If you’re craving a flavorful yet easy-to-make meal that comes together in no time, the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is absolutely perfect. This dish combines tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the ideal balance between savory and sweet. The addition of a spicy mayo drizzle adds a delightful zing that elevates every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for dinners any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes when you want comfort food with an Asian twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures—from the crisp broccoli adding freshness, to the silky teriyaki sauce bringing that satisfying umami punch.
- Olive Oil: Divided for sautéing both broccoli and beef to perfection without drying them out.
- Broccoli Florets: Provides vibrant color and a tender-crisp bite that brightens the dish.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Ginger (minced): Optional, but adds an aromatic, slightly spicy depth.
- Garlic (minced): Another optional punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with ginger.
- Teriyaki Sauce: The sweet and savory star that brings the dish together.
- Light Mayo: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy sauce when combined with other ingredients.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings heat and complexity to the mayo sauce.
- Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to balance out the spiciness.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity for a bright, fresh note.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory elements with a gentle punch.
- Rice or Cauliflower Rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and a nutty aroma as garnish.
- Scallions: Thinly sliced for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor on top.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce
First, whisk together light mayo, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth and well blended. This spicy mayo adds a creamy tang that complements the savory beef perfectly. Set this tasty sauce aside—you’ll drizzle it over your dish later for an exciting flavor kick.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a nice char on one side, enhancing their natural sweetness. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes more until they’re tender-crisp. Then remove the broccoli and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Using the same skillet, add another half tablespoon of olive oil. Place the ground beef in the pan and let it brown on one side before breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, releasing those rich meaty aromas that signal something delicious is underway.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Create a small well in the center of the cooked beef and pour in the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for just 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. This quick step infuses the meat with classic Asian flavors without overpowering the dish.
Step 5: Incorporate Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef mixture, stirring it thoroughly so every meaty morsel is coated. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef, turning it into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli with Beef
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and gently stir until everything is evenly combined and coated with the luscious teriyaki sauce. At this point, turn off the heat and allow the flavors to meld for just a moment before plating.
Step 7: Serve Over Rice
Spoon the saucy teriyaki ground beef and broccoli over a bed of warmed rice or light cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Top with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions to add a fresh, crunchy finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thin scallion slices over the finished dish instantly elevates its presentation and texture. These little touches bring nuttiness and a burst of green color that brighten the plate and offer contrast to the rich, saucy beef.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to keep things light. You can also serve it alongside a crunchy Asian cucumber salad or a refreshing carrot slaw to add a crisp, cooling balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli in lettuce cups for a fresh hand-held option. Or pack it into a warm tortilla with a drizzle of the spicy mayo sauce for an Asian-inspired wrap that’s perfect for lunch or dinner on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you want to meal prep or save portions for later. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It should keep for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly. If the sauce feels too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and restore that glossy charm.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic here, you can swap in snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy for a different crunch and variety. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so veggies stay crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice comes from the optional sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the mayo mix. You can control the heat level by adding less sauce or skipping it altogether if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free teriyaki sauce, as many store-bought versions contain soy sauce with gluten. There are plenty of great gluten-free brands or homemade teriyaki alternatives you can try.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re not a fan of beef or want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well here. You might need to add a little extra oil for richness, but otherwise, the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
How do I store and reheat the spicy mayo sauce?
Keep any leftover spicy mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir it well before serving, and there’s no need to heat it—just drizzle it cold over your dish when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it offers comfort, balance, and a punch of flavor without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights, yet impressive enough for casual entertaining. I hope you give it a try soon and relish every delicious bite as much as I do!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe combines tender broccoli florets and savory ground beef coated in a rich teriyaki sauce, paired with a spicy, tangy sriracha mayo. It’s a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
- 12 oz Broccoli Florets
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1″ piece Ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) Light Mayo
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon (23g) Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon (21g) Honey
- 1 Tablespoon (15g) Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
To Serve
- Rice or Cauliflower Rice
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Spicy Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayo, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Set aside for serving alongside the main dish.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and transfer it to a bowl; set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, cooking it on one side until browned before breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Create a small well in the center of the cooked beef. Pour in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring to combine evenly with the beef.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Beef: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Spoon the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture over warmed rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately, with the prepared spicy mayo sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the mayo sauce by varying the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Fresh ginger and garlic add great flavor but are optional if unavailable.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of beef broth when adding the teriyaki sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
