This easy teriyaki beef and broccoli recipe brings tasty flavors to your dinner table. The tender beef and fresh broccoli paired with a sweet and tangy sauce make it truly scrumptious!
And let’s not forget the yum yum sauce – it’s like the cherry on top! I could drizzle it on everything, and honestly, you might catch me doing just that! 😂
I love how quick this dish is to whip up! With just a few steps and minimal prep, it’s perfect for a busy weekday meal that still feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is often used for its rich flavor and ease of cooking. You can also opt for thinly sliced flank steak if you prefer. If you need a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be suitable substitutes too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and a bright color. If you’re in a hurry, frozen broccoli works fine as well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s not overcooked.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for the savory flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a lower sodium option, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce. If you’re out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup could work, though they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative. Adjust the ketchup to your taste if you’re watching sugar content.
How Do You Make Sure Your Beef is Flavorful and Tender?
Getting the beef just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure it’s flavorful and tender:
- When cooking the beef, break it up with a spatula to allow it to brown evenly. Browning is crucial for flavor!
- Don’t rush it! Allow the beef to cook thoroughly before adding sauces, which helps develop a richer taste.
- If using flank steak, marinate it in a mix of soy sauce and ginger for extra flavor before cooking.
How to Cook Broccoli Perfectly?
Cooking broccoli right is important to keep it vibrant and crunchy. Here’s how:
- Start by heating vegetable oil on medium-high heat before adding the broccoli.
- Sauté for just 4-5 minutes until it’s bright green and tender, yet still crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy!
- For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of salt while cooking.
Enjoy this delicious and easy teriyaki beef and broccoli meal with the yum yum sauce! It’s straightforward and packed full of flavor, perfect for any night of the week.
Easy Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin to desired consistency)
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds (white and black)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a total time commitment of about 25 minutes. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, melted butter, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika or cayenne if using. Slowly add water a little at a time until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp and vibrant green. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.
4. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and mirin or rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet, stirring to combine all the flavors beautifully.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef perfectly.
6. Combine Broccoli and Beef:
Gently add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet with the beef. Toss everything together gently to coat the broccoli in the delicious sauce, heating through for an additional minute.
7. Serve:
Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Spoon the teriyaki beef and broccoli mixture next to the rice for a hearty meal.
8. Garnish and Drizzle:
Drizzle yum yum sauce generously over both the beef and broccoli mixture, and the rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and crunch.
9. Enjoy Immediately:
Dig in while it’s warm! This dish boasts a delightful balance of savory teriyaki flavors, creamy yum yum sauce, and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and easy weeknight meal!
FAQ About Easy Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Can I Use Different Proteins Besides Beef?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef or flank steak with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful of cooking times as different proteins may require varying amounts of time to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Mirin or Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have mirin or rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute. To mimic the sweetness of mirin, consider adding a pinch of sugar to your vinegar substitution.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but for best results, cook the dish fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
How Can I Make the Yum Yum Sauce Spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the yum yum sauce. Alternatively, you can mix in some Sriracha or chili sauce for an extra kick!
