Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry

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This Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry combines the bold flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce with tender beef and fresh vegetables, creating a delicious and balanced meal that’s both easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of orange zest to the sauce adds a unique, citrusy twist, elevating the dish to a new level of savory goodness.

Serve this dish over steamed rice or enjoy it on its own. It’s not only packed with protein but also freezer-friendly, making it an ideal option for meal prep enthusiasts. This beef teriyaki is sure to become a family favorite with its quick cooking time and mouthwatering flavor.

Full Recipe:

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

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 to taste)

Directions:

Whisk together all the teriyaki sauce ingredients and set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add broccoli, green onions, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Lower the heat, pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetables, and stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Serve the stir fry over rice or enjoy it as is.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 358 kcal | Servings: 4

Why You Will Love This Ground Beef Teriyaki:

Protein-Packed: Ground beef is a powerhouse when it comes to protein. Each 3-ounce serving contains about 25 grams of protein, along with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Combined with fresh vegetables, this stir fry makes for a nutritious, balanced meal.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. With minimal prep and a cooking time under 30 minutes, it’s a great go-to dish when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful.
Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and freeze individual portions, making it perfect for meal prep. It stores well for up to 3 months in the freezer and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.

Recipe Variations:

Vegetable Options: While the recipe uses broccoli and carrots, you can easily swap in other vegetables. Snow peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy all work well in stir fry. Feel free to customize based on what’s in season or available in your pantry.
Spice Level: For those who enjoy some heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha or hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili oil to boost the spice factor.
Lettuce Wraps: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the ground beef teriyaki in crisp lettuce wraps instead of over rice. This adds a fresh crunch and makes the dish even lighter.
Sweeteners: The recipe calls for honey and brown sugar, but if you prefer, you can substitute these with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Tamari has a similar flavor but contains no wheat, making it a great substitute for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cooking Tips:

Make It Extra Saucy: If you love more sauce with your stir fry, double the sauce recipe. You can also set some aside to drizzle over rice or use as a dipping sauce.
Cook Beef Thoroughly: Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness.

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer: Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in a skillet or microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Top with sesame seeds, diced avocado, or even a fried egg for added texture and flavor.
Add a drizzle of sriracha or hoisin sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef Teriyaki:

Rich in Essential Nutrients: Ground beef is a great source of high-quality protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also packed with important vitamins and minerals, including iron (which supports energy levels and immune function), zinc (important for a healthy immune system and wound healing), and vitamin B12 (crucial for red blood cell formation and brain function).
Healthy Veggies: The broccoli and carrots not only add vibrant color and crunch to this dish but are also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Broccoli, in particular, is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, while carrots are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health.
Balanced Meal: This recipe provides a great balance of macronutrients—proteins from the beef, carbohydrates from the rice, and healthy fats from the sesame oil. The vegetables add fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps you full for longer.

Make It Your Own:

Protein Swaps: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor profile but still works well with the teriyaki sauce.
Vegan or Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Low-Sodium Option: If you’re looking to cut down on sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and consider reducing the amount of added salt. You can also increase the use of herbs and spices like ginger and garlic to maintain flavor without extra salt.

Pairing Suggestions:

Rice Options: While white rice is a traditional choice, you can serve the stir fry over brown rice for a higher fiber content. For a healthier, low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great substitute that doesn’t compromise the flavor.
Noodles: Serve this teriyaki stir fry over soba noodles or udon noodles for a twist on the classic rice pairing. The noodles will absorb the sauce beautifully and add a different texture to the dish.
Salad Pairing: A crisp, light salad with a sesame ginger dressing would complement the stir fry’s bold flavors. Consider a cucumber and seaweed salad for an authentic Asian side dish.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Teriyaki:

Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you overcrowd your skillet, the beef and veggies will steam instead of searing, resulting in a soggy texture. For best results, cook the beef in batches if necessary and use a large skillet or wok to allow the ingredients to brown evenly.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef properly adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish. Make sure to let the beef brown undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring to achieve a nice caramelized crust.
Sauce Consistency: If your teriyaki sauce seems too thick, simply add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken further.

Creative Serving Ideas:

Rice Bowl: Make a simple rice bowl by layering your stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Tacos: For a fusion twist, serve the ground beef teriyaki in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, pickled onions, and a dollop of sour cream or sriracha mayo.
Teriyaki Wraps: Turn the stir fry into a grab-and-go lunch by wrapping it in a whole wheat tortilla or using lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap option.
Stir Fry Salad: Serve the beef teriyaki on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a healthy, protein-packed salad. You can add some sliced avocado, cucumber, and a light sesame dressing for an extra boost of flavor.

Fun Facts:

Teriyaki Origin: Teriyaki is a cooking technique commonly used in Japanese cuisine, where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar. While traditionally used for fish or chicken, it has been adapted worldwide to various meats, including beef.
Why Ground Beef Works So Well: Ground beef is perfect for quick stir-fries like this because it cooks faster than other cuts of meat. Plus, it’s affordable and widely available, making it a great protein option for busy families.

Recipe Inspiration for Leftovers:

Teriyaki Fried Rice: Turn your leftovers into fried rice by adding cold rice to the stir fry. Sauté with an extra splash of soy sauce and a beaten egg for a quick and delicious fried rice meal.
Teriyaki Sliders: Use the leftover teriyaki beef as a filling for mini burger sliders. Top with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Teriyaki Pizza: Spread the leftover beef and sauce on a pizza crust, top with mozzarella or provolone cheese, and bake for a unique teriyaki pizza.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry is a versatile, quick, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce with a hint of orange zest, it offers a balanced and flavorful dish. Whether served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a recipe you can rely on for nutritious and satisfying dinners.