.
- To check doneness, pierce a floret with a fork; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Once cooked, transferring it off the heat helps maintain that vibrant color.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or jasmine)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes around 10 minutes for prepping and mixing the Yum Yum sauce, and then around 20 minutes for cooking the beef, broccoli, and rice. A quick and tasty meal perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce aside so the flavors can blend together.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender and bright green. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside for later.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Using the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add Aromatics:
Now, let’s add in some flavor! Add the minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and aromatic.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to combine everything. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss everything together until it’s heated through and nicely mixed.
6. Serve:
Time to plate! Spoon the teriyaki beef and broccoli mixture over a bed of cooked rice in bowls. Drizzle your homemade Yum Yum sauce on top. For a finishing touch, garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like!
7. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce! It’s a delightful meal that’s sure to please any crowd!
Can I Use Other Kinds of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so always ensure it’s cooked through.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar in a 2:1:1 ratio. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste!
Can I Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Yum Yum sauce a day ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together, so it’s a great make-ahead option!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or microwave. If the rice gets dry, adding a splash of water can help revive its texture!
