Teriyaki Ground Beef is a quick and delicious meal you can whip up on busy weeknights. This dish features ground beef simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce that perfectly balances flavors, making your dinner both satisfying and simple. When you serve it over steamed rice, the meal feels complete and comforting without much fuss or time.
Ingredients about Teriyaki Ground Beef
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this tasty Teriyaki Ground Beef:
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Sesame seeds, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for serving
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef Directions
Start by heating the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook it just until you can smell its aroma, around 30 seconds, to avoid burning.
If your beef releases a lot of liquid, carefully drain the excess to keep the dish from getting watery. Return the beef mixture to the pan. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and ground ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and onion in the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef. The thickened sauce will cling to every bite, giving you that perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for an added crunch and fresh flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully when served over steamed white or brown rice. It’s a complete meal that comes together quickly and tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef
Serving this Teriyaki Ground Beef is easy and flexible. You can ladle it directly over bowls of warm, fluffy rice for a filling and balanced meal. The sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite flavorful. If you want to add a veggie boost, consider serving it alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables. The fresh green onions and sesame seeds add color and texture that make the plate look inviting.
For a low-carb option, serve the beef over cauliflower rice or with a side of sautéed greens. The sweet and savory sauce makes the dish satisfying without needing much else. If you want to transform it into a wrap, scoop the beef into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and sliced cucumbers for a quick and tasty handheld meal. The possibilities are simple but delicious, so feel free to experiment with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips: Teriyaki Ground Beef
To get the best flavor, don’t skip browning the beef thoroughly. This step adds texture and depth that blends perfectly with the sauce. Use medium-high heat to brown the meat without drying it out. Adding garlic right after the beef cooks allows its flavor to infuse without burning, which would add bitterness.
When making the sauce, whisk it well to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely. This keeps the sauce smooth and shiny. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more honey or sugar if you like it sweeter, or add a splash more vinegar for tang.
If you don’t have ground beef, this recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling for extra crunch and nuttiness. Finally, always garnish with fresh green onions for that bright finish that lifts the dish.
How to Store Teriyaki Ground Beef
Store any leftovers in an airtight container once the dish has cooled to room temperature. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the sauce from drying out. If the sauce thickens too much after storing, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving. Proper storage keeps your Teriyaki Ground Beef tasting fresh and delicious whenever you want a quick meal.
Variation of Teriyaki Ground Beef
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for extra vegetables and texture. For a spicy kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha when you add the sauce.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. To boost the flavor, add freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger. Another tasty twist is to mix in chopped pineapple for a sweet, tropical note that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.
For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu. Cook as directed and enjoy a similar flavor profile with less meat. The flexibility of this dish makes it a great base for experimenting with your favorite flavors and ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teriyaki Ground Beef
What is the best type of ground beef to use?
Choose ground beef with about 80% lean and 20% fat for good flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can dry out quickly.
Can I make Teriyaki Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. It tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water for quick thickening.
Is Teriyaki Ground Beef healthy?
It can be part of a balanced diet when served with vegetables and whole grains. Using leaner beef and controlling sugar amounts helps keep it healthier.
Teriyaki Ground Beef
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Sesame seeds for serving
- Sliced green onions for serving
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Stir until browned and onions are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then drain excess liquid if necessary.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and onion mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.
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