This tasty dish features ground beef and fresh broccoli, all coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. And let’s not forget the delicious Yum Yum sauce that brings it all together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. You can even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add great texture and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli can also work, though it might not be as crunchy. You could substitute with other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is always an option! Mix soy sauce, honey, and a bit of ginger for a quick substitute. If you’re avoiding gluten, choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
White Rice: While I use white rice in this recipe, brown rice or quinoa can make a heartier, healthier base. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Yum Yum Sauce: If you’re looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace the mayonnaise. You can also add a bit of Sriracha for a spicy kick!
How Do You Cook Broccoli to Keep It Crunchy?
Cooking broccoli right is key to keeping it crisp and bright. You want to just blanch or stir-fry it quickly. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir occasionally for 4-5 minutes.
- Take it off the heat while it’s still vibrant green and tender-crisp. This keeps the nutrients intact and gives a nice crunch!
Don’t overload the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to give each floret enough room to steam. Enjoy your perfectly cooked broccoli!
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli dinner will take about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes 15-20 minutes for cooking the rice, along with the time to make the yum yum sauce and cook the beef and broccoli. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the uncooked rice. Give it a good stir, cover the pot, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is gone. When done, remove from heat but keep it covered to stay warm.
2. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
While the rice is cooking, let’s whip up that tasty Yum Yum sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and a little salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Set this aside for later.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to cook your broccoli! Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp. Once done, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In that same skillet, add the sesame oil and your ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, using a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, feel free to drain some of it out.
5. Combine Everything:
It’s almost time to eat! Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet with the ground beef. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir to mix everything really well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
Fluff your cooked rice with a fork and serve it in bowls. Top each bowl with the savory teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mix. Drizzle generously with the Yum Yum sauce, and don’t forget to sprinkle some sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch!
7. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce! It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that it may be slightly leaner, so you might want to add a bit more sesame oil or another splash of the teriyaki sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
What Can I Use Instead of White Rice?
If you’re looking for a substitute for white rice, feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly based on the type of grain you choose!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make the Yum Yum Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can! The Yum Yum sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just keep it in an airtight container. This will give the flavors time to meld, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve!