This Easy Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is a tasty dish featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli, all covered in a sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s simple and quick to whip up after a busy day!
The Yum Yum Sauce adds a fun twist, making this meal even more enjoyable. You might find yourself pouring it on everything! I love serving this on rice for a complete, satisfying bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a rich flavor and is quick to cook. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works very well too. Thinly sliced beef strips can also be used for a more traditional stir-fry texture, and it cooks just as fast!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works as a great substitute—just be sure to briefly thaw it before adding it to the skillet.
Soy Sauce: This is key for a salty flavor in the teriyaki sauce. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari instead. You can also try low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Yum Yum Sauce: This creamy sauce is a fun twist! Regular mayonnaise works, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and a bit fewer calories. Adjust the flavors based on your taste priorities, adding more sugar for sweetness if needed.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Broccoli?
Getting the broccoli just right is all about timing for that perfect crunch! Follow these tips:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil. Then, add broccoli and sauté it without crowding the pan.
- Keep it moving! Stir frequently for even cooking. You want it bright green and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Don’t forget to taste! If it’s still too crunchy for you, add a splash of water and cover for a minute to steam.
Once you’re satisfied, remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking—nobody likes mushy broccoli!
Easy Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef strips)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional, for mild heat)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Black and white sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep (chopping veggies and mixing sauces) and around 15-20 minutes cooking everything up. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Begin by preparing the white rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, keep it warm on the stove or in the oven until you’re ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later.
3. Make the Yum Yum Sauce:
In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sugar, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and water. Stir everything together until you have a smooth sauce. If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Next, add the ground beef (or beef strips) and use a spatula to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
6. Combine Beef with Sauce:
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine. Then, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef nicely.
7. Add Broccoli Back:
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss it with the beef and sauce until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about another minute.
8. Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the warm rice among serving bowls. Top one side of each bowl generously with the beef and broccoli mixture.
9. Garnish and Sauce:
Drizzle the yum yum sauce over both the rice and the beef & broccoli. Then, sprinkle sliced green onions and a mix of black and white sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch!
10. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli with a side of creamy Yum Yum Sauce! Feel free to have extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives, or you can use thinly sliced beef strips for a more traditional stir-fry option. If opting for a plant-based option, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian meal!
How Can I Make the Yum Yum Sauce Spicier?
If you prefer a kick of heat, simply add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the yum yum sauce mix. You can also experiment with sriracha for a different flavor profile while keeping that spicy element!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it from drying out.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used! Just thaw it in advance and pat it dry before cooking to help it sauté nicely. You might need to sauté it a little longer than fresh broccoli to achieve the same tenderness.
