Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving something saucy, savory, and just the right bit tangy, you cannot pass up this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry. Bursting with umami from a medley of mushrooms, perfectly sautéed zucchini, and hearty beef, it’s all tossed in a luscious teriyaki glaze that brings everything together. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—it satisfies on a busy weeknight, but is tasty enough for casual entertaining. Plus, you get vibrant colors on your plate that you almost—almost—don’t want to dig into. Get ready to meet your new go-to meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry proves that dinner can be equal parts speedy, simple, and delicious. Each ingredient here isn’t just for flavor, but also plays a role in bringing contrast, color, and a bit of magic to your stir fry!
- Extra Lean Ground Beef: The main protein star—choose lean for a lighter bite and less grease.
- Olive Oil: Enhances flavors while keeping everything from sticking; a healthy cooking fat that works wonders.
- Zucchini: Adds beautiful green color and a gentle, fresh bite.
- Sliced Mushrooms: A blend of shiitake, oyster, and baby bella mushrooms brings depth and irresistible umami richness.
- Teriyaki Sauce: The heart of the dish; use a quality one for that authentic sweet-salty punch (Kevin’s is a great pick!).
- Light Mayo: This creates a creamy element in the finishing sauce that balances out bold flavors.
- Sriracha: Lends just the right kick of heat—you can adjust it to your spicy preference.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens and sharpens the final flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder: For a savory undertone in every bite—super easy and no peeling required.
- Cooked Cauliflower Rice: Lower-carb base option that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Cooked Rice: Classic and comforting—ideal for hearty appetites and the ultimate sauce delivery system.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by heating half the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add your extra lean ground beef and use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You want it fully browned, with those little crispy edges for texture. Once it’s done, push all the beef to one side. This move preps the pan for veggies and keeps everything perfectly cooked!
Step 2: Cook the Zucchini
Drizzle in the remaining olive oil, then toss in your chopped zucchini pieces right into the empty side of the skillet. Give them some time on the hot surface to develop color—that slight caramelization makes all the difference. Let them soften up for about three minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t get mushy.
Step 3: Mushrooms & Sauce Combo
Now add your glorious mix of mushrooms. Stir everything together so the beef, zucchini, and mushrooms mingle and warm through. Pour in your teriyaki sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Allow the stir fry to bubble for a minute or two, letting the sauce cling to the meat and veggies, creating irresistible shine and flavor in every spoonful.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Spoon the hot, savory mixture right over your cooked rice or cauliflower rice. In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Drizzle this silky, spicy-sweet sauce generously over your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry for that final flourish. Optional, but highly recommended: garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for added color and crunch.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnish! Sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only add contrasting textures and pops of color, but also heighten the overall flavor experience of Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry. If you want extra heat, a few red pepper flakes work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This dish is super satisfying on its own, but it’s also lovely paired with quick-steamed snap peas, a simple cucumber salad, or even some edamame for extra protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry with a bowl of miso soup—that combo is pure comfort food territory.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Serve your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option, or pile it high onto a bed of veggie noodles. For parties, skewer bite-sized portions on toothpicks for a unique appetizer twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any remaining stir fry quickly and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days—just be sure your rice and beef are stored separately to preserve their best textures. The flavors often deepen after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry is a freezer-friendly superstar. Let everything cool completely, then portion into sealed freezer bags or containers. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months—make sure to label it so you don’t forget what’s inside. For best results, freeze the rice and stir fry separately.
Reheating
The easiest method is in the microwave: sprinkle a little water over the rice to help it steam while reheating, and cover loosely. Alternatively, you can stir-fry leftovers quickly in a hot skillet with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well in this recipe. You’ll still get a wonderful texture and the teriyaki sauce ties it all together, making Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry just as delicious with any protein base you prefer.
What vegetables can I swap in?
Feel free to get creative: bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or even shredded carrots complement the teriyaki beef perfectly. Stir fries are a wonderful way to use up what’s in your fridge—so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Double-check your teriyaki sauce and soy sauce labels for gluten content. If needed, opt for tamari or a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Otherwise, the rest of Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry’s ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best rice for serving?
White jasmine or basmati rice work beautifully, as does brown rice for extra fiber. For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice is fantastic at soaking up all that glorious sauce from your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry.
Can I make it spicy or mild?
This recipe is easy to adjust heat-wise: simply add more or less sriracha to your creamy sauce—and if you love extra fire, a few dashes of hot sauce directly in the stir fry can kick it up another notch.
Final Thoughts
Ready for a dinner win? Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry delivers on flavor, flair, and absolute ease! Give it a try the next time you’re looking for an easy weeknight hero—you just might find yourself making it on repeat. Happy cooking!
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Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef with a medley of vegetables in a savory teriyaki sauce. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 pound Extra Lean Ground Beef
Olive Oil:
1 Tablespoon, divided
Zucchini:
2 Zucchini, chopped
Sliced Mushrooms:
6 oz Sliced Mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, baby bella blend)
Teriyaki Sauce:
2/3 cup (169g) Teriyaki Sauce (Kevin’s brand)
Light Mayo:
1/4 cup (60g) Light Mayo
Sriracha:
1 1/2 Tablespoons (23g) Sriracha
Honey:
1 Tablespoon (21g) Honey
Rice Vinegar:
1 Tablespoon (15g) Rice Vinegar
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Cauliflower Rice:
3 cups (340g) Cooked Cauliflower Rice
Rice:
2 cups (280g) Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Break apart and fully cook, then push to one side of the pan.
- Cook zucchini: Add the remaining olive oil and zucchini to the pan. Cook until the zucchini starts to pick up color and soften, about 3 minutes.
- Include mushrooms and sauce: Add the mushrooms to the skillet and stir everything together. Pour in the Teriyaki sauce and cook until the sauce evenly coats the stir fry, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef stir fry over rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir Fry, Beef Stir Fry, Teriyaki Beef, Asian Stir Fry
