If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and satisfying texture, this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a harmonious blend of savory ground beef and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce paired with crisp vegetables that really bring the meal to life. Plus, it’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week when you want something both comforting and exciting on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet vital for creating the layered flavors and textures in this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe. Each item adds its own charm, whether it’s the tender crunch of the veggies or the warm richness of the sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The meaty base packed with protein and naturally juicy flavor.
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions: Adds a fresh, mild onion bite that lightens the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings sweetness and vibrant color, making every bite pop visually and tastefully.
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots: Provides a perfect crunch and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar: Sweetness that balances the savory elements flawlessly.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Delivers warmth and a zesty kick that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for depth and aromatic richness.
- 3 tablespoons mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds complexity to the sauce; if unavailable, a touch of sugar and more soy can work.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone bringing umami to every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: This little splash adds a bright, tangy contrast that keeps the dish lively.
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth): Adds moisture and deepens the savory notes in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: The magic ingredient that thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. This step develops the rich, caramelized flavors that are foundational to this dish. If there’s too much fat rendered, carefully spoon most of it out to keep the texture just right and avoid greasiness.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Prep Veggies
While the beef is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl: brown sugar, grated ginger, garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, beef broth, and cornstarch. This blend will create that signature teriyaki glaze. At the same time, chop up your scallions, red bell pepper, and carrots to have everything ready to go.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the chopped scallions, bell pepper, and matchstick carrots. Let them cook together for about 3 minutes. This brief cooking keeps the veggies tender but crisp, adding delightful texture contrasts that keep every bite interesting.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Thicken
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and veggies in the skillet. Allow it to simmer gently for another 3 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken into a luscious glaze that coats the ingredients perfectly, and the vegetables will soften just enough without losing their snap.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste the stir-fry and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step lets you tweak the balance so it suits your palate perfectly. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete, hearty meal. For a final flourish, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra scallions on top — while optional, they add a lovely visual and textural touch.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is all about adding a little extra love and personality to your dish. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or scatter fresh scallions for a burst of color and brightness. A small handful of chopped cilantro or even a drizzle of Sriracha can elevate the dish to new flavor heights, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for heartier texture. You can also serve it over cooked noodles like udon or soba for an Asian-inspired twist. For a lighter side, try steamed broccoli or snap peas to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe into a vibrant bowl by layering the beef mixture over a bed of leafy greens or shredded cabbage. For a handheld option, pack it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy bite. You could also use it as a filling for savory crepes or stuffed peppers for a fun and unexpected presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice or noodles separate if possible to prevent them from getting soggy, and reheat everything just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground beef and vegetable stir-fry in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze in portions sized for your next meal, so the thawing and reheating process is quick and easy without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration or freezing. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it sometimes changes the texture unfavorably.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to slightly increase the sauce ingredients for more punch.
What if I don’t have mirin on hand?
If mirin is not available, substitute it with a combination of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar, or simply use more brown sugar and a little extra broth. The goal is to replicate the sweet and slightly tangy character mirin brings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and mirin. There are many gluten-free brands available that keep the dish safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Yes! Feel free to toss in snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli florets. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure everything stays tender-crisp.
How spicy is this dish?
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is not spicy by default, making it family-friendly. If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is such a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that it quickly becomes more than just a meal—it’s comfort on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a quick weekday dinner just for yourself, this recipe is a warm, irresistible choice. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal featuring lean ground beef cooked with vibrant vegetables and a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with tender-crisp veggies, served best over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat released, spoon most of it out to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare the Sauce and Veggies: While the beef is cooking, whisk together the brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, beef broth, and cornstarch in a bowl. Chop the scallions, red bell pepper, and matchstick carrots.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the scallions, chopped red bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook together for 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetables. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the vegetables to absorb the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the teriyaki ground beef over cooked rice or noodles. Optional: garnish with sesame seeds and extra scallions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth. If unavailable, substitute with a mix of 2 teaspoons sugar dissolved in 3 tablespoons white wine or rice vinegar with a little extra sugar.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables; snap peas or broccoli florets work well too.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer meal prep.
- To keep it lean, drain excess fat after browning the beef.
