This tasty teriyaki ground beef and broccoli dish is a fun and quick dinner. The sweet teriyaki sauce mixes perfectly with the savory beef and crisp broccoli!
We all need a little yum yum sauce to make our meals even better, right? I love drizzling it all over everything for that extra zing! It’s a meal the whole family can enjoy together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken (85/15) works well too! You can even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for this dish, but if you’re short on time, frozen broccoli florets are a great substitute. They freeze well and can be cooked straight from the freezer!
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, but homemade is super easy and fresh! You can make it with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for a personal touch. If you prefer low-sodium options, select a low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavor without the saltiness.
Yum Yum Sauce: Traditional Yum Yum sauce is creamy and flavorful. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier twist. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat!
How Do You Get Perfectly Tender Broccoli?
Cooking broccoli so it stays bright and crisp while tender takes just a few steps. It’s all about timing! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil in the skillet until it shimmers. This helps in cooking quickly.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them bright green.
- As soon as they are tender but still a bit crunchy, remove the broccoli from the pan. This prevents overcooking.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
Start by making the Yum Yum sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender but still a little crisp. When they’re done, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Heat it up, then add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left in the meat!
4. Combine Meat and Broccoli:
Once your ground beef is cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir well to combine the beef and broccoli with the sauce, and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to mix together beautifully.
5. Serve:
To serve, place a scoop of the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture over a bed of cooked white rice on each plate. Drizzle with your Yum Yum sauce and top it off with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch.
6. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce! It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-yummy!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for tougher proteins like chicken, to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover teriyaki ground beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Yes, frozen broccoli can work well! Just steam it according to package instructions until tender before adding it to the dish. This will ensure it maintains its bright color and flavor when mixed with the cooked beef.
What Can I Substitute for the Yum Yum Sauce?
If you don’t have all the ingredients for Yum Yum sauce, you can use a mixture of mayonnaise and sriracha for a spicy kick, or just serve the dish with a simple soy sauce or additional teriyaki sauce for a quicker option. Adjust to your taste preference!
