Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry

Introduction

When you’re pressed for time but still craving something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, stir fry recipes always come to the rescue. Among the many variations, this Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry stands out as a go-to weeknight favorite. It delivers bold flavors in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare more elaborate meals.

The secret to its success lies in its simplicity. By using ground beef instead of sliced cuts, you skip the marinating, slicing, and long cooking process while still enjoying the depth of a classic teriyaki stir fry. The beef browns quickly, absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, and pairs perfectly with crisp-tender vegetables.

Whether you’re looking for a balanced dinner to feed the family, a quick meal prep option, or just a comforting bowl of goodness after a long day, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and packed with umami—the hallmark of Asian-inspired cooking.

A Brief Background on Teriyaki

Teriyaki, a Japanese cooking technique, translates roughly to “shiny grill” because of the glossy glaze that coats meats and vegetables when cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. While the authentic method often involves grilling fish or chicken, modern adaptations have taken the concept further. In Western kitchens, teriyaki has become synonymous with a sweet-salty sauce used for stir fries, marinades, and glazes.

This recipe keeps the heart of teriyaki—its glossy sauce and balance of flavors—while making it more weeknight-friendly with ground beef and simple pantry staples. It’s an approachable way to bring global flavors into your kitchen without intimidation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free – From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes.
One-Pan Cooking – Less mess, less cleanup, more convenience.
Nutritious – Packed with protein, vegetables, and fiber.
Kid-Friendly Flavor – The sweet teriyaki glaze appeals to picky eaters.
Flexible – Easily adaptable to whatever vegetables or proteins you have.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 cup snap peas or green beans
2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

Optional Garnishes

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Red pepper flakes for heat

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok
Wooden spoon or spatula
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board and sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Stir in cornstarch slurry until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build Flavor

Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are softened.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Toss in broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots. Stir fry for 5–6 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Coat with Sauce

Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or a lighter base like cauliflower rice.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Dry Vegetables Well – Moisture can make the stir fry watery. Pat veggies dry after washing.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give ingredients space so they sear instead of steam.
Balance the Sweetness – Taste the sauce; add more soy for saltiness or honey for sweetness.
Make Extra Sauce – It’s so good, you’ll want extra for drizzling over rice or noodles.
Control the Heat – Stir frying works best over medium-high heat to maintain crisp vegetables.

Variations & Creative Twists

Different Proteins – Swap beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp.
Vegan Option – Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Extra Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
Pineapple Teriyaki – Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory contrast.
Spicy Kick – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or gochujang for heat.

Serving Ideas

With Rice – Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice soak up the sauce beautifully.
With Noodles – Lo mein, soba, or rice noodles turn it into a hearty bowl.
Low-Carb Style – Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles.
As a Bowl – Layer stir fry over grains with avocado and extra veggies for a power bowl.
Family-Style Platter – Serve on a large plate so everyone can help themselves.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Cool completely, then freeze in portioned bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating – Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.

Nutrition (Per Serving, 4 Servings)

Calories: ~380
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 12 g

FAQ

Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives you control over sweetness and sodium.

What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) balances flavor with less excess grease.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry is proof that delicious meals don’t have to take hours in the kitchen. With ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving takeout flavors at home, this recipe delivers every time. It’s quick, versatile, and so satisfying that it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly rotation.

Give it a try tonight, and watch how this simple yet flavorful dish becomes one of your all-time favorites.