Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead! It will still work well with the teriyaki sauce.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great for this dish. If it’s not available, frozen broccoli also works! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, so it’s tender but not overcooked.

Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from being too salty. If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos make excellent substitutes.

Yum Yum Sauce: I love using homemade Yum Yum sauce as it adds a creamy touch. For a healthier version, Greek yogurt works great instead of mayonnaise!

What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli Together?

Cooking ground beef and broccoli together can be tricky, but it’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to do it right:

• Cook the ground beef first until browned and cooked through. Remember to break it apart with a spoon to avoid clumps.
• Stir-fry the broccoli separately or in the same skillet after the beef. This way, it stays crisp and colorful!
• Once both are cooked, combine them with the teriyaki sauce to marry the flavors. It only takes a minute or two so they don’t overcook!

Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice or white rice
• 3 cups water

For the Yum Yum Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin sauce to desired consistency)
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat

Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds (white and black)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick to make but full of flavor, perfect for any night of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:

First, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. After that, remove it from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.

2. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sugar, and if you’d like some heat, cayenne or hot sauce. Gradually add water until the sauce reaches your desired drizzling consistency. Place it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

3. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it.

4. Cook the Broccoli:

Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet or temporarily remove it. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.

5. Make Teriyaki Sauce:

Back to the skillet! Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the mix with the beef and broccoli. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. Next, add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

6. Combine:

Stir the beef and broccoli evenly into the thickened teriyaki sauce and let it cook together for another minute so all the flavors meld.

7. Serve:

Now it’s time to serve! Divide the cooked rice into bowls, spoon the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture on one side, and generously drizzle with Yum Yum sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that perfect touch!

Enjoy your flavorful, easy homemade Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce!

FAQ for Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce

Can I Use Another Type of Meat?

Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that they may cook a little faster than ground beef, so keep an eye on them!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

To store leftover teriyaki ground beef and broccoli, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.

Can I Make the Yum Yum Sauce Without Mayonnaise?

Yes! If you want a healthier alternative or to avoid mayo, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a similar creamy texture. It will still taste delicious!

What Can I Serve This With Besides Rice?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad would also enhance your meal!