Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry

This hearty teriyaki ground beef stir-fry transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. The savory-sweet sauce perfectly coats tender beef and crisp vegetables for a balanced one-pan dinner that beats takeout any night of the week.

I first created this recipe when my children started refusing takeout teriyaki because they preferred "mom's version." The homemade sauce has become our family's secret weapon for transforming even the most basic ingredients into something special.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the protein foundation and absorbs flavor beautifully choose 85/15 lean for best flavor without excess fat
• Onion and garlic: Create an aromatic base that enhances the umami quality look for firm onions with no soft spots
• Bell peppers: Add sweetness and vitamin C select peppers that feel heavy for their size with glossy skin
• Broccoli florets: Provide texture and nutrition choose bright green heads with tight florets
• Soy sauce: Delivers the classic umami base opt for low sodium if watching salt intake
• Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with necessary sweetness dark brown adds more depth
• Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with subtle acidity rice vinegar is milder than other varieties
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glaze consistency always mix with cold water first
• Sesame oil: Adds the authentic nutty finish that defines teriyaki a little goes a long way
• Green onions: Provide fresh contrast and visual appeal select bunches with crisp stems

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients:

Begin by organizing your mise en place. Wash and slice bell peppers into thin strips about a quarter inch wide. Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets that will cook quickly and evenly. Dice onion into small uniform pieces and mince garlic finely. Having everything prepared before turning on the heat ensures the cooking process flows smoothly and nothing overcooks while you're still chopping.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden at the edges. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant being careful not to burn it. Add ground beef to the aromatic base breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook the beef thoroughly for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and it develops some brown caramelized edges. Tilt the pan and spoon off excess fat if necessary leaving just enough to coat the ingredients.

Adding Vegetables:

Introduce bell peppers and broccoli to the cooked beef mixture spreading them evenly throughout the pan. Stir frequently for 3 to 4 minutes allowing vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch. The residual heat from the pan will continue cooking them to perfection without making them mushy. The vegetables should remain bright with just enough tenderness to be easily pierced with a fork while still providing textural contrast to the soft beef.

Incorporating the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine soy sauce brown sugar rice vinegar cornstarch and water in a small bowl whisking vigorously until the cornstarch fully dissolves with no lumps remaining. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetable combination in one continuous stream while stirring. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce bubbles transforms from cloudy to clear and thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. The magic happens when the sauce reduces slightly concentrating the flavors and creating that signature teriyaki glaze.

Final Touches and Serving:

Drizzle sesame oil over the completed dish and fold gently to incorporate its distinctive nutty aroma throughout the stir fry. Remove from heat immediately to prevent the sesame oil from losing its delicate flavor. Spoon generous portions over steamed rice or noodles creating a bed that captures the flavorful sauce. Scatter freshly sliced green onions over the top adding color bright flavor and a subtle crunch. Serve immediately while piping hot for the most satisfying experience.

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The brown sugar might seem like a small addition but it's actually my secret ingredient. My grandmother taught me that the caramelization of sugar creates that authentic teriyaki flavor that distinguishes homemade from bottled sauces. The first time I made this for my husband he immediately recognized the difference from our usual takeout order.

Storage Solutions

This teriyaki beef stir fry stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight as the sauce permeates the ingredients. When reheating microwave in 30 second intervals stirring between each until just heated through to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft. For best results store the rice or noodles separately from the stir fry mixture to maintain optimal texture for both components.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option with similar flavor absorption qualities. Snow peas carrots mushrooms or zucchini can substitute for broccoli or bell peppers maintaining the vegetable to protein ratio. For a sweeter sauce add a tablespoon of honey or for heat incorporate red pepper flakes. Coconut aminos make an excellent soy free alternative while arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch for those avoiding corn products.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious over simple steamed rice this versatile stir fry pairs wonderfully with many accompaniments. Try serving it over cauliflower rice for a lower carb option or wrapped in lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld meal. For additional texture consider topping with toasted sesame seeds crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips. A side of quick pickled cucumbers provides a cooling contrast to the rich teriyaki flavors creating a more complete dining experience reminiscent of your favorite Asian restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of meat can I use for this dish?

Ground beef works best, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

→ How can I add different vegetables?

Easily swap or add vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for variety in texture and color.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

→ Can I use the sauce for other dishes?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce works great as a marinade or glaze for chicken, salmon, or tofu.